I just bought a 2004 IS300 with a manual transmission. There were some issues with it but got those taken care of except one.

The brakes in the car work, the pedal just feels like I have to push it way to far down, but once it gets down there it is solid. Just a lot of travel time to get to that point. If I pump it (without fully releasing it) it will work higher up in the travel. First though was air in the brake lines. Bled the brakes and ABS block and didnt get any air out and the fluid that came out was nice and clean. Checked vacuum hoses and all those seem to be fine. Are there any other things that are easily inspected that I am missing? The master cylinder actually looks new (or was meticulously cleaned).

3/3/2014 10:00:11 AM

How much pad is left?

3/3/2014 10:06:03 AM

visually it looks like there is plenty of wear left in them. One other note, when I first apply the brakes, the car pulls SLIGHTLY to the right, this is at the very top of pedal travel, then it all evenes out and will stop straight.

3/3/2014 10:08:30 AM

I'd go ahead with a pad replacement just so you know you have a decent set of pads on the car. I mean, brakes are pretty important. I do recommend to not push the pistons back in without opening the bleeder valve to prevent pushing the fluid backwards through the ABS system. Doing so can possible cause expensive problems. I would also lube the caliper slider pins hoping that will cure the pulling problem.

3/3/2014 10:18:36 AM

sounds good, I'll do that and report back.

3/3/2014 10:25:02 AM

Quote :

"I would also lube the caliper slider pins hoping that will cure the pulling problem"

3/3/2014 10:34:12 AM

Never throw parts at a problem without a proper diagnosis.

3/3/2014 11:20:23 AM

^who's throwin' parts? He has no idea what type of pads are on the car. I think it's a pretty good idea to install a set of quality pads on a car regardless of any issues.

3/3/2014 12:16:35 PM

Replacing pads will not solve his problem.

Quote :

"I have finally resolved my soft brake pedal problem! I turned out to be a sticking piston in one of the front calipers. I checked all of the calipers, front and back, by removing the brake pads, one caliper at a time, and inserting 1/4" wood shims on each side of the rotor. This kept the pistons from comming all the way out of the caliper when I pumped the pedal. I pumped the pedal once or twice and then check the caliper to see how the pistons were moving repeating the procedure until all of the pistons made contact with the wood shims. I eventually found the offending piston in the front left caliper. When I reassembled the brakes and road tested the car the brakes felt fine! No more soft pedal. I was tempted to leave well enough alone, but I didn't want the problem to come back. So, I called my local Lexus dealer and ordered the "overhaul kit" for the front calipers. The parts guy wasn't sure he had heard right when I asked for the kit, one kit does both calipers, but I wanted to try rebuilding before spending the big bucks for calipers. The calipers were easy to rebuild. The kit had all of the seals, boots and brake line seals. I also replaced the caliper bolts since Lexus recommends not reusing the old ones. I'm very glad to have solid brakes again! I hope this information helps anyone else having similar problems. Read more: http://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls430/482927-brake-problem-has-me-stumped.html#ixzz2uvbNiOxr"

3/3/2014 2:05:21 PM

...but if the pad is worn completely on the side with the stuck piston.....?

3/3/2014 3:00:24 PM

Worn pad is a symptom of another problem

3/3/2014 3:03:29 PM

pshhh

3/3/2014 3:32:30 PM

Quote :

"Replacing pads will not solve his problem."

I never said it would. Re-read what I said:

Quote :

"I'd go ahead with a pad replacement just so you know you have a decent set of pads on the car"

and then I said:

Quote :

" I would also lube the caliper slider pins hoping that will cure the pulling problem."

greasing the slide pins is not throwing parts at the car.


so, thanks for trying.

3/3/2014 5:05:29 PM

No one tried anything, thread is about soft brakes. Your suggestion of pads does not solve the problem. Sorry you are butthurt, this is the internetz

3/3/2014 5:08:39 PM

Replaced the front rotors and pads. When taking it apart I found a slider on the passenger side was hard to push in and out. Pulled the pin out, greased the shit out of it and put it back in with the boot. Slides smooth. Driver side had a pin that was seized, wouldnt move at all. Boot was missing and too lots of banging and yelling to get it out. Cleaned the pin and hole with brake cleaner and packed it with grease, slides smooth now but will need replaced since the boot is missing . Got everything back together and it feels awesome! Brakes are very strong and barely and pedal travel is required. Thanks for the suggestions!

3/8/2014 4:19:46 PM

See, pad replacement worked.

Hi5 Underpsi

3/10/2014 8:21:32 AM

Quote :

"slider "

3/10/2014 9:25:16 AM

Quote :

"Sorry you are butthurt, this is the internetz"

3/10/2014 10:09:11 AM