Attempting to bleed with techstream

I've been trying to bleed my system with techstream after swapping my brake booster with one from a tundra. I keep getting a message saying brake bleeding is not available for this vehicle. Has anyone had this issue before? I searched but only found info about being unable to complete the procedure. I can't even start it.

 

Techstream with subscription or bootleg? What version? Double check vehicle input at the beginning

 

I'm using a bootleg version 12.20.024. The correct vehicle is selected.

 

You are a bit behind. I think I am on 18.xxxx. You need to order another Techstream bootleg version. I have had to do this before

 

Okay, I will try upgrading to the latest one. Thanks!

 

Techstream bleeding only works if you have traction control

 

I don’t think you can crack the latest version. 12.0 works on 2nd gen just fine, it’s what was out at the time.

 

Why do you think this is the case? I may be confusing the bleeding function for actuation of the ABS pump.


I updated to the 18.xxx. versions so I could reprogram my wife’s 22 Highlander TPMS. I did have issues with the older version from a couple years ago.

Edit: I was thinking crawl control, my bad. What 2nd gen trucks didn’t come with VSC? I thought they all had ABS.

 

The techstream works to cycle the ABS pumps for traction control,

early models that didn't have VCS or traction control don't have those pumps in the ABS.

 

Interesting. I didn’t know there was any other way to actuate the ABS without a pump. I guess one could just release hydraulic pressure to the wheels that are sliding. Alright, good to know.

 

I bled the brakes the old fashion way and they're still spongy. I thought I had to cycle the ABS pump to get all of the air out. Is that a separate function on techstrem than the bleed function? If that isn't an option for my truck, should I invest in one of those pressurized bleeders?

 

It doesnt look like 2007 has bleed utility even though it has ABS.

You need to bleed the master better, then bleed the lines.

I have a pressure bleeder at work and its 100% not enough to bleed a new master. You have to either bench bleed it. Or do a line bleed at the master.

 

I have only bled with pressure.

Vehicles are generally the same and repair manuals advise to up pressure to 30psi to bleed ABS with or without using a scan tool to cycle it or otherwise.

assuming the reservoir isn’t too weak to handle that such as from age.

 

The trucks with VCS or traction control have aux. pumps in the ABS to computer apply the brakes during a skid or when needed, techstream or another external comp. is used to cycle those pumps to get air out of the ABS module when bleeding.

But you need to be very careful doing so as these pumps overheat easily.

 

One thing I did with a Tundra master was bench bleed at an angle on the master to empty the piston of air. I put it at about 45 degrees. I even parked on an angle after mounting the master to get rid of bubbles in the master while bleeding the lines. It was a pain for me and, NO, techstream didn’t resolve it on its own. This was a second iteration.

 

Bench bleed should be level

 

Why? Purpose is to remove air, before mounting in the vehicle in a somewhat controlled environment. It is irrelevant the orientation of the master cylinder so long as the purpose and intent is achieved. Works for me and has helped others before.

I understand what you are saying and I probably failed to explain well enough.

when I first start bench bleeding I point the end of the cylinder about 20-40 degrees nose down to fill the end of the cylinder with fluid in the first pump and purge air. After it is solid with fluid (usually never more than 2 full strokes) I do then rotate the cyclinder back to the same level as it sits on the firewall of the vehicle.

If I am troubleshooting a tough brake setup and cannot seem to get out all the air I will park the vehicle with the front bumper as low as possible (master sits a bit nose high inside the engine bay). I try to get nose down enough with a small ditch, so I don’t have to remove the cylinder from the firewall.

 

Thanks for the help everyone, I'm going to bench bleed the master cylinder today.

 

Some people crack line connections when bleeding. Never done that.

have installed BMCs and clutch slave normally. Then pressure bled. Can take more time and fluid. Gravity bleeding has its place. So does pressure.

if I was replacing BMC I’d do reservoir while in there because it’s plastic exposed to heat, age, and hydroscopic DOT4