2002 Rx300 Brake Problem

[dos_box]

I've just got myself a very low milage 2002 RX300 with only 42k on the clock, full Lexus service history and fully specced and all for 5k.

Anyway, for that price I expect to pay another 1k to fix problems, and so far, so good, however after replacing all of the brake pads (the pads were quite worn on the rear and I though I might as well know were I stand with them all, so had the front done as well). I now have an intermittant problem where once the brakes have warmed the front RH wheel will bind should you try and pull away with gentle revs. On tickover its fine as well as using high revs. Just that a moderate amount of revs will result in the FRHS wheel binding considerably for a few seconds before releasing. Any suggestions as to what the cause might be?

[The Manxman]

I've just signed up to the Lexus Owners Club website, and yours was literally the first posting I came across. I have a 2004 RX300 SEL with 42,000 on the clock. Over recent weeks I began to feel what I can best describe as a 'slight wobble' on the steering wheel. This only came on after I'd been driving for 15-20 minutes once the engine was up to temp. The problem has since got steadily worse, to the point where it now feels like I'm almost driving on square wheels. Sadly, past experience has taught me that my local authorised Lexus Dealership lost interest in me as a customer once they had their hands on my money. I took my RX to them and they said there was nothing wrong with it. However I've now discovered a 'good old fashioned motor mechanic' nearby with 35 years experience. He took one look at the wheels of my RX, i.e. literally walked round the car, and advised me that my front nearside disc was binding. To prove his initial diagnosis he took the temp of both front discs. The offside registering 18 deg C, and the nearside registering 44 deg C. I know this little story isn't much help to you (at the moment), but I'm taking my RX back next week, so he can have a 'proper look' and diagnose the actual cause of the binding. So I'll report back here once I know the cause myself. Without wishing to alarm anyone unnecessarily, he has advised me in the meantime that for safety reasons, I should avoid driving much above 30mph, and avoid long journeys if at all possible. A case of 'watch this space'.

[dos_box]

Thanks Manxman. I suspect the calipers or actuators could be the cause as it has had new front disks recently. As my problem is not causing any driving issues once going, or indeed pulling off at speed, then I'll have my local garage (like yours, a well established local company with masses of experience) and have them work out a fix for me.