My brake peddal sticks intermittantly. Lexus wanted to replace the master cylinder but wouldn't guarantee that this will solve the problem.

Also, my parking brake light comes on intermittantly when I step on the brakes. This does not have any correlation with the above sticking peddle.

I want to get this fixed but don't want to spend money needlessly.

Suggestions?

 

This sounds like the best course of action is to take the car in for a scan to see what, if any, error codes are being stored. Then an action plan for repairs or replacements can be recommended.

 

I brought the car to the Lexus dealership and they told me that they didn't know what would fix the problem.

 

I'm sorry they said they didn't know how to fix it, or they said they couldn't find anything wrong?

 

As previously mentioned, they suggested replacing the master cylinder, but wouldn't guarantee that this would stop the problem.

 

Because the Master Cylinder has never been a problem area in this forum, I'd get a second opinion from a different Lexus dealer.

The most common brake fix in this forum is making sure your brake fluid is topped off. It tends to dissapate and cause strange behavior. Just a thought...

 

Thank you for your input roofless. The brake fluid does not seem to be a problem. My mechanic says that I am not loosing fluid.

 

I'm getting the same problem in my '03. It's been a problem and I'll take it to the dealer and usually a day later the problem arises once again.

 

Just to clarify what you mean by "brake pedal sticking," are you saying that the pedal does not return fully? Do you release it manually with your foot? How much pedal travel are we talking about? Just the last inch or does it stay on the floor and not return at all?

While the mechanic says you are not losing fluid, have you actually checked to see whether the fluid is full? That would definitely explain the parking light and may explain pedal problems.

I assume you have checked the assembly and pivot points for obstructions and/or ease of movement.

I actually took the test when I lived in Michigan and became certified for brake repair. Of course, that was 30 years ago, so maybe things have changed a bit!

At least back then, the brake pedal had a return spring which could become weak, resulting in the pedal behavior you mention. I have no idea whether our cars have that, but I assume they do. You don't have a signature which indicates the year of your car, but this would be a simple and inexpensive solution.

If not, it probably is the master cylinder. The one thing about brakes is that there are just not that many components -- its a pretty simple system (taking anti-lock out of the equation). That's the only reason I passed the test.

 

What do you suggest the problem would be if whenever I step on the brake the red brake light comes on telling me that my parking break is on?

 

Normally, I would check the brake fluid level first or consider some brake bleeding or new brake pads.
I think your Lexus dealer should have already checked those.

You definitely need to get a second opinion from other repair shop since the master cylinder is quite expensive to replace.

 

That is the classic sign of low brake fluid. You would be amazed how sensitive this car is to just a little low on brake fluid. If you do a search, you'll see lots of people who have had this problem.

In fact, I bet if you down shift suddenly, causing the car do decelerate rapidly, you can make the parking brake light come on without even touching the brake.

If its full (which I doubt), then what Talwag said.

 

Thanks a lot guys, I'll get to checking up on the brake fluid once I get the chance!

 

I'd look for a new dealer or have the dealer get the regional reps involved. Swapping parts at your expense without really knowing what's wrong is not consistent with Lexus' philosophy, but, then again, maybe it is.

 

firstly, it's important for the dealership to experience your problem.
have they?
if not, try a new dealership, get a loaner and have them drive it until
they see the problem.