RX - 1st Gen (1999-2003) Discussion topics related to the 1999 -2003 RX300 models

Pulsating Brakes- ABS Problem?

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Old 02-01-08 | 08:12 AM
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Default Pulsating Brakes- ABS Problem?

Hello All,

I own a '99 RX300. I'm having a problem with my braking.... When I brake while turning to the left, it feels like my brakes are slipping, like the ABS is coming on for no reason.... When this happens my brake pedal also pulsates/ shakes when I brake while turning to the left. When I brake while driving straight, there is no shaking whatsoever. Same goes for when I brake while turning right, it's perfect... After this problem started occuring, I put brand new brakes and rotors on all 4 tires. This did nothing to solve the problem.

Any ideas what could be causing this?

I was told to try to clean the ABS sensors.... can anyone give me some information on how to do this???

I appreciate any help.
Old 02-02-08 | 06:11 AM
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I am having the same issue. I have tried to remove the ABS sensors. You pretty much destroy them trying to pull them out. I ruined one, then stopped. The end of the sensor did not look dirty, and the axle square notches looked good and clean. For some reason the ABS computer is sensing a wheel speed mismatch which activates the ABS at under 5 mph on dry surfaces. It does not activate above 5 mph unless it's really needed, like when icy/slippery.

I suspect Lexus knows whats going on, and a trip to a dealer or Lexus knowlegdeable mechanic is in order. I have searched all over to try and find other people's experiences and what has finally worked for them with no luck. Please post if you find a solution. I will as well.
Old 02-04-08 | 09:03 AM
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I removed my abs sensors this weekend so that I could clean them.... Once I put the sensors back on, the ABS light came on and won't turn off. The light wasn't on before I cleaned the sensors. Looks like I somehow made the situation worse.
Old 02-04-08 | 09:04 AM
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I removed my abs sensors this weekend so that I could clean them.... Once I put the sensors back on, the ABS light came on and won't turn off. The light wasn't on before I cleaned the sensors. Looks like I somehow made the situation worse...

Looks like I'll have to take it to the dealer, which will surely cost hundreds and hundreds.
Old 02-04-08 | 06:46 PM
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Have you disconnected and reconnected the battery?
Old 02-05-08 | 09:16 AM
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Yes, that didn't do the trick
Old 02-05-08 | 03:27 PM
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Maybe one of the sensor wires was going bad, (ie breaking) and when you cleaned them the wire finally broke all the way.
Old 02-05-08 | 03:42 PM
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The resistance across the speed sensors when good is 1400 to 1800 ohms. Do this with the sensor disconnected. Make sure the ignition is off. You can also measure from either side of the sensor to ground, If it reads continuity the sensor is bad.
Old 02-05-08 | 03:44 PM
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One last thing reseat the plugs on the abs pump assembly again with the ignition off.
Old 02-06-08 | 07:58 AM
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I read the shop manual for the ABS problems, It is what I consider more than what the average consumer would want to tackle other than reseat plugs and check those sensors resistance wise and hope for a easy fix.
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