lexuslover

hi foot - is the noise happening only when you are releasing the brake pedal on a hill, or is it basically all the time. i notice that when i have to hold the brake hard (like on a hill), it will thunk when released, but otherwise, on normal street driving, not really.

i have had lots of lexuses in the past, and i do notice the pedal thunk on hills in my past GS's. but if there is a real fix for this, i will certainly ask for it! although i am afraid i get a lot of shrugs and "you-nitpicky-owner" stares already though.

lexina

Brake Clunk Sound Noise is not normal. Everything is normal to dealers when the vehicle is still under warranty...easiest fix. Normal behavior should not have the Clunk Sound. The Rear Brake Pad Shims Need to be replaced properly.

Symtom:
The rear brake calipers clunk when you first apply the
brakes after changing the direction of the vehicle.

Probable Cause:
The outer shims on the rear brake pads do not allow
the pads to slide easily when you press the brake
pedal. This causes the outer pad to hit hard during a
change of direction, resulting in a clunk.

CORRECTIVE ACTION:
Replace the rear brake pad shims.
Note: Brake pad replacement and disc resurfacing is not
needed to get rid of the clunk.

TunedRX300

There is a TSB on brake pad clunking. If you are still under warranty, go to Lexus dealer. If you are out of warranty, you can try aftermarket, not a single clunk with Akebono (they makes OEM pads for Lexus and Honda) w/ Brembo or Rotora rotors.

vinster29

I have a 99 RX300 with 59,000 miles on it and I have being have a problem with my brakes being too soft and it takes a very long time for me to slow down. I also have the problem with a clunking noise occurring when I step on the brakes at slower speeds. I had my brakes checked out at 54,000 and my local mechanic said that my brake pads are fine. So according to this post I should have my front brake shims replaced to stop the clunking noise and I should have my brake fluid changed for my vehicle to stop better. Am I right? How much do brake shims cost? thanks

TunedRX300

I don't believe Lexus sells shims separately, but you can try to ask them to replace your pad/shims as goodwill since you are out of warranty and there is a TSB. If you are unsuccessful, just buy new pads, shims come with them. Also instead of getting the same semi-metallic pads (for 99 and 00), I believe Lexus switched to ceramic as OEM pads in 02. Akebono is Lexus' supplier so if you buy Akebono aftermarket pads, you are getting OEM pads. You should replace brake fluid every 30K, as recommendated by Lexus. It is the most cost effective way to improve braking.

vigad

I have had the same problem since I purchased the vehicle. It is worse when it gets cold outside. The same noise occured on 3 different RX330 loaners. Lexus said the sound is coming from a spring under brake pedal and that they do not have a fix for it at this time - but they are aware of the issue.

vigad

I wanted to add one more thing - the sound is coming from brake pedal itself - not brake pads or calipers.

Eviltwin00

I have that noise also. It actually started when i got stuck in the snow (belive it or not), and someone floored the gas pedal for 2 min about. I took it to the dealership 3 times. They changed belts some other crap. The noice remains

sunshine51

I have a 2006 Lexus ES330 and I have a brake pedal noise when I apply or release the brake pedal. The service manager at Lexus told me it is caused by play in the brake booster rod. That all ES330s make this sound. He showed me by bringing me to three other 2006 ES330s and let me apply and release the brake pedal in those vehicles.

I have been driving many years and have driven many vehicles, none of them ever had a brake pedal noise. I find it incomprehensible that Lexus finds this noise to be acceptable.

jwmcgee1

Just to add my $0.02 here. I have a 2004 LS 430 & a 2005 RX330.

Obviously, I expect the to be perfect and the rx gets a little slack. HOWEVER, I have heard the same brake issue is my RX and it is driving me nuts!

I plan to take the car to the shop next week. I will post here if they give me any satisfaction.

Lextranny

Is there a TSB out there yet for this? I'm bringing my 2005 RX330 to the dealer this week. The noise is coming from the brake pedal itself not the brake pads or calipers.

Seadee456

I have a clunking sound when I release my brake pedel as well on my 05 RX330 but it is coming from the brake pad/caliper/roter itself.