eyeguy53

Hello guys, first post here. I did try the search function but couldn't find what I was needing.

The wife's 2003 GX470 has some brake issues. High pitched whine and ABS and Brake lights went on, so I took it to my local lexus dealer which is 50 miles away and not very convenient for me.

Anyway, the recommendation is to replace "brake booster" and "accumulator" with brake system bleed, which they are quoting $2400+ tax. Ouch.

Then, says "may need master cylinder after that...will not know until that is completed... if so ADD $1970.00 + tax. Double ouch!

Then goes on to need timing belt, water pump due to miles (97K) ($1150+tax btw)
CV boots ($895+tax)
Driveline service ($250+tax)

Anyway, my main concern is the brakes. My wife has decided she really likes the vehicle and wants to keep it for the next 2-3 years, so I'm trying to justify spending the $. I am going to try to find someone other than my dealer to make the repairs if possible.

I was looking online and it looks to me the accumulator/booster is like $280-350 bucks?
http://www.lexussouthatlantaparts.co...795030010.html


Am I missing something here? How would you guys proceed? Thanks!!!

mann777

Eyeguys, just to let you know i am working on yr response, Please be patient, will get back to you with some basic diagnostics you could carry forth.

eyeguy53

Great, I'm all ears!

eyeguy53

Ok, so learning some new info about the part situation. Called and spoke with the parts house that was in the link. The parts man says that I can get the accumulator alone for 272.00 internet pricing, or the accumulator with booster for $1038.71, or the whole assembly including the master cylinder for $1789.26.

He said he normally sells it as a whole unit together, and thought that the mechanic was doing it backwards by replacing the accumulator and booster and then master cylinder later if needed. He told me it would be $400 cheaper to get the whole assembly together, than have to come back later if the master cylinder were purchased alone. Not to mention 2 labor costs.

So, now I'm in a pickle about whether I should just try to replace the accumulator by itself for $272 plus labor or replace the whole assembly (which may or may not be needed) for $1789 plus labor. A big cost difference not to really know what the real problem is.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

mann777

Guys send me your email address for the troubleshooting. It is a long exhaustive. But still you need to get the DTC faults codes before replacing. if you have done, that would make my job easier to know which part to replace.

eyeguy53

email sent.

moernerRVA

My wife's ride and has 160k on it. We bought it used with 40k and been running strong until now. My wife complained the brake light came on so I drove it to my local mechanic... as I am driving it there the ABS alarm goes off and a few additional lights in the dash. When he put on the computer it coded: c1223, c1252 & c1256.
His initial reaction was to start attacking each code to clear out as they are all interconnected and might clear out all of them... but after calling some of his friends, they are all suggesting a Toyota or Lexus dealer and a full system change versus tinkering with individual parts.
Better to buy new or try and save coin with a used system? I was thinking used as this one made it 160k but your 60k story has me second guessing?
Cheers,
John