thebaby

Hello! I have been told by several reliable private mechanics that the Master Cylinder on my 2004 GS300 has to be replaced and that the only one that can do this is a dealership.
Does this mean that I have to use the Lexus dealership? Can it go to the Toyota dealership instead?
Also, the GS300 had a recall in 2010 for the exact problem; however, it is for the 2006 and other years,, not the 2004. Does anyone know how to deal with this extremely expensive repair, without having to dish out $2000 to $3000 just because it requires a dealership?
I live in the Tampa area, if anyone knows of someone I could bring it to in the area.
Thanks!

Htony

As long as qualified tech works on it I'd think it does not matter.

shwalker07

Just pick up a good used on on ebay and find a private mechanic to install it. You buy a new one and have the dealer install it you are talking a great increase in the price.

What is wrong with your master cylinder unit, any codes?

MOAWINGS

What Htony and shwalker07 said. You're also honestly better off getting a re-manufactured unit for under $600 dollars if the price tag of a new master cylinder scares you but make sure they replaced the electric motor inside the accumulator. (I believe that's where it is, it's been awhile since I did the repair.) Not every repair has to have a set MSRP by the dealership. It's doesn't have to be as expensive. But from my experience most shops with qualified Toyota techs won't like you bringing in a shiny albeit re-manned part from my experience with 3 different Toyota specific shops.

I have not had any master cylinder problems since I replaced mine at around 230k miles and currently at 256k right now without any issues since. Granted, this is all ancedotal evidence on my part so please take it with a grain of salt. You have many options, some safer and more expensive and some with more risk but with a huge money break. Cheap out carefully.

j3rf

Pretty sure you need a scan tool to properly bleed the new master cylinder.

TrueGS300

I personally just replaced my complete master assembly a couple months ago with a $250 used Japan import unit. The install is actually quite simple and I did not need a scan tool to bleed brakes. Just two lines and electrical connectors. It unbolts from 4 nuts on the inside under the dash like any other booster. Fixed all my lights/codes and been braking excellent since.