Changing Brake Fluid

Howdy,

I have a ‘19 TRD Off-Road 4x2 and I was wondering if changing the brake fluid is a simple as draining the master cylinder, adding new fluid and then going to each wheel and flushing the fluid out while someone presses the brakes and another person opens and closes the bleeder valves?

This is how I’ve done it in the past but apparently it’s different for the TRD off-roads? I’m no mechanic and I’m learning to do my fluids on the truck to save money. Thank you!

 

I think your plan is right.

 

I use a Motive Pressure Bleeder. A one man job. The problem I have run into when I do the brake pedal method is you might get air into the ABS valves which gives you a soft pedal and hard to get the air out. If this happens you will need a pressure bleeder. If you do buy a pressure bleeder ensure you get a Toyota brake fluid adapter cap.

 

Here is a great video from the Maintenance Map that goes into detail of doing the brake fluid on an Off Road.

https://youtu.be/iAgXYLiIApU?si=y9Av0Erk_xZUKUOW

 

There are test strips that show if you have water in your brake fluid.

Myself I don’t have the inclination to buy the flush tool, the materials then screw around trying to figure out how to do properly the procedure.

I’d rather pay a guy who does this all the time and has the procedure down pat.

 

Considering doing this as well. Also may just have the shop down the street do it. They don’t kill me on service costs

 

do the 2wd ORs not have the electric/hydraulic booster? the pic you posted shows a normal vacuum booster

 

That was part of the reason I was asking was because the video that got posted his reservoir looks different than mine in the beginning when he mentions the TRD off-roads and pro models

 

I think I'll get that mightvac pump he's got in the YouTube video and go from there. It looks pretty straightforward.

 

So one needs a scan tool to change fluid on the TRD and TRD Pro ???

 

From what I understand, not necessarily, as long as you don't introduce any air into the ABS module, you can use the electronic booster to pump new fluid through the system. Techstream is only needed to actuate the ABS valves to allow air to be purged from the module.

The procedure would be to:

1. have an additional container on the fluid reservoir to keep it full.
2. have one person under the vehicle to operate bleeder screws and catch bottles.
3. Have a 2nd person in the truck.
4. turn the ignition to "on" (press PTS button twice to get into acc mode.
5. lightly press on the brake pedal to activate the pump, which will continuosly run until pressure is built in the system.
6. open bleeder screws and allow fluid to be pumped through until new fluid is observed starting at Pass Rear, then driver rear, pass front, and driver front.
7. I would check the reservior between each wheel to make sure there is plenty of fluid for the procedure.

 

If you are changing the fluid completely, I recommend DOT 5.1, same goes for those with clutches, so much better especially when it is below 40°F. No more choppy ABS as well when the drums lockup. ATRAC remains to be tested, but I would like to imagine it would be smoother on the CV in a front wheel off the ground or a completely bogged in sand situation.


DOT 4 LV is also an option.

I used a vacuum evacuator attachment, but you still need to pump the brakes with a vacuum bleeder.

 

Yes, that appears to be the case.

 

Take it to a local auto shop it’s not that expensive to flush out .personally I don’t mess with brakes and fluids for it.

 

that doesnt really save OP any money though

 

Used this brake sequence, pass rear, then driver rear etc. Used a mighty vac and no issues. As mentioned, keep an eye on reservoir so you do not introduce air.

 

So I changed the brake fluid but it seems the brake pedal is a little softer and takes more pressure to engage the brakes.

I drove my wife’s Camry and her brake pedal is noticeably firmer. Should I re-bleed the Tacoma?

I used a pump from Harbor Freight and just pumped the fluid out and added fluid to the master cylinder as I went. I didn’t pump the brakes or anything like that. Possibly air in the system?

 

What Harbor Freight pump did you use? Most likely you have air in the system.

 

Curious if it ever broke suction during the process.