Abs Booster Pump (again)

[rugbyleague]

Its my first post be gentle please!

1st a bit of background

I used to work for Toyota Logistics division in the Uk and its with them I got introduced to Lexus. One of my tasks was to test the new toyota/lexus cars on the logistics systems we used (car trucks, trains, ships etc.) I was the lucky fella that got the hand prepared and disguised cars for testing. I tested the is200, facelifted gs300 mk2, lexus ls430 and also the sc430. A fabulous time was spent touring various distribution points across Europe. The SC430 in Grimsby certainly raised some eyebrows (even though some of them were not quite straight and didn't match the 3 ears ;-) )

I do not work in the industry anymore and now build aeroplanes instead but I always promised myself a Lexus after seeing how they were built and the level of thought put into the design/manufacture of the cars, it really is a little bit special.

I have now got a GS300 mk2 (98R)which goes very well and is as I remember. To save on fuel costs I have converted to LPG (I have done this before with my previous Toyotas and I have always been pleased with results and the savings.

The Gs conversion is the best one I have had it has 2 huge tanks in the boot giving me a range of 500 miles for £30!

Unfortunately the one thing I hadnt planned for was the failure of my ABS pump (squealing noise then the alarm etc all as per earlier posts). I always thought Lexus's (Lexi?) didnt do this certainly none of my Toyotas (14) had this sort of problem.

I've tried lots of places in the uk for a replacement pump (new or secondhand) , Japparts, John at Swift etc. all so far unsuccessful.

Does anyone have any further suggestions? Can anyone repair my current unit? I've found new one in the states for £532+postage but I am not sure it will fit a UK car anyone any thoughts on this? Would another car have the same item?

thanks in anticipation of your positive reponse!!

Ian

sorry its a bit long!

[Monster-Mat]

i cant really help, the only thing i can suggest is seeing if going gold, produces a cheaper part?

i used to live in walkden.....bolton was only a bus ride away and welcome :D

[rugbyleague]

i cant really help, the only thing i can suggest is seeing if going gold, produces a cheaper part?

i used to live in walkden.....bolton was only a bus ride away and welcome :D

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Cheers chap slightly off topic but father in law spent entire working life in walkden fixing B&O tvs!! (Rigby & Pearson)

I swim at Walkden pool regularly aswell!

The gold membership should help if I have to go cap in hand to lexus...... I wish I still had contacts at Toyota but it was difficult to get cheap parts even when I was a manager there....

Ian

[wills]

My understanding is that the ABS pump is part of a sealed vacuum unit which cannot be refurbed (a new one has to be bought :( ), go gold and get 10-15% off the part with lexus as mentioned above, it can be costly though oh and welcome!

[danielbroad]

Let us know what the result of this is, this always seems to turn out expensive.

I'm starting to think about getting rid of my 98 GS before it happens to me....

Daniel.

[ColinBarber]

I would have thought the pump on the US and UK vehicles would be the same.

I would guess the LS400 MKIV also uses the same part. Both the GS MKII and the LS400 MKIV launched at the same time and both have the electric brake booster so there is a good chance they share the same part.

Not sure if the pump is available on it's own in the UK, certainly all the dealers will just try and sell you the complete master cylinder for £2k, but the pump certainly can be removed.

One thing that nobody seems to have tested is if the pump or the pressure sensor is at fault. I guess it is the pump but it's worth checking the pressure sensor as that would be a much cheaper item to replace.

[wills]

Colin is correct in that it will cost 2k, have myself tried many ways around the problem but the only way is to buy the complete set new.........i still have my old braking system intact if this is any use to you, it will explain for itself why there are no individual bits that can be exchanged.............as i say if you want it lemme know :)

[rugbyleague]

Colin is correct in that it will cost 2k, have myself tried many ways around the problem but the only way is to buy the complete set new.........i still have my old braking system intact if this is any use to you, it will explain for itself why there are no individual bits that can be exchanged.............as i say if you want it lemme know :)

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Thanks for your thoughts chaps, an update is that the fault has now progressed from intermittent to constant and i have resorted to ear plugs... :

How would i go about checking if an american unit is the same ?

i have a bit of plan and will advise if it comes off...

ian

[ColinBarber]

the part number will be the same if it's the same part. Not sure if UK dealerships have access to the US EPC though. You could try posting on the US forums, somebody may be able to find out the part number for you.