lx470 Brake Failure Questions… Please Help!?!

[happy the man]

Last weekend the brakes failed on my 98 lx470 on a trip to Flagstaff Az. Same thing occurred as some other posts here. The ABS and Brake dash lights came on with the buzzer. After about two minutes the pedal went to the floor and I had to e-brake to get back to where we were staying.

I'm aware of the huge price tag on the new booster. I'm getting it back tomorrow and have thoroughly researched this site about the issue and have read through Skidoo's rebuild post but still have questions. Can anyone help me out? Here goes:

- Is there a way to figure out whether the issue is the master cylinder or the booster before removing the unit? From what I could tell when I last saw it, nothing was leaking at wheel or master cylinders.

- I don't have an OBD testing tool. Is it worth getting something inexpensive for this occasion considering the possible cost of the repair if I don't do it myself? If so, any recommendations that work with an iOS device?

- I've have two salvage yards tell me that some of the early 4runner boosters are the same as the LC and LX. Does anyone know if that is true?

Thanks for any info you can provide. I miss my 62 right now!

Dave

 

[happy the man]

I found more info about the last question. I wasn't aware of toyodiy.com that someone posted on another thread about dash bulbs so I checked it. They have a cross reference tool that looks like it shows the brake booster being the same for certain 4runners and tundras in addition to the 100 series lc. Maybe this part is a little more available used given that is what I need. Anyone out there that can verify?

Any help in determining that is much appreciated!

Link to part comparison: http://www.toyodiy.com/parts/xref?s=47070‑60010&mU=on

 

[happy the man]

Was it something I said?

 

[r3run33]

don't get offended; mostly if no one knows anything they don't reply. Its an odd issue which most people probably have not experienced. I felt the same way when I had my VGRS system fail and got no replies for any info. Good luck but I have to say this our type of vehicles are pretty good if something brakes and is expensive to fix I take it ith regards to the whole package and how the vehicle as a whole is pretty solid. Good luck once again.

 

[FinallyGotOne!]

don't get offended; mostly if no one knows anything they don't reply. Its an odd issue which most people probably have not experienced. I felt the same way when I had my VGRS system fail and got no replies for any info. Good luck but I have to say this our type of vehicles are pretty good if something brakes and is expensive to fix I take it ith regards to the whole package and how the vehicle as a whole is pretty solid. Good luck once again.

Exactly. This is strange. The only thing I can add is that my OBD reader has saved me literally THOUSANDS of dollars over the years....but I don't know if it will help with this problem.

 

[happy the man]

Thanks r3run33 and FinallyGotOne!. I was beginning to think the posting functionality changed and I screwed something up because I haven't been on here in a while. I'm probably a little impatient about this as well.

I have the lx back now so will begin to inspect. Hopefully I'll be able to hear the booster coming on and easily determine all it needs is a master rebuild.

On another note, I was able to upgrade my AAA plan to the Premium plan, which allows for an up to 200 mile tow. If you're ever in a jam you can do this after the issue occurs but it takes 2-4 days for the plan upgrade to process. We were fortunate to catch a ride home with some friends.

Still wondering about the 4runner booster compatibility.

 

[happy the man]

Exactly. This is strange. The only thing I can add is that my OBD reader has saved me literally THOUSANDS of dollars over the years....but I don't know if it will help with this problem.

Which one are you using? And, is it OBD II?

 

[FinallyGotOne!]

Which one are you using? And, is it OBD II?

An Innova 3130. Yes, it is for OBD II. It also reads, displays, and saves live data which I needed for something...I think it was either the throttle position sensor or accelerator position sensor replacement.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Don't recall anyone saying they've replaced their failed bb with one from a 4runner. Easy thing to do would be to take a picture of yours and some dimensions then go to some wrecking yards to compare.

 

[happy the man]

Thanks Trunk Monkey. I haven't heard anything about it either. Getting ready to jump in there so should be able to get some idea. In the meantime, anyone else have any knowledge on this or the first question I posted above?

 

[happy the man]

In the middle of the rebuild and having trouble getting the plunger out. Anyone know whether taking off the booster/actuator will make this easier? Skidoo said he didn't think that it did anything in his detailed post.