The brake actuator assembly has failed on my 2008 Lexus. The Dealer wants $2200 to replace it. It looks like it would be simple enough to change, and a new unit cost $1100. or used units go for half that. All the independent shops say it would have to be reprogrammed and they won't work on it. Is this the truth? Anybody got advice? By the way it runs and brakes just fine but the dash is lit up like a Christmas tree.

What model and engine size?

I don’t know where you’re located. If you feel comfortable doing the nuts and bolts and confident in your diagnosis, there are companies that do mobile programming of modules. AS-tech is one that is nationwide.

Keep the suggestions coming, $2200 is a chunk of money. it is a 460LS with 4.6liter V8. The dealer made the diagnosis.

Layton Curtis Wrote:
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> Keep the suggestions coming, $2200 is a chunk of
> money. it is a 460LS with 4.6liter V8. The dealer
> made the diagnosis.

That doesn’t always mean a correct diagnosis. My experience with dealer techs is that unless it is a very common problem or one addressed by a repair bulletin that they are often guessing just like everyone else.

My other experience with dealer techs is that since they work flat rate they aren’t really interested in exploring. Often when they see an older car they see a comeback nightmare. The game becomes how fast can they come up with a believeable repair that will exceed the customers budget so they don’t get stuck with a money losing repair.

If you paid a “diagnostic fee” of roughly one hour of labor then you got the scanner plugged in and probably not much else. This probably pointed to the ABS module. I doubt you got any point to point wiring checks or any other kind of diagnosis.

My point is take the diagnosis with a grain of salt. Yes the brake module may not be working but is it a fuse, corroded plug, broken wire, abs sensor...

Thanks for that last bit of info. I will follow up on that.