zigenfiver Posted March 30, 2004 Share Posted March 30, 2004 I have an 92 LS400 and the rear brakes are not working. I was told it could be the proportioning valve for the braking system, and that it could only be bought at the dealer. Has anyone encountered this problem before? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VBdenny Posted March 30, 2004 Share Posted March 30, 2004 I did have a problem with my rear brakes, but it was due to the caliper sticking. As these calipers get old, the tend to hang up. In your case with them not working, it probably is either the proposioning valve or somehow you have air trapped in your lines. My first step would be to bleed the rear brakes to see if any fluid is being pushed. If it is, it is probably weak calipers. If not, then it is something with the valve. I have never seen many proportioning valves go bad as they are fairly simple. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zigenfiver Posted March 30, 2004 Author Share Posted March 30, 2004 I did have a problem with my rear brakes, but it was due to the caliper sticking. As these calipers get old, the tend to hang up. In your case with them not working, it probably is either the proposioning valve or somehow you have air trapped in your lines.My first step would be to bleed the rear brakes to see if any fluid is being pushed. If it is, it is probably weak calipers. If not, then it is something with the valve. I have never seen many proportioning valves go bad as they are fairly simple. Thanks for the advice! I had a feeling it may be the calipers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VBdenny Posted March 30, 2004 Share Posted March 30, 2004 I would still bleed them first as it is NOT that common for calipers to stick open, they usually stick closed against the rotor. If you determine it is the calipers, I can tell you where to get them and send you a pictorial (PDF) on how to change them. It is really easy. email me if you want the information. Before you assume it is anything else, and above all, check to make sure the pads are not excessively worn. It might be that youyr brake pads are glazed over and just not working well. I have also seen cases (though not on Lexus) where the front calipers leak small amounts of brake fluid and when that happens, whoa watch out, they really grab. Diagnose carefully, fix once. Denny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zigenfiver Posted May 18, 2004 Author Share Posted May 18, 2004 I would still bleed them first as it is NOT that common for calipers to stick open, they usually stick closed against the rotor.If you determine it is the calipers, I can tell you where to get them and send you a pictorial (PDF) on how to change them. It is really easy. email me if you want the information. Before you assume it is anything else, and above all, check to make sure the pads are not excessively worn. It might be that youyr brake pads are glazed over and just not working well. I have also seen cases (though not on Lexus) where the front calipers leak small amounts of brake fluid and when that happens, whoa watch out, they really grab. Diagnose carefully, fix once. Denny Denny, could you let me know where to find calipers and also send me the PDF file on how to install them. Thanks. My E-mail is zigenfiver@aol.com. Tommy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jzz30 Posted May 18, 2004 Share Posted May 18, 2004 how do you know your rears arent working? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zigenfiver Posted May 19, 2004 Author Share Posted May 19, 2004 how do you know your rears arent working? Allied Tires told me my rear calipers aren't working plus I looked at the rotor and it has rust on it, like the pads have not been touching the rotor. Could it be the brake lines, proportioning valve, or Master cylinder????? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jzz30 Posted May 20, 2004 Share Posted May 20, 2004 ahhh that would explain it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKperformance Posted May 20, 2004 Share Posted May 20, 2004 i would say it is the proporting valve but there isn't anything magical in there i would take it out and clean t up before buying a new one. Or atleast try and push the pistons back in the calipers to help remove the blockage. Hopefully it isnlt in the abs system. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zigenfiver Posted October 6, 2004 Author Share Posted October 6, 2004 i would say it is the proporting valve but there isn't anything magical in there i would take it out and clean t up before buying a new one. Or atleast try and push the pistons back in the calipers to help remove the blockage. Hopefully it isnlt in the abs system. ← Fluid is getting blocked at the Proportioning valve. How hard are they to take out and re-install? Does anyone have any tips? I found a used one for $50. Dealer wants $350. Should I give it a shot doing it myself? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SRK Posted October 6, 2004 Share Posted October 6, 2004 If both rotors are rusted then it is the proportioning valve, but if only one, then that caliper is seized. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
90LS400Lexus Posted October 6, 2004 Share Posted October 6, 2004 Could that be the problem on my car? Most recently, when the roads are wet, the ABS activates very often. Much more than it used to. Also too, when I slow down from highway speeds, the front brakes will make a "growling" sound, but the pads are virtually new. Perhaps too much work going to the fronts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wwest Posted October 7, 2004 Share Posted October 7, 2004 If you have traction control... There is a single electrically operated valve in the trunk that releases and applies brake pressure to prevent wheelspin. If that valve is stuck in the open position....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilmckeever Posted April 5, 2022 Share Posted April 5, 2022 Hi All I have a ls400 90 and back brakes are not working, No air in the system new shoes fitted all look good, front brakes are 100% working any ideas what it is ? proportioning valve? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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