RXGS

iTrader: (2)

We have a 2001 lexus lx470 and the breaks stop just as well as before, but you can push the pedal all the way down. I heard that if you bleed the brake system, this will solve that issue. Does anyone know how to do this? I would put this in the lx forums, but the place is basically dead

bob2200

What you describe sounds like the symptom of one of the two brake fluid systems having a problem. It could be a bad brake master cylinder or possibly a brake fluid leak. Unless you've done brake work recently, the chances are less that just bleeding the brakes will solve the problem, in my opinion.

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

had the brakes worked on bout 4 months ago, the front left one seized up for a reason and got it worked on, since then my mom has driven the car very rarely and i guess "didn't notice there was an issue" for the whole time. her words not mine. If we just ask the dealer to bleed the brakes, will they do it? and if we have to replace what ever you mentiond, how much would it be do you think?

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

They'll bleed it for a fee of course.

Who replaced the calipers? It might be the reason why there is air in the system. If the person who replaced the calipers never bled air out, then that is going to be a problem.

BCP43002

Did you check the level of your brake fluid?

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

^^^^ my sister'd friend's dad's brother who owns a auto repair show. I hate relations like that. And if it's been like that for four months, will the dmage be permanent and cost a lot?

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

and yes checked the fluid, looked all good to me. Honestly i am not even sure if it is worth keeping the lx, Dont get me wrong it is great, but maybe it is just time for a q7, cayenne or gx soon.

mitsuguy

iTrader: (2)

multiple potential causes for that...

could be an air pocket - bleeding will fix that
could be a bad or ill-repaired brake caliper - further diagnosis required
could be a loose fitting - further diagnosis required
could be a bad master cylinder - further diagnosis required

I would take it to someone to have actually look at the brakes... stuff like that is too dangerous to guess...

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

^^^ Okay, thanks. sorry for the noob questions, but i have always said, when i open the hood, i am like a deer kin the headlights. The brakes still stop fine but it just bugs me a little, especially when it has to stop a big truck like the lx

Stokdgs

What does the repair bill say the repair shop did ? I think they should have removed all the brake fluid from the entire system on an older vehicle such as this, and put all new fluid in. Can you check to see when this was done last if it ever was? What color is tbe brake fluid in the master cylinder ? It needs to be a clear color as much as possible.
Is the level of the fluid on level ground at the MAX line or in between the MIN and MAX line on the master cylinder?
Off the top of my head, if the pedal goes to the floor after brake work, its usually air in the line, which will require that all 4 wheels get bled and all air flushed out, starting with the furtherest one away from the one that got worked on, working your way to the front and having the worked one bled last. While doing this procedure, you absolutely have to make sure that the master cylinder does not go dry while bleeding it or this will introduce air into the system all over again.
As has been said, there may be other part/s not working - how many miles on the vehicle and how many brake jobs/services has it ever had? When for each procedure and mileage?

Good luck with this, I would not be driving a vehicle with unsafe brakes ever.

DanF