Ls460ls

I just got this car and its got 150k miles on it. No lights on the dash. When I slightly press on the brakes it makes this clicking/clunking noise espcially at low speeds and also at standstill with the gear on Drive. It feels like its coming from right in front of me (driver side). I am reading other posts and people mention the actuator, my question is has anybody had this and got it actually fixed? And should I just drive it this way since there are no lights showing or should I get it fixed?

jrmckinley

That definitely sounds like a bad actuator unfortunately. It is a known thing that can go wrong on 2007-2012 with the biggest impact seeming to hit 2007-2010. I own a 2010 and mine failed at 99k. There was a replacement program offered by Lexus but I believe it has expired. Mine was replaced using that program so it cost me nothing, but if that has expired and it is indeed your actuator you are going to be looking at a pretty decent bill. I believe it was around $3,500 from Lexus before they "zeroed it out" under the replacement program.

Ls460ls

How come there are no lights on for this? What if I just drive it like this?

swfla

iTrader: (1)

An expensive item plus the labor. Also requires Techstream software. Besides dealers, there are some specialty shops that use the software. I believe there's also a question circulating if it's just some noise and no actual braking difficulty, While brakes are seriously important, it's not a stop driving/urgent repair. But have a shop with tech stream do a diagnostic (check for codes) as this may give a better indication of the issue and the severity. With this car being new to you, that's another reason to have the codes read. You'll know about any other issues that matter and can plan a budget or priority list.

jrmckinley

My dash lit up like a Christmas tree when mine went bad. I sincerely hope the seller didn't somehow disable the dash light warnings assuming this is your actual issue, which I hope it isn't.

Ls460ls

i bought it from an older guy, doubt he would do that. I’m going to get it checked this week and go from there.

Ls460ls

So I shouldnt take it to any mechanic? I need a Lexus specific one?

TriC

A mechanic who handles Toyota and/or Lexus would be best. You can buy the part on-line for a bit more than a grand the last time I checked.

swfla

iTrader: (1)

If you want the most comprehensive analysis of your vehicle systems as a new owner, find an independent shop who uses tech stream. Call a couple of Asian, Toyota or Lexus car specialists and ask if they have the right software. Anyone with a basic OBD reader will give you some info but Techstream will give the most info. Lexus dealers are generally more expensive. That being said, a Lexus dealer will give you parts and labor warranty on any work they do, provided they provide the parts.

swfla

iTrader: (1)

You'll find that the LS is a very complex car with computers controlling most systems. There are things like oil change and brake pads can be done by anyone, but so many things require or are best done with Techstream. In the case of the brake actuator, yes, a specialty shop is needed for diagnosis and replacement.

flashy5

you can always take to a lexus dealership to have them diagnose it and then get the work done somewhere else

swfla

iTrader: (1)

Sounds good in theory but there have been too many threads here about poor diagnostics by employees, running the bill higher.

swfla

iTrader: (1)

Where in CA are you?

Ls460ls

Los Angeles in the valley

swfla

iTrader: (1)

I'm San Diego, was hoping to recommend a shop but I'm sure Yelp will give you leads. If you can't decide, then a Lexus dealer or Toyota dealer can do the diagnosis and job. As far as a list of any other codes or issues that are recommended for attention, keep in mind that dealer shops almost always recommend more than needed until you build a relationship with them.