3rd Gen Brake Flush for TRD OR/PRO

Hello everyone. Sorry if this is another repetitive post but i have been searching all over the internet and so far read mixed comments regarding brake flushes for 3rd gen tacomas TRD OR/Pro. i have a 2018 Trd Pro and i came across forums/videos that for TRDs you need a scan tool to do the brake flush. However, i have read some forums and seen a video saying that you dont need a scan tool and can use to ABS pump to do the rears. I have even been told by a mechanic who use to work at toyota for many years that you dont need it. So has anyone did their brake flush without the scan tool for these models? I even came across this video? Seems straight forward.

https://youtube.com/shorts/RLDnFs-t-uc?si=89Da_JEpU0K2ddKZ

Thank you!

 

Here is a video from the 3rd Gen Maintenance Map. I like Team Oil Drop’s videos.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAgXYLiIApU

 

I just had the shop bleed and flush the system the old fashioned way when I had brakes done. The abs system really only needs to be cycled if you've got a ton of air.

If you replace what's in the master cylinder and flush the lines till new fluid comes through you've got 99% of it swapped out.

 

The fronts bleed like normal brakes. The rears do not but they are super easy. The rears are brake by wire, meaning when you press the pedal, a pump turns on and sends brake fluid to the rear, and how much you press the pedal doesn’t affect that. So to bleed the rears, you just turn the key on, open the bleeder, helper presses the pedal, you let it bleed until no air, and close the bleeder. Then helper lets off the pedal.

I think the front needs the key on for the pump to pressurize, but you could probably bleed without turning the key on.

 

@TA2016 i love team oil drips vids. i actually do all my maintenance using his videos. i was going to use this video and then i was told by other people including previous toyota mechanics and saw forums saying you dont need the scan tool and can just use the ABS pump. so im just like...do i need to buy a scan tool or can i just use the abs pump in the video i posted?

 

thanks @BLtheP that process is just like the video i mentioned. have you tried this method? i just dont want to buy a the scan tool just for one thing unless i really need to.

 

I haven’t done the front but I have done the rear because I’ve disassembled the lines a few times. The rear works perfectly. The front seems to be like normal brakes…the pedal controls actuation and so you just need to do the normal 2 man method. The FSM pretty much says the same too.

 

I believe techstream is only needed if you get air into the lines and the ABS system starts to malfunction. The video posted by the OP would be the easiest way on a OR. The only further recommendations I would give is suck out and replace with new fluid in the reservoir before starting (don't cheap out on this), and submerge the bleed tube ends in brake fluid to prevent air traveling up them.

 

thanks @pinem56 yeah its actually the only video i found on someone doing a TRD OR/PRO trim without a scan tool haha. i may try it.

 

I recently replaced pads and rotors on the front of my Tacoma and took it to Brakes Plus to have them flush the fluid and replace. I also have a TRD Off Road and wasn't exactly sure about the process so I decided to just have the shop do the work.

On a side note, the pedal is very firm on my Tacoma, much firmer than either one of my 4Runner's. I had the tech inspect the brake lines and check caliper function but they stated the brakes were functioning properly and that the firmess was normal. Not sure if others feel the brake pedal is firmer than other vehicles they own so I'm just curious. The brakes work fantastic, and it's not like I'm stomping on them to get the truck to stop. It's just I was surprised at how little pedal depression is needed.

 

Not sure what year 4Runners you're comparing to, but if you're comparing to 2010+, they have larger calipers which means the pedal has to travel further for the same amount of fluid flow compared to the Tacoma. So the Tacoma ends up having a firmer pedal. If it's an older 03-09 4Runner then it should feel about the same.

 

Thanks for the explanation. I have two 5th gen 4Runners along with the 3rd gen Tacoma which is how I noticed the difference

 

Yeah, definitely a significant difference between the 5Gs and the 3rd gen Tacomas. The 4Runners have better brakes, but a much softer pedal. They all use the same size hydraulic brake booster if equipped, but are driving different sized calipers which changes the feel.

 

When I first test drove the Tacoma I was like "what is wrong with the brakes" lol. The previous owner had the rotors resurfaced and new pads installed a couple of years before so I thought maybe the fluid was bad or a stuck caliper or something. I went ahead and put on new rotors and pads plus the brake flush just because I like doing all the maintenance when I buy a new-to-me vehicle, so I should be good to go for a few years.

 

Yeah, I drive the SR5 and Pro 3rd gens …
There was a learning curve with the Pro brakes ….especially 1st time off road. My wife really struggled with the Pro brakes (she drives an RDX). All is good now and Pro brakes feel naturual now.