Our 2003 ES 300 has 13,000 miles. While my wife was left front break seized up and the wheel began smoking while going 30 MPH (Thankfully she was only going 30 MPH). The Lexus dealership says the break fluid is contaminated and the entire break system (hoses, valves, calipers, pads, master cylinder, etc.) need to be replaced at a cost of $5,200 plus tax. My non-Lexus mechanic tells me replacing everything is not necessary. He would inspect the system and replace parts as needed.
The dealership says none of this is covered by the warranty because they believe the contamination is oil. The warranty is void if fluids other than those recommended in the owner's manual are used. We don't have a full service history on the car as we bought it in an insurance company stolen car auction. However, they Lexus dealership was able tell us the car had the 6,000 mile service.
I have researched brake fluid contamination. Everything I read tells me the most likely source of the contamination is water, not oil. My research indicates the oil would cause various parts to deteriorate almost immediately. We had the car for 6 weeks with no signs of brake trouble. Also, the car sat for over 4 months on the insurance company's lot.
We have appealed the dealership's decision with a regional Lexus service rep. Has anyone had to deal with this type of situation before? We don't want to take it elsewhere for fear that Lexus will not pay for the repairs if they are done elsewhere.
I have read about services that can analyze brake fluid to determine the source of the contamination. But, by the time we get the kit to do the extraction, send it off to the service and get the results it could be 6 - 8 days. Meanwhile, we are paying for a rental car.
Any thoughts, advice would be appreciated.