This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the ABS module (hydraulic control unit) on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4, including brake line disconnection, bleeding, and system verification.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• ABS Module (Hydraulic Control Unit) × 1 — Use OEM Toyota part or verify compatibility
• Brake fluid × 1 — DOT 3 specification
• Brake line crush washers × 6 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 1.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and set parking brake firmly
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 90 seconds for airbag system to discharge
3. Locate the ABS module in the engine compartment on the driver's side near the brake master cylinder
4. Place a large drain pan or absorbent pads under the ABS module area to catch brake fluid
5. Have brake line plugs ready to immediately cap lines when disconnected to minimize fluid loss
6. Ensure you have a scan tool capable of ABS actuator cycling for proper bleeding procedure
7. Verify replacement ABS module is correct for your specific VIN and build date

Procedure

1. 1

   Relieve brake system pressure
   With the battery disconnected, pump the brake pedal 20-30 times until it becomes firm and will not depress further. This relieves residual pressure in the ABS accumulator and reduces fluid spillage.
2. 2

   Remove ABS module electrical connectors
   Locate the two electrical connectors on the ABS module. Press the locking tabs and carefully disconnect both connectors. Inspect connector pins for corrosion or damage. Set connectors aside where they will not be contaminated by brake fluid.
3. 3

   Disconnect brake lines from ABS module
   Using a 12mm flare nut wrench, carefully loosen each of the six brake line fittings connected to the ABS module. Work slowly to avoid rounding the soft brass fittings. Once loosened, unthread by hand and immediately cap each line and port with brake line plugs to minimize fluid loss and prevent contamination. Label each line position if they are not obviously different lengths.
   ⚠Use only a flare nut wrench (6-point box wrench) on brake line fittings. Open-end wrenches or adjustable wrenches will round off the soft fittings.
   Torque spec

   Brake Line Fittings15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove ABS module mounting bolts
   Remove the two 10mm mounting bolts securing the ABS module to its bracket. Support the module with one hand as you remove the second bolt, as brake fluid remaining in the unit makes it heavy. Carefully lift the module away from the vehicle and place it in a safe location where brake fluid can drain into a container.
   ℹ️The ABS module will be heavy with residual brake fluid. Have a secure grip before removing the final mounting bolt.
   Torque spec

   ABS Module Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Prepare mounting surface
   Clean the mounting bracket with a wire brush and inspect for corrosion or damage. Wipe clean with a lint-free cloth. Inspect all brake line ends for damage, corrosion, or debris. Ensure the mating surface is clean and free of old brake fluid residue.
6. 6

   Install new ABS module
   Position the new ABS module onto the mounting bracket. Install both mounting bolts finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment. Torque both bolts to specification in a cross pattern. Verify the module is seated properly against the bracket before proceeding.
   ⚠Do not over-torque ABS module mounting bolts. The module housing can crack if excessive torque is applied.
   Torque spec

   ABS Module Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Connect brake lines to ABS module
   Remove plugs from brake lines and ABS module ports immediately before connection. Install NEW crush washers on each brake line fitting. Thread each brake line fitting into the ABS module by hand to ensure proper engagement and prevent cross-threading. Once all fittings are hand-tight, use a flare nut wrench to torque each fitting to specification. Follow a cross pattern when tightening multiple lines.
   ⚠Always replace brake line crush washers. Reusing old washers can cause leaks and brake failure.
   ⚠Thread fittings by hand first. If resistance is felt, stop and verify proper alignment to prevent cross-threading.
   Torque spec

   Brake Line Fittings15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reconnect electrical connectors
   Reconnect both electrical connectors to the ABS module. Ensure each connector locks fully with an audible click. Gently tug on each connector to verify it is secure.
9. 9

   Reconnect battery and initialize system
   Reconnect the negative battery cable. Turn ignition to ON position (do not start engine). Verify the ABS warning light illuminates then extinguishes after approximately 3-5 seconds. If the light remains on, there may be a programming or initialization requirement. Some replacement modules require dealer-level scan tool initialization.
   ℹ️If ABS light remains illuminated after 10 seconds, consult dealer service or verify module programming requirements before proceeding.
10. 10

    Fill brake fluid reservoir
    Check brake fluid reservoir level and fill to MAX line with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid from a sealed container. Do not reuse old brake fluid. Keep reservoir topped off throughout the bleeding process.
11. 11

    Manual brake bleeding sequence
    Bleed brakes in this order: right rear, left rear, right front, left front. At each wheel, attach a clear hose to the bleeder valve and submerge the other end in clean brake fluid. Have an assistant pump the brake pedal 3-5 times and hold pressure. Open bleeder valve for 1-2 seconds, close valve, then release pedal. Repeat until no air bubbles appear. Keep reservoir full throughout process.
    ⚠Never allow brake fluid reservoir to run dry during bleeding or you will introduce more air into the system.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
12. 12

    ABS actuator bleeding with scan tool
    Connect scan tool and navigate to ABS bleeding function. Follow scan tool prompts to cycle ABS solenoids and pump. This typically involves activating each valve while bleeding at the wheels. Repeat the manual bleeding sequence at each wheel while the scan tool cycles the ABS actuators. This step is ESSENTIAL and cannot be skipped - manual bleeding alone will not remove air trapped in the ABS module.
    ⚠️ABS actuator bleeding with a scan tool is MANDATORY. Skipping this step will leave air in the ABS module, causing brake failure during ABS activation.
13. 13

    Final brake fluid level check
    Top off brake fluid reservoir to MAX line. Wipe away any spilled brake fluid with a damp cloth immediately to prevent paint damage. Inspect all brake line connections at the ABS module for leaks. Check bleeder screws are tight.

Reassembly

1. Double-check all brake line fittings are torqued to specification
2. Verify both electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
3. Confirm brake fluid reservoir is at proper level
4. Clean any brake fluid spills from painted surfaces immediately

Verification

• With engine off, pump brake pedal several times. Pedal should become firm and hold pressure. Spongy pedal indicates remaining air in system
• Start engine and verify ABS warning light extinguishes within 5 seconds
• With engine running, press brake pedal firmly and hold for 30 seconds. Pedal should not sink or feel spongy
• Check all brake line connections at ABS module for leaks while assistant holds brake pedal
• Perform a low-speed test drive in a safe area. Test normal braking at 10-15 mph to verify proper operation
• Perform ABS activation test at low speed (15-20 mph) on dry pavement by firmly applying brakes. ABS should activate with pulsing pedal feel. If pedal goes to floor or braking is weak, DO NOT DRIVE - rebleed system
• Scan for ABS trouble codes. Clear any stored codes and verify no new codes appear after test drive
• Recheck brake fluid level after test drive and top off if needed
• Schedule a follow-up inspection after 50-100 miles to recheck fluid level and inspect for leaks

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