Padraig

Take the money and run!!! It wont come again!

I've had the job done. Had to replace the servo / pump unit. I found a local small garage that specialises in Toyota & Lexus parts and repairs. They ordered the part direct from Japan and fitted it all for approx £700 less than a Lexus dealer!!!! They advise that they replace lots of these on the GS MK2. They seem to have a lifespan of about 5 to 7 years. The main problem is the electrics and the main circuit board is moulded inside the unit! If your looking for new parts or repairs done, and live in South London / Surrey area these guys are worth a try! www.toyotalexusspecialists.co.uk or www.cheaptoyotaparts.co.uk Thanks again for all your reply's!!!

Thanks guys, really appreciate the comments. I’ve been on the phone to a couple of Lexus service dept's and so far none of them have ever had to replace a pump. I’m leaving it with a garage (not Lexus) next week for some diagnostics. Lexus diagnostics don’t have a memory so the warning lights have to be on while it’s plugged in. Will see how it goes and post the results. Thanks again for your replies!! Padraig

Hi guys, hope someone can help me with this. A couple of weeks ago, I was driving along (GS300S MK2 1998 70K mls) and heard a strange motorised scraping noise. It sounded like it was coming from under the steering wheel. On closer inspection it appears to be coming from the brake servo unit. Its still there with the engine switched off and the ignition lights on. It stops if I’m pumping the brake pedal and then starts again. It stopped after a while and has been intermittent since. Now when it happens, instead of it stopping, all 4 brake warning lights come on and an audible dash alarm comes on (A continues long beep). It goes out after about ten minutes. A friend who knows more about cars than I do thinks it’s the "ABS Pump". I called Lexus for a price, and ......... wait for it ........ It’s over £2000 inc vat for the part including the servo unit. It’s a bout £600 cheaper without the servo unit. Hope someone can come up with some "cheaper suggestions" or an alternative diagnosis???. I’m gutted (and scared!) at the moment!! Best regards!! ps Up until this problem, I was getting brake shudder, which I thought may be a ball joint or lower arm bush, but the judder has mysteriously disappeared!

Yep.. Track control arm bush. This is the arm that holds the wheel in a parallel track. Wear+braking+inertia=vibration. Easy to test cost £0 inc vat :D ← Thanks for your reply. That sounds like what it is. Is there one park or do the come in left and right? Could you advise the cost again as it shows £0 (I wish!) Thanks again Padraig

Hi Guys, Im new on here and have just about read all forums on brake problems. Ive just bought a MK2 1998 GS300. Its all perfect except one thing. Brakes. Now, Ive read about the usuall problems but mine is slightly different. When Im slowing from about 30 mph to a standstil (like coming to a junction) I get a shaking in the stearing like as if Im going over rough ground. There is no vibration coming through the brake pedal. There is a slight scraping noise too. The discs look almost new, as do the pads. Any ideas?