Brake Booster Problem?
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 32
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From: South Carolina
Brake Booster Problem?
Hi. I bought an 04 RX330 last March. We have had some cold days lately. Yesterday I cranked the RX up and the brake pedal was very hard and the brake light came on, on the dash. I put it in drive and the car seemed to not want to stop with the brake pedal down. I had to press the brakes real hard.
So I put it back in Park. I waited a few minutes and the brake light went off and I tried out the brakes again and they seemed to work. This was the second time the brakes have done this recently. And it has me scared.
I was researching this forum and others and see that Lexus had a problem with the brake booster and sent out a bulletin. Does this sound like my problem? Did they make this a recall? Also, would the dealer fix this free if that is the case even if the car is out of warranty.
Thanks
So I put it back in Park. I waited a few minutes and the brake light went off and I tried out the brakes again and they seemed to work. This was the second time the brakes have done this recently. And it has me scared.
I was researching this forum and others and see that Lexus had a problem with the brake booster and sent out a bulletin. Does this sound like my problem? Did they make this a recall? Also, would the dealer fix this free if that is the case even if the car is out of warranty.
Thanks
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: IL
Someone else on this forum recently had same problem
Within the past couple weeks someone else posted that he had a booster and master cylinder replaced on an '04 RX. His problem was fluid loss, however. Yours sounds dangerous. It would be worth getting it to a dealer for them to investigate if it's the subject of a recall or anything. Seems like an awfully new car to need these parts. Was your brake fluid level low?
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 6,101
Likes: 2
From: Candyland
Sounds like a vacumn leak in the booster unit itself. Do Not drive this car until it can be fixed. I would reccomend it being towed at Lexus expense. The booster can fail at anytime, think about a school zone etc. It will be covered under warrnty. Sometimes, if you are a little out of warrenty and can state a good case with a service manager, they will replace and make you simply pay labor. This booster in the RX is a lot of work to remove, have only a delaer perform this work.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 32
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From: South Carolina
Lexus replied back
Here is what Lexus just sent me back in reply:
"Our records indicate that as of January 16, 2007, this vehicle is involved in
5LA-2004 model year RX 330 brake booster replacement. Please visit your local Lexus dealership to request that this service be performed free of charge."
Yes!, I am glad Lexus is going to do it free since one of you just said it is a lot of work to do this.
I called Lexus directly instead of going through the dealer. I will take the letter Lexus sent me when I go.
To answer the question of one of the members who replied to this in here, the brake fluid level is near the max. So there doesn't seem like there is a leak.
I had my last oil change done at the Toyota dealership and on their free check, they told me my pads were about worn out. Hmmm I wonder if this problem had something to do with it.
I was wondering. It may be a good idea to email Lexus back to find out if there are any other safety issues for this particular car, so they can do all the repairs at one time. I am suprised at Lexus on this one. I have read numerous complaints online about people almost getting killed when it finally fails. For info, mine was built in Canada. This was the first time ever they used somewhere besides Japan. The few from Japan that year, did not have problems with the booster.
Thanks
"Our records indicate that as of January 16, 2007, this vehicle is involved in
5LA-2004 model year RX 330 brake booster replacement. Please visit your local Lexus dealership to request that this service be performed free of charge."
Yes!, I am glad Lexus is going to do it free since one of you just said it is a lot of work to do this.
I called Lexus directly instead of going through the dealer. I will take the letter Lexus sent me when I go.
To answer the question of one of the members who replied to this in here, the brake fluid level is near the max. So there doesn't seem like there is a leak.
I had my last oil change done at the Toyota dealership and on their free check, they told me my pads were about worn out. Hmmm I wonder if this problem had something to do with it.
I was wondering. It may be a good idea to email Lexus back to find out if there are any other safety issues for this particular car, so they can do all the repairs at one time. I am suprised at Lexus on this one. I have read numerous complaints online about people almost getting killed when it finally fails. For info, mine was built in Canada. This was the first time ever they used somewhere besides Japan. The few from Japan that year, did not have problems with the booster.
Thanks
Lead Lap
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 604
Likes: 1
From: PA
Worn out brake pads usually has nothing to do with a booster or master cylinder malfunction. Brake pads wear out from daily driving (no kidding? 
) but can wear prematurely from a dragging brake or improper use. Unless your car has tons of miles on them, I seriously doubt that the caliper has gone bad, causing the dragging. Secondly, improper use can be riding the brake pedal (ever notice folks with brake lights on going UP HILL?).
Do you do any of your own work? I think someone just posted a DIY for brakes and you will find that changing out brake pads is a very simple job - prbably not even 20 minutes per side. I am betting that Lexus will charge an arm and leg to do this.
Gary
) but can wear prematurely from a dragging brake or improper use. Unless your car has tons of miles on them, I seriously doubt that the caliper has gone bad, causing the dragging. Secondly, improper use can be riding the brake pedal (ever notice folks with brake lights on going UP HILL?). Do you do any of your own work? I think someone just posted a DIY for brakes and you will find that changing out brake pads is a very simple job - prbably not even 20 minutes per side. I am betting that Lexus will charge an arm and leg to do this.
Gary
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Canada
Within the past couple weeks someone else posted that he had a booster and master cylinder replaced on an '04 RX. His problem was fluid loss, however. Yours sounds dangerous. It would be worth getting it to a dealer for them to investigate if it's the subject of a recall or anything. Seems like an awfully new car to need these parts. Was your brake fluid level low?
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