Replace the front brake hose on a 2012-2017 Toyota Camry, connecting the brake line to the caliper and ensuring proper bleeding of the brake system.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front brake hose × 1 — Use OEM specification for 2012-2017 Camry
• Copper crush washers for banjo bolt × 2 — Two washers per banjo connection

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and verify transmission is in Park with parking brake engaged
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/2 turn while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support on jack stands at manufacturer-designated lift points
4. Remove front wheel completely on side being serviced
5. Open brake fluid reservoir cap to relieve pressure (leave cap loose but covering opening to prevent contamination)
6. Place brake fluid catch container under work area to capture spillage
7. Clean brake hose connection points with wire brush to remove corrosion if present

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake hose from caliper
   Using a 14mm box-end wrench, hold the banjo bolt at the caliper while positioning the catch container below. Unscrew and remove the banjo bolt completely. Immediately plug or cap the caliper port with a clean rag to minimize fluid loss. Remove and discard both copper crush washers from the banjo fitting. Allow fluid to drain into container.
2. 2

   Disconnect brake hose from bracket
   Locate the brake hose bracket mounted to the strut assembly. Use a 10mm wrench to remove the bracket clip or bolt securing the brake hose to the bracket. Carefully slide the brake hose out of the bracket, noting its orientation and routing path for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Disconnect brake hose from brake line
   Using a 10mm flare nut wrench on the brake line fitting and a 17mm wrench to hold the brake hose end, carefully loosen and separate the connection. Use the flare nut wrench to prevent rounding of the soft brake line fitting. Allow remaining fluid to drain into container. Inspect the metal brake line threads for damage.
   ⚠Use a proper flare nut wrench to prevent stripping the brake line fitting. If fitting is rounded or damaged, the entire brake line must be replaced.
4. 4

   Remove old brake hose
   Remove the brake hose completely from the vehicle. Inspect the routing path and note any clips or guides. Check that no additional fasteners are securing the hose. Verify the new brake hose matches the old hose in length and fitting configuration before proceeding.
5. 5

   Install new brake hose to bracket
   Route the new brake hose through the same path as the original, ensuring it will not contact suspension components or the tire. Insert the hose into the strut bracket in the correct orientation. Install the bracket clip or bolt and torque to specification. Ensure the hose is positioned to prevent twisting.
   Torque spec

   Brake Hose Bracket10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Connect brake hose to brake line
   Thread the new brake hose onto the metal brake line fitting by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement. Use the 10mm flare nut wrench to tighten the connection while holding the brake hose end with the 17mm wrench. Tighten firmly but do not overtighten the flare fitting.
   ⚠Cross-threading this connection will destroy the brake line. Thread by hand first and ensure smooth engagement before using wrenches.
7. 7

   Install banjo bolt to caliper
   Install one NEW copper crush washer onto the banjo fitting of the brake hose. Insert the banjo fitting into the caliper inlet port. Place the second NEW copper crush washer on top. Thread the banjo bolt by hand to ensure proper alignment. Verify the brake hose is not twisted and routes naturally. Torque the banjo bolt to specification.
   ⚠️CRITICAL: Must use NEW copper crush washers. Reused washers will leak and cause brake failure. Install one washer on each side of the banjo fitting.
   Torque spec

   Brake Hose Banjo Bolt25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Verify hose routing and clearance
   Before bleeding, turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock while observing the brake hose. Verify the hose does not contact the tire, wheel, suspension components, or frame at any point in the steering range. Verify the hose is not kinked or twisted. Bounce the suspension to check clearance during compression and extension.
   ⚠️Improper hose routing can cause hose failure and complete brake loss. Hose must have clearance through full suspension and steering travel.
9. 9

   Refill brake fluid reservoir
   Fill the brake fluid reservoir to the MAX line with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid. Keep the reservoir topped off throughout the bleeding process to prevent air from entering the system.
10. 10

    Bleed the brake caliper
    Locate the bleeder screw on the back of the caliper. Attach a clear hose to the bleeder screw and submerge the other end in a container with clean brake fluid. Have an assistant pump the brake pedal 3-5 times and hold pressure. Open the bleeder screw 1/2 turn, allowing fluid and air to escape. Close the bleeder screw before pedal reaches the floor. Repeat until no air bubbles appear in the hose and fluid runs clear. Check reservoir level frequently and refill as needed. Final tighten bleeder screw to specification.
    ⚠Never let the brake fluid reservoir go empty during bleeding. Air entering the ABS hydraulic unit requires special scan tool procedures to remove.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel
    Clean the wheel hub surface and mounting face of the wheel. Install the wheel and thread lug nuts by hand to ensure proper seating. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to snug. Lower vehicle to ground and torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Fill brake fluid reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid
2. Wipe any spilled brake fluid from components and wash affected painted surfaces immediately with water
3. Securely install reservoir cap
4. Dispose of old brake fluid and copper washers according to local regulations

Verification

• With engine off, pump brake pedal multiple times. Pedal should become firm and hold pressure without sinking
• Start engine and verify brake pedal remains firm and does not sink to floor under sustained pressure
• Inspect all connection points (banjo bolt, flare fitting, and bleeder screw) for any signs of brake fluid leakage
• Test drive in safe area at low speed, verifying normal brake operation and proper pedal feel before returning to normal driving
• After test drive, re-inspect all connections for leaks and verify brake fluid reservoir level is at MAX line
• Turn steering wheel lock-to-lock with vehicle stationary and verify no contact between brake hose and other components
• Recheck lug nut torque after first 50 miles of driving

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