Recently I purchased a 2003 SC430 with 111,000 miles. A strong, consistent buzzing sound in the dash is heard for about 20 seconds every time the key is turned on or the car is started. I took the car to my local Lexus dealer for a key programming when a set of VSC and VSC Off lights came on, and continue to stay lighted when the car is on. The dealer diagnosed and confirmed it was a failing Brake Actuator causing both the buzzing and VSC lights to illuminate. Unfortunately the diagnosis also included a repair estimate for a new Brake Actuator in the $4,800 to $5,200 range. That's out of my reach for this car.

Is anyone familiar with a Brake Actuator replacement job? Where would I find a Brake Actuator? I am having difficulty finding out which parts specifically need to be replaced, along with a qualified mechanic to complete the job, hopefully for $1,000's less than the dealer charges. I really enjoy my SC430 and don't want to have to sell it based on such a costly repair.

Please comment if you have any information--I would greatly appreciate it!

 

Not sure if this is related, but my wife's 2003 had to have the brake booster replaced recently. The dealer charged $2,100 for all the parts and labor. Fortunately, our extended warranty is still in effect. It cost us $-0- for the repair!

 

brake actuator or ABS control/pump/actuator?

There is one of these on ebay for $680

2002 - 2010 LEXUS SC430 ABS Pump Master Cylinder Booster Assembly

 

Brake Actuator, according to the dealer. Whatever that entails.

 

Given the buzzing sound that you've been hearing It's likely the ABS pump running. The $680 ebay part could be just the ticket! Any decent shop can install it.

 

My thought too - all that stuff is right up against the firewall, high, so it will sound like it is coming from the dash.

 

Interesting. Thanks for the info. The dealer thought the buzzing would only get worse over time and seemed certain it was the actuator. Sounds like I may need to find a second opinion. Thanks again!

 

I think a second opinion is a good idea. I don't know why, but I keep getting the feeling that the real problem might just be brake fluid and resevoir issues. I recently flushed the brake fluid on each of our 3 vehicles and I remember from my research on flushing the brake system that there is a pump which feeds fluid to the rear wheels and that low fluid and air bubbles can cause the pump to be noisy. There is a very specific way to do a brake fluid flush which includes pumping the brake pad a certain number of times, then bleeding the front wheels first using the normal way, then...bleeding the rear cylinders. You might want to research it on these CL forums. For the rears, you turn the key to the on position without starting the motor, then press the brake and hold while the bleed process in started. When bleeding, the previously mentioned pump turns on and can quickly put a cup or more of brake fluid into the capture bottle. If not done correctly, it might cause the pump noise. It's just a thought, but I seem to remember something in my research about it. If it doesn't work, at least you have fresh brake fluid.