Brake Pedal Very Hard To Depress In Startup

[BrianP]

Hi all, I have a 2007 ES 350. In the past couple of weeks, I've had a problem where the brake pedal is very hard to depress when starting the car. It only happens when the car has been sitting for several hours and once the car is started, it is OK. I've brought it to the dealership and they can't find anything wrong. Has anyone ever heard of this?

Thanks.

Brian

[bearone]

Sounds like it could be a vaccum leak.

[BrianP]

Thanks. Lexus changed the vacuum assembly, and it seemed to be better, but still had the problem occasionally. Today they changed the vacuum booster. Hopefully that does it ... (and thankfully it was covered by the extended warranty!).

Brian

[KBRX330]

All of my Toyotas do it. Normal.

[staj14]

My 2007 es 350 had the exact same issue. Stiff brake pedal. Most times it would start however it began to worsen and take 3 or 4 times before it would turn over. I just purchased a 2014 es 350 and after a week of driving it I have the experienced this again. On the tenth day of driving it wouldn't start! Its back in the dealership for a week now and they haven't duplicated the problem. By the way, they finally replaced the brake booster in my 2007. If anyone else has information, I would appreciate it. I am not happy to be dealing with this again

[KBRX330]

Try this: Don't depress the pedal very far just rest your foot on it until the light on the igniion button turns green. Then push the button. You might also try replacing the battery in your key fob.

[BrianP]

They first replaced my vaccuum assembly (didn't work) and then replaced the booster and that did it. I haven't had the problem since. FWIW, one thing that they did mention is that if you depress the brake pedal when the car is off and don't start it, you may have this problem the next time you start it. I doubt you're doing that, but I mention it just in case.