Hey folks! Has anyone found good non-OEM brake rotors for the Highlander 2.4T? I’m at 19,000 miles and already dealing with shaking during braking. It’s a common weak spot with Toyota, so I’m not looking to go OEM. Would love any recommendations for solid alternatives. Thanks!
I’ve had four Highlanders, and brakes have been the weak spot on my last two, especially with Toyota’s replacements. Never using OEM again. Following this for options too!
Thanos said:
I’ve had four Highlanders, and brakes have been the weak spot on my last two, especially with Toyota’s replacements. Never using OEM again. Following this for options too!
All I’ve found are TRD rotors at $200+ each…
@scofield
Are TRD ones that much better than standard Toyota brakes?
Thanos said:
@scofield
Are TRD ones that much better than standard Toyota brakes?
TRD stands for Toyota Racing Development… hoping that means better quality.
Thanos said:
@scofield
Are TRD ones that much better than standard Toyota brakes?
TRD stands for Toyota Racing Development… hoping that means better quality.
Are you planning on racing this Highlander? How rough are you on your brakes? Might explain the shaking.
Thanos said:
@scofield
Are TRD ones that much better than standard Toyota brakes?
TRD stands for Toyota Racing Development… hoping that means better quality.
Isn’t TRD mostly for off-roading?
@Ripley
Nope, TRD parts are designed more for high-speed driving.
I’ve got a 2023 Highlander Hybrid. My rotors warped at 15k and the dealer resurfaced them under warranty, but at 25k it was squealing again. Dealer wouldn’t do anything else without us paying for new pads and rotors. We went with PowerStop drilled and slotted rotors and ceramic pads, installed them at home, and have been happy since. The brakes are way quieter now.
Honestly, every car I’ve owned has had some rotor warping eventually. Doesn’t have to be Toyota. Just go with a quality brand and have a good mechanic install it. My Camry’s rotors were replaced with Akebono, and they’ve been smooth so far!
I’ve got a 2022 Limited AWD V6 and was tired of the shaking. Went with aftermarket cross-drilled rotors, and it’s been great. Yes, you might go through pads a little faster, but it’s worth not having the shake.
Shaking while braking usually means your rotors are warped, which often happens when they get wet while hot.
Jody said:
Shaking while braking usually means your rotors are warped, which often happens when they get wet while hot.
Unless it’s a Toyota! I have a 2021 Highlander and a 2021 Lexus ES, and both have warped rotors. My friend’s 2020 Corolla has it too.
@Lei
Could be a bad steel batch, but lots of people unknowingly wet hot rotors, which warps them prematurely.
I’m on my third set of rotors at 66k miles on my ’21 Platinum (non-hybrid). Toyota’s solution is resurfacing, which doesn’t address the real problem. Never had this issue on any other car.
Clovis said:
I’m on my third set of rotors at 66k miles on my ’21 Platinum (non-hybrid). Toyota’s solution is resurfacing, which doesn’t address the real problem. Never had this issue on any other car.
Exactly, it’s a well-known issue.
Swapped my 2019 Highlander’s front pads with Akebono pads, and it made a huge difference in brake feel. Brakes finally feel normal!
Paz said:
Swapped my 2019 Highlander’s front pads with Akebono pads, and it made a huge difference in brake feel. Brakes finally feel normal!
Akebono makes OEM pads for Toyota, but I recommend buying the Akebono branded ones since they come with hardware.