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100 Series Land Cruiser / Lexus LX 470: Brake vibration, squeal, rattle, soft pedal or ABS/VSC lights

Safety: Brakes are a safety system. A soft pedal, pedal to the floor or fluid leaking at a wheel means do not drive it until it is fixed.

Checks, in order

  1. Pads and rotors
    Pull the wheels and check pad thickness and rotor surface. Deep grooves, heat spots or a lip mean the rotors need work.
    easy $ · under about $50
  2. Hardware and slides
    Make sure the caliper slides move freely and the shims and clips are in place. A sticking slide causes uneven wear and pull.
    medium $ · under about $50
  3. Fluid and lines
    Check level and color. Low fluid means a leak or worn pads. Look at lines and each wheel for wetness.
    easy $ · under about $50
  4. Wheel speed sensors
    ABS or VSC lights often trace to a wheel speed sensor or its wiring. Scan for the code, then check the connector and sensor at that wheel.
    medium $$ · about $50 to $500
  5. ABS actuator
    A failing actuator is costly. Rule out sensors, wiring, fuses and low battery voltage before this.
    hard $$$ · shop-level job, $500+

Applies to: US-market UZJ100 Land Cruiser and Lexus LX 470, 1998 to 2007, with the 2UZ-FE 4.7L V8 (timing belt). AHC items apply to the LX 470 only; most US Land Cruisers have conventional shocks. Transmission is the A343F or A750F depending on year, so check the fluid spec for your truck.

Tools and parts for these checks

Links below are Amazon affiliate links: as an Amazon Associate, toyotadata earns from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Confirm fitment for your exact truck before you order.

ITEMUSED FORBUY
Front brake padsReplacing worn or glazed padsShop on Amazon
Genuine Toyota DOT 3 brake fluidFlushing old fluid; confirm DOT 3 on your reservoir capShop on Amazon
One-person brake bleeder kitBleeding air out of the linesShop on Amazon
Dial indicator with magnetic baseMeasuring rotor runoutShop on Amazon

More 100 Series Land Cruiser / Lexus LX 470 problems

All 15 100 Series Land Cruiser / Lexus LX 470 symptoms in the interactive troubleshooter →

General guidance from owner experience. Confirm torque specs, fluid capacities and procedures in the factory service manual. Brakes, steering and anything structural: if in doubt, have a qualified shop inspect it before driving.