This is hard to describe but does anyone have a strange break issue when you go to stop it feels like there is a lunge forward right as you almost get to a complete stop? Hope I explain the ask okay, so strange I do not know how to really describe it.

 

You don't mention car age or number of miles.

My '07 SC exhibits a similar behavoir, particularly in stop and go traffic. I find the behavoir is exacerbated by setting the car to sport mode with the switch between the seats. When in this mode, the transmission will downshift causing the behavoir you describe.

Try it in regular (don't know the exact name) mode and see if it makes any difference.

 

Grabbing brake indicates rotor need to be resurfaced ?

 

I think the factory brake pad material is slightly grabby for the ABS to work at low wheel rpms

 

Funny that HOPE4LEXUS brought up this phenomena. This same thing happens to me and I really did not know how to explain it. When I am braking for a light or stop sign, somewhere around 25 mph, the car "grabs" and abruptly slows. It feels like a hard downshift, or the brakes are "Biting". I don't know how else to explain it. It's not really an issue, other than it gets my attention when It happens. I thought maybe the SC430 had some type of brake assist that was malfunctioning or being more aggressive than it should be.

TJZ

 

I have an 02 with 157K miles. No grabbing at any speed. Have you had any work done on the brakes lately? Is this a new issue? Does the brake pedal drop even a little when this grabbing happens? When was the last time your brake system was serviced? Have you scanned for codes? An ABS code probably will not pop up as a "Check Engine" light. I don't have my manuals with me. But could it have to do with the auto leveling system? I'm not sure. ABS on the way out? Again, I don't know. But anything related to brakes makes my spider senses tingle. At the very least, have your brake system checked and have new fluid put in. It could be moisture in the brake lines if you don't know when it was last changed out. We have had a "few" complete brake failures on the forum. Be prepared to make an emergency stop if you have too. Remember where your parking brake is but know it is not designed to stop the car. Just prevent it from rolling in park. So, if you do lose the brakes shift to neutral and hope like hell you can gently apply the emergency brake and come to a safe and complete stop. Good luck. And let us know if you pursue this further and what you found. Thanks.

Paul

 

Mine brakes are fine despite the last brake service was 5 years ago (12k miles). No grabbing at any speed. The OP should have his brakes check by a mechanic.

 

My 08ls and this 08sc both had slightly grabby brakes. Akebono ceramic pads and new rotors gave both cars much stronger brakes and reduced the “grabby” feel at near stop speeds. Both cars. Like i posted I think it was for the stability control and ABS systems

 

I haven't felt this, but my car has this weird chirp that sounds like birds chirping. It happens when I initially apply the brakes, and sometimes it chirps when I'm normally driving and if I apply the brakes lightly it goes away. I haven't had my mechanic look at it yet. Dust shield? Calipers not releasing and dragging?