ManXP

Brake pedal is now very soft on my 2007 RX350, so mechanic guy told me that master brake cylinder needs to be replaced.


Dealer quoted me to pay $720 for the part + some $$$ for work, but it looks expensive for me. Somone knows any trusted online store to buy this item? I know there are many stores around, but I need them to send this part to Lithuania (most of them send to USA only).


P.S. I heard there was a recall on this part, but if the car is out of warranty, I will need to pay full price (part + work) anyways, right?

RX330inFL

Recall work is always free regardless of whether the vehicle is still under warranty or not.

Your problem will be finding a nearby Toyota/Lexus dealership who can look up to see if your vehicle was part of the recall and work with you without trying to empty your bank account.

BTW, it is possible for the master cylinder to go bad and not be covered by the recall. The recall is to fix a specific problem with cups in the master cylinder / brake booster.

ManXP

I heard so many different opinions on "free recall work" that I'm confused now. Some guys on the forum tell that work is NOT free of the car is out of warranty, some others tell that it should be free...

RX330inFL

Recall => Free. Required to fix a defect.
TSB => Warranty...yes. Out of warranty...depends on dealer goodwill.

ManXP

Thanks for explanation. According to info I found on the Internet, 2007 model is not available for recall, but I guess I'll search some more.

Maybe someone else had the same problem with RX350 and can comment?

RX330inFL

Had forgotten which vehicles were affected. Here is the official notice:

http://www.lexus.com/recall/pdf/Brak...eal_Recall.pdf

So, yes -- the 2007 was not part of the recall.

Have you tried bleeding the brakes to see if that helps any?

Adamjeeps

I would almost bet the farm you do not need a new master cylinder. Have you had brake work done recently? If you have, I'd go back to them and show them the problem. If not, go have a brake flush done. The manual says to do it at 50,000 or 60,000 miles, and if you really do have a problem, they will figure it out.

ManXP

The last work on brakes was done a year ago (front + rear pads replaced), but this issue with soft pedal occurred just several days ago.

It works well in city, I notice the problem in highway only. If I need to stop the car as fast as possible at high speed (100+ km/h), it takes more time than previously.

HtownBlue

Here's what you need to do before spending any money friend:
-check brake fluid level
If low, refill and monitor level for a week. If level drops, you have leak.
-inspect brake fluid reservoir for leaks
-inspect master cylinder for leaks
-inspect calipers on each wheel for leaks and stuck piston.
-inspect pads and make sure they are wearing evenly and that you don't have a stuck caliper piston.
-AFTER inspection, bleed brakes starting at furthest point from master cylinder (passenger rear). After bleeding, you should have stiffer feel.
-Not sure if the 2007 has a booster system, but I would look into that if so as well.


You want to look for leaks in your system first. Bleed second.
If you have dOne all of this and there is still an issue, then look to replace
master cylinder.

ManXP

Thanks for suggestions, I will try that.