IndyGirl

Hi everyone,

Just found out I need to have my accumulator and brake booster replaced on my 2002 SC 430 - which I assume means the whole brake master cylinder needs to be replaced. My local mechanic couldn't fix it, so they took it up to the Lexus dealer in Indianapolis. Lexus told me it'll cost $2,600 to fix. This seems super expensive to me, but what do I know?

I'm ready to get another car (hopefully a newer SC 430 w/ fewer miles) but know I have to fix mine before I can trade it in or sell it...it seems crazy to spend that kind of money on a car w/ so many miles on it (about 175K), but not sure I have a choice...thoughts?

Thanks

bacardi11

iTrader: (1)

yes sir not cheap even in junkyard not cheap. big bucks

Bgw70

Mine went bad and I found one in a junkyard and the sold the complete unit for $100. I know I was lucky...anyway, my brakes operate correctly!
I found it advertised on Craigslist.

bacardi11

iTrader: (1)

BGW70
lucky as hell

Harold57

It may seem crazy to spend that much money, especially for brake parts but consider the following:
> You should easily be able to run your car for well over 250k miles
> $2600 is a lot of money until you compare it against a car payment. That is only $216 / month for 1 year.

Just as the guys mentioned above, a DYI would be way cheaper but then it would also involve a fair amount of work and you definitely want your brakes to be reliable after you finish!

texsexlex

iTrader: (3)

Just a thought,but you may even consider a Toyota dealership or an independent Toyota/Lexus shop. I'm pretty sure the cost would be less

Options2k

I would try one from a junkyard and DIY or pay an Indy to install.....much cheaper this way. There is one on eBay right now for $400 and change with a best offer option. Has 6 month warranty. Try, if you want:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2002-LEXUS-SC430-ABS-BRAKE-BOOSTER-ACTUATOR-MASTER-CYLINDER-47210-24060-OEM-0304-/321739362027?hash=item4ae9290eeb&vxp=mtr
Good luck.

NAmVet68

Here's another one for you on Fleabay: $275 & free shipping. It says that it has a crack on the plastic tank, but you could probably use the one from your original. Good luck: http://www.ebay.com/itm/02-03-04-05-06-07-08-09-10-Lexus-SC-430-Oem-ABS-Pump-Assy-Hydraulic-Booster/271832059084?_trksid=p2047675.c100010.m2109&_trkparms=aid%3D333008%26algo%3DRIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D30251%26meid%3D8d5b2bd0a41a4af4a4e0645600480ec2%26pid%3D100010%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D18%26sd%3D321739362027

Bgw70

Be very nice and offer the guy $125. He may counter or just say no but keep negotiating and you will get a good deal. I have done it many times and it works most of the time.
The tank is easy to replace and if I remember correctly, there are only two gaskets or O-ring that should be replaced. They can be found at the dealer, auto parts store or the Internet.

LexBrett

Mechanics are bad people. That's my rule of thumb whenever I get an enormous repair quote like that. It looks like you can get the part for a few hundred dollars.

SlvBullet

iTrader: (8)

Wow - what an awesome forum. IndyGirl just wrote yesterday and already have low vost solutions! Great job guys. For IndyGirl, just for your reference, you might want to see the price of a new part from Sewell or L-Parts - both CL sponsors. I would buy the one on E-Bay with the broken reservoir and swap with mine. Note that anywhere you take the part will of course not warrantee that part but should stand by their labor. If your local Toyota dealer doesn't want to work on your SC, you can check out a local gas station such as Shell or Sunoco which often has a shop especially if a neighbor can recommend one - you might find a Good Person mechanic.

Good luck

doodles714

iTrader: (1)

It looks like I'm facing this same problem with my 2002. Brakes are sticking (not releasing properly) and calipers have been inspected and greased and bled. My question is whether there are more than one component to deal with or is it just the one piece shown above.
Thanks

Bgw70

Why do you think it is the master cylinder?

She never said her brakes were sticking, she said there was an accumulator problem.

It could be the calipers, they could have rust on the Pistons, which would cause them to stick.

If this is the first time the brakes have been bled you may have a caliper problem.

How many miles on your car?

doodles714

iTrader: (1)

It's a 100% SOCAL car with around 60K on it. I had my independent shop go through the brakes and he found no problems with the calipers and felt that it was most likely the booster and master cylinder assembly. I don't have any codes showing up yet so I'm going to hold off on repairs. The pedal is firm with no loss of stopping power but in addition to not feeling the pads releasing, at times the brake pedal doesn't come up immediately and from a stop it sometimes feels that the brakes are dragging.

Bgw70

have the brakes ever been bled?