archan

Hello Lexus Experts,

Need your help please on my 1999 GS 300, 150K miles. For the last few weeks I have a strange noise that comes from underneath the brake pedal area. When at low speeds I hear a buzzing noise (like a hydraulic pressure build up) for 1-2 second and then a screech for 1 sec.
(Please see the attached audio clip for the noise (Its 39 secs, please use high volume, the noise is at the very beginning and very end)

There are no Check Lights etc and the noise rarely comes on the highway. The local mechanic said its probably from the ABS actuator, but he said that the car is safe to drive. I saw online that the ABS actuator is very costly and was wondering:
1. Have you seen this issue and what was the diagnosis?
2. Should I get an ABS actuator assembly on eBay and replace this to fix the noise?

Thank you all!!

Gunnut

My actuator was replaced before I bought my Gs. Glad it was considering the cost.

Mr Jokster

iTrader: (8)

Hmm. I could have sworn it was the master cylinder actuator (unless its the same thing). Nonetheless, mines been doing that for like 5 years now and never have had a problem other than annoyance. Mine mostly acted up in the cold months and rarely if ever during the summer.

airahcaz

Hi - wondering if you folks did anything further with your ABS Actuator or just "lived with it" and no further damage...

Mr Jokster

iTrader: (8)

As I recently stated in an other thread, I'm still having the sound with no further issues. However, I believe the problem it quite relative to the situation. If you know how not to panic if it fails and know how to reciprocate, then keep ridin... However, if you dont think you can think quickly, then you need to fix it because, well, its your brakes man! LoL You can kill yourself or others

airahcaz

do you mean react when the abs fails?

Mr Jokster

iTrader: (8)

Yes sir. Many years ago working for a smog shop, I drove a dealers car whose abs failed and the pedal did absolutely nothing. You gotta think fast or, well , bad things will happen

airahcaz

I'm surprised to hear that. All the posts state abs failure but not total brake failure?

Mr Jokster

iTrader: (8)

Well in the case of that smog car, the ABS system went out, so yea, worst case scenario. However, still, the idea of thinking fast still applies.