Brake Bleed / Changing Brake Fluid

Anyone done this on a gen 2? It looks straightforward, but I don't like gotchas. I'm going with the old 2 person pump the pedal mode.

 

I don't think it's any different than any other vehicle.

That's on my to-do list for the taco. My fluid is getting a little dark.

 

Did it a few weeks ago. Just worked from furthest to closest and that was about it.
Nothing to it.

 

Piece of cake on almost any vehicle. I do remove each wheel to get a better view of the bleed valve. I did my 4Runner last month and actually found that the place that did my master cylinder let air in the line. No more squishy brakes now.

Just have a helper press on the brakes as you open the valve. When they say 'bottom' lightly close the valve and let pedal go back up. About every 10 "pumps" check the fluid level in the brake reservoir and add more clean fluid.

I do wish there was a dye you could add to your bottle of DOT 3 so you can tell if you've flushed it all out. If there is I would be interested to know where I can purchase some.

 

ATE makes some DOT 4 brake fluid in at least two colors, blue and amber. The blue is called "Super Blue" and the amber is called TYP 200. They have the same specs, just different colors.

http://www.raceshopper.com/ate_brake_fluid.shtml

 

I've read somewhere on this forum that bleeding the newer models with brake boosters/ABS can cause severe brake problems. I know even chris4X4 was concerned about this.

Anybody can add something to that???

 

Do not turn the key on when you do it, and when your done, pump the pedal until its real firm before you turn the key on.

 

I had already started the job last night before I saw this. The ABS added a bit of complexity, but I had run into a twist with the ABS on my wife's car. The solution wasn't the same for both cars, but it at least sent me down the right path.

I can't tell you how Toyota recommends doing the job, but I can tell you about what I did and I believe it was successful. The first time I opened the bleeder valve on the right rear, fluid came out normally but my wife noted that the pedal did not sink. I tried it again and the pressure on the fluid started to drop. I closed everything up, looked around and all was normal so I had her turn the key on to cycle the ABS pump. After several attempts I figured out this process:

I had her turn the key on but not start the truck. I would have her press and hold the pedal. Once I opened the bleeder, the pump would start and maintain pressure as the fluid flowed. The pedal would not sink. Pretty soon it had pushed through most of the old fluid and I topped it with new and went back in for another round until I saw the new fluid come out at the rear (the new fluid was slightly more clear).

I did the same on the left rear but instead of draining the entire reservoir, I only ran until the new fluid came through.

The fronts bled normally.

Pedal is firm and the fluid is new and I got an opprtunity to try out a panic stop on the way into work today thanks to someone not paying attention


Also, I will chime in on the colored fluid as I have done some research from another vehicle. ATE does make the blue and amber dot 4 but it is expensive and hard to find so online ordering is the only option that I know of for most. If you have a race shop nearby, they may be able to get it for you. The blue is really designed for people who change their fluid regularly (racers and such) as normal brake fluid darkens with moisture contamination and is an indicator of a problem/ old fluid. With the blue dye, you lose that feature. Also, I have heard that running the blue on the street is illegal in Florida (I have not confirmed) probably for the contamination reason so if you are concerned, you may want to check local law.

 

Nice addition. That is basically the procedure I used but their write up is nicer and includes more complex situations. I am glad that it is Toyota approved. I wish I would remember that site is out there!

 

And what about the ABS syst? leave it alone? I've done this job before but with all the electronic crap on these vehicles...Whacha say?

 

never mind....found the answer above.

 

READ post 13 LOL

 

ATE Super Blue is a performance brake fluid...If you like bleeding your brakes great then use this stuff...bc it only last 6 or so months and tben you will have a spongey pedal...otherwise what the owners manual calls for is perfectly fine for most people

 

Why do you say that? What is your evidence? The fluid is design to last 3 years, so your 6 month estimate is hard to believe. Also, I've never heard of a spongy pedal being blamed on bad fluid. Sounds like you have a leak allowing air in the system, not a fluid issue.

Plenty of people use it just fine.

 

What size wrench did you use for the bleeder valves? Wanna make sure i have the right one to do the job.

 

Dredging up this thread....anyone happen to know the size of wrench used for brake fluid plug/valve-thing?

 

I used a 10mm wrench for the bleeders IIRC.

 

How many pints of Brake fluid for a FULL FLUSH ???? A real good FLUSH !

 

A 1-1.5 liters will get you a real good flush. I used a liter FWIW.

 

Are there any manual brake pressure bleeders out there for 2015 Tacoma's? I thought i read the difficult is the cap isn't the same as a domestic or German. Seems less mess than vacuum bleeder.