RX - 2nd Gen (2004-2009) Discussion topics related to the 2004 -2009 RX330, RX350 and RX400H models

Brake Issue: I need to know the name

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Old 04-26-08, 10:18 PM
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RXSF
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Default Brake Issue: I need to know the name

There is so much to complain about the brakes on the RX series. they just arent up to the job for such a heavy car.

anyways, the brakes on my car no longer have "linear" feeling. Its hard for me to describe how it feels, but you can feel it in the brake pedal as well as a little bit on your own body. Its like a lurching, where your body is push forward from the braking, then it releases just a bit, then its back to pushing you forward....

what im trying to say is that your body ends up going forward and back forward and back ever so slightly because the brakes are causing you to lurch.

does any of this make sense to anyone im afraid if i walk into the service department, they are going to look at me like im crazy. just wondering if there is a name to this feeling.
Old 04-27-08, 01:19 AM
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salimshah
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I respectfully disagree.

This post is in 330-350 and I own 300. There is never been a problem with brakes. If there is any issue it has been rust spots that show up after a wash or exposure to rain.

The phenomena you are talking about is "grabbing". Typically due to pad/rotor condition.

First, when was your brake fluid replaced. It should be replaced every 2 yr. Then there is the question of weight you carry in the vehicle. Also check for proper tire pressure.

By the way unless there is a emergency, I typically pump the pedal, to alllow the pads to cool down instead of a long continues pressure. It does irritate my wife.

Salim
Old 04-27-08, 02:38 AM
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Booyah
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Brakes are fine on mine--feel perfect, maybe you are hard on your brakes
Old 04-27-08, 07:32 AM
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jgr7
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Are you a two footed driver? One on the gas and one on the brakes. Brakes don't seem to last as long and have a greater chance of getting warped rotors with this type of driving.
Jeff
Old 04-27-08, 09:07 AM
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grouch
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You might (or have a mechanic) pull the wheels off and look at the brake pads for any uneaven wear that might indicate a caliper malfuction or warped rotor.
Old 04-27-08, 01:36 PM
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RXSF
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huh? brake fluid? tire pressure? wtf?

lol, just kidding. i do however religiously follow the lexus service plan every 5K miles, and bring it. so they do the work and i have no idea what they do. so assuming the brake fluid is part of the service plan, then its been changed. tire pressure is checked everytime i go in.

i guess what im trying to say is that the brakes seem to "brake" then "release", then brake again, then release.

therefor, it causes your body to sway back and forth, so its not a linear brake feeling.

anywhoo, ill just bring it in and see what they say.

i guess i am hard on the brakes, but i live in san francisco, and braking on the hills is killer
Old 04-27-08, 03:28 PM
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salimshah
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You have been lulled by the dealership. Just take it to them and they will take care of your problem.

Salim
Old 04-27-08, 04:43 PM
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cdnewton
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At least you don't have the warping issue we have on our 2004 RX330 ..... since new, about every 25K, I wind up heading back to Lexus (or a Lexus specialist) and get the rotors turned or replaced.

I recently had the 90K service done (including timing belt and water pump -- ouch) and the tech noted the rotors were warped ... again. Pretty frustrating.

Otherwise, amazingly solid car.
Old 04-28-08, 08:58 AM
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CK6Speed
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I never noticed any problems with the actual brakes itself on our past RX330. For me, the brake pedal feel like most Lexus car for me isn't as firm feeling as my other cars, but the always stopped and performed very well. I had much larger 20" rims and heaver tires on my car from about 20K miles to 58K miles when I sold it and my stock rotors never warped. I changed the front (Could have been rear I forget now) at about 55K miles.
Old 04-28-08, 09:44 AM
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Boognish
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The brakes on our 350 have fealt odd to me since brand new. They vibrate on initial application and the feel is so numb I have a hard time modulating the pressure. I don't think they are unsafe by any means, but they are definitely not the best brakes in the world in terms of feel.
Old 04-30-08, 06:40 AM
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shikbas
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OK,it seems to you odd to clean the breakes,but mine was making some noise from pads sticking on the rotor ,after cleaning and lubing everything seems smoother and quiet,it helped.
Old 04-30-08, 07:06 AM
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salimshah
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no one can argue with success!

The word that caught my attention was "lubed". Other than anti chatter grease, there should have been no lube.

Salim
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