Hey guys recently picked up a used Lexus not too long ago and was wondering if others around the same year of the car have pretty sensitive brakes as well. It’s definitely not sinking into the floorboard but man in stop and go traffic on the freeway it’s pretty difficult to keep my foot up since I can’t rest my foot on the brake otherwise I’ll start engaging the brakes. I was considering bleeding the brakes but I have no clue if this is how sensitive Lexus brakes are. The rotors were recently changed & the brake pads are good as well if that helps with any information.

 

Hello,

It is hard to tell anything specific, since it is a very subjective topic. I am an owner of a 2000 Lexus ES300, and albeit being a little squishy, they are pretty well balanced in terms of force required to activate the brakes and the feedback you get. Back to the topic, I've never seen a car where you can rest a foot on the pedal without activating brakes besides some prehistoric BMW or a car with a failed booster, since it has a direct relation to how much force is required in the event of an emergency braking, meaning that taking sensitivity off will result in you not being able to use your brakes to their full potential. Bleeding the brakes would never hurt, especially if it wasn't done in a while, but I doubt it would really solve your issue. It seems like more of a seating position related issue, try moving your seat around to see if it will help.

Hope this helps and best of luck!

 

I have a 2003 ES 300 and I compare my brakes to a 1973 Ford LTD, way over boosted to the point I don’t really like it.

I hate wearing shoes if I’m driving more than 30 miles and when my shoes are off I have better feel on the brake pedal but when they are on I have to pay attention not to brake like a beginner driver.

 

I have an '04 and the brakes are not exceptionally sensitive at all. I sure wish there was more "bite", in fact. Yes...pads are good and they make full contact with the rotors.

 

Gotta really tell you guys this must be a troll post.

D'uh. That's how they work.

 

Same here- 2002 ES300- Changed rear pads a few months ago and front pads have 80-85% life left.

I was thinking about doing a complete brake flush and see what happens.