Bbgnate

I have a 2000 GS300 with 179k on the odometer and I constantly hear with these cars the brake master cylinder failing. I also understand this is a very expensive part. Every time I read about one failing, I often wonder if the owner ever replaced their brake fluid in the recommended intervals. I replace mine religiously --per the owners manual-- every 2 years/30k miles. Do any of you have any knowledge or think timely brake fluid flushes could prolong the life of this part? Thank you.

kevin3344

My 1999 GS400 has 236k and I've never had the brake fluid changed. I don't think there is a rhyme or reason as to why some go out. If mine ever does I'll just purchase a used unit for $250-350 on eBay and have my indy install it. No big deal. As we all know it's a $3k job at the dealer because they only fix with new parts.

I've done this before for our IS250. When the headlight ballast went out the dealer wanted to replace the whole lamp assembly for almost $750, I purchased the ballast from Amazon for $30, disassembled the front bumper and replaced it myself in about an hour. When the fuel pump went out I purchased a used unit from eBay for $100, took out the back seat and replaced it in about 30 minutes. The dealer wants $1,200 or so for a new fuel pump and that's not counting labor. Crazy.

VIP161

iTrader: (3)

There is no preventative maintenance for the brake booster. The part that fails is the nitrogen charged cylinder. As with anything else, seals wear over time. I’ve had mine fail on my 98 GS300. Luckily I was driving slow and I was approaching a stop sign when it happened. When it fails, the booster loses its nitrogen charge that would normally assist with braking. You do have a little braking power available to use if you need to move the car at a safe slow speed. I’ve read that the newer years have an improved version of the booster so I went to a junkyard and pulled one out of a 2004 which still works as normal. I hope this helps.

Arussto

I read a bit about upgrading to the post facelift booster master cyl assy.
i believe there is a minor mod needed as the electrical plug shaped differently requiring a swap of pins or plug.
Please relate your findings when you do as i am curious for when my turn comes.

Cheers