This procedure removes air from the brake hydraulic system by bleeding all four brake calipers in the correct sequence, ensuring proper brake pedal feel and stopping performance.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels (or front if starting with rear)
3. Open hood and locate brake fluid reservoir on driver's side firewall
4. Check brake fluid level and condition - fluid should be clear to light amber, not dark or contaminated
5. Using turkey baster or extractor, remove old fluid from reservoir until at minimum line (optional but recommended for fluid exchange)
6. Fill reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid
7. Raise vehicle and support securely on four jack stands at proper jacking points
8. Remove all four wheels to access brake calipers
9. Prepare catch bottle with 6-12 inches of clear tubing attached

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate bleeder screws on all four calipers
   Identify the bleeder screw location on each caliper. On the front calipers, the bleeder screw is located on the inboard side near the top. On the rear calipers, the bleeder screw is on the top or rear of the caliper body. Clean area around each bleeder screw with brake cleaner to prevent dirt contamination.
2. 2

   Begin with right rear caliper
   Toyota bleeding sequence is: Right Rear → Left Rear → Right Front → Left Front (furthest from master cylinder to closest). Locate the bleeder screw on the right rear caliper. Place the 10mm box wrench on the bleeder screw. Attach one end of clear plastic tubing to the bleeder screw and submerge the other end in your catch bottle with a small amount of clean brake fluid to prevent air from being sucked back.
3. 3

   Bleed right rear caliper
   Have an assistant press the brake pedal slowly and firmly to the floor. Once pedal is at the floor, open bleeder screw 1/4 to 1/2 turn. Observe fluid and air bubbles flowing through the clear tubing. When flow stops, close bleeder screw BEFORE assistant releases pedal. Assistant then releases pedal completely. Repeat this process 5-10 times until no air bubbles appear in tubing and only clean fluid flows. Check reservoir level after every 3-4 pumps and refill to MAX line as needed.
   ⚠️Bleeder screw MUST be closed before assistant releases brake pedal, or air will be drawn back into the system.
   ⚠️Monitor reservoir constantly. If it runs dry, stop immediately and refill before continuing.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Bleed left rear caliper
   Move to the left rear caliper and repeat the bleeding process. Attach tubing to bleeder screw, have assistant pump pedal to floor, open bleeder screw, observe fluid flow, close bleeder before pedal release. Continue until no air bubbles appear. Top off reservoir as needed.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Bleed right front caliper
   Move to the right front caliper and repeat the bleeding process. The front calipers typically require more pumps due to longer brake lines from the master cylinder. Continue bleeding until fluid runs clear with no air bubbles. Check reservoir level frequently and maintain above MIN line.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Bleed left front caliper
   Complete the bleeding sequence at the left front caliper. This is the closest wheel to the master cylinder and should be bled last. Repeat bleeding process until absolutely no air bubbles appear and only clean, clear fluid flows through tubing. This final caliper ensures the entire system is purged of air.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Final reservoir fill and inspection
   Fill brake fluid reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 3 fluid. Inspect all four bleeder screws for proper tightness - they should be snug but not over-torqued (7 lb-ft). Wipe away any spilled brake fluid from calipers and surrounding areas with clean rags. Check all brake lines and connections for leaks.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reinstall wheels
   Reinstall all four wheels, threading lug nuts by hand first to prevent cross-threading. Tighten lug nuts in star pattern to specification using torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Lower vehicle and perform pedal test
   Carefully lower vehicle from jack stands to ground. With engine OFF, pump brake pedal 15-20 times. Pedal should become firm and hold pressure. If pedal feels spongy or sinks to floor, air remains in system and bleeding must be repeated. Check reservoir level one final time and adjust to MAX line.
   ⚠️Do NOT drive vehicle if brake pedal feels soft, spongy, or sinks to the floor. This indicates air in the system or other brake system failure.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all bleeder screws are tightened to 7 lb-ft and not leaking
2. Verify brake fluid reservoir is filled to MAX line with cap securely installed
3. Double-check all wheel lug nuts are torqued to 103 lb-ft in star pattern
4. Clean any brake fluid residue from wheels, calipers, and painted surfaces

Verification

• With engine off, pump brake pedal multiple times - it should feel firm and not sink to the floor
• Start engine and verify brake pedal height does not drop significantly
• Check brake fluid reservoir level is at MAX line
• Test drive in safe area at low speed - brakes should engage smoothly and firmly without pulling to either side
• Perform several moderate stops from 25-30 mph to verify proper brake response
• Inspect ground under vehicle after test drive for any brake fluid leaks
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving
• If ABS or brake warning light illuminates, or if pedal feel is not firm, do NOT drive vehicle and seek professional diagnosis immediately

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