Replace the front brake hose connecting the brake line to the caliper, including bleeding the brake system to restore proper brake function.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front brake hose (driver or passenger side) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Copper crush washers for banjo bolt × 2 — 90430-17011 or equivalent
• Brake hose retaining clip (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack at designated lift point
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands - never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack
6. Remove front wheel completely on the side being serviced
7. Clean brake master cylinder reservoir cap area and check fluid level - mark current level
8. Take clear photos of brake hose routing, bracket position, and connections for reference during reassembly
9. Apply penetrating oil to banjo bolt and line fittings if corrosion is present - allow 10 minutes to penetrate

Procedure

1. 1

   Prepare for fluid loss
   Place drain pan under the brake caliper and hose connection area. Use a turkey baster or fluid pump to remove approximately half the brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir to prevent overflow when the system is opened. Dispose of old brake fluid properly - do not reuse.
2. 2

   Disconnect brake hose from caliper
   Locate the banjo bolt connecting the brake hose to the caliper. Using a combination wrench, hold the brake hose fitting steady while loosening the banjo bolt counterclockwise. Remove the banjo bolt completely. Note that there is one copper crush washer on each side of the fitting (2 total). Remove the brake hose from the caliper and immediately plug the caliper port with a clean rubber cap or wrap with plastic and tape to minimize fluid loss and prevent contamination. Dispose of the old copper washers - these must not be reused.
   ⚠Brake fluid will begin draining immediately upon loosening the banjo bolt. Have drain pan positioned to catch fluid.
3. 3

   Disconnect brake line from brake hose
   Locate where the flexible brake hose connects to the rigid brake line at the frame bracket. Using a line wrench (flare nut wrench), carefully loosen the fitting at the brake line connection. A line wrench is critical here to prevent rounding off the soft steel fitting. Once loose, unthread the fitting by hand. Cap or plug the open brake line end immediately to prevent fluid loss and contamination.
   ⚠Use only a line wrench (flare nut wrench) on brake line fittings. Standard open-end wrenches will round off the soft steel fittings and cause expensive line replacement.
4. 4

   Remove brake hose from bracket
   Remove the retaining clip or bolt securing the brake hose to the frame bracket. On 2018-2024 Camry models, this is typically a spring clip that can be pulled out with pliers, or a small bolt. Carefully pull the brake hose through the bracket. Inspect the bracket for damage or corrosion. If the clip is damaged, replace it with a new one.
5. 5

   Inspect and prepare new brake hose
   Compare the new brake hose to the old one to verify correct part. Check that the hose length, fitting types, and bracket mounting style match exactly. Inspect the new hose for any damage or defects. Unwrap two new copper crush washers from their packaging. Do not touch the sealing surfaces of the washers - keep them clean.
6. 6

   Install new brake hose to bracket
   Route the new brake hose through the frame bracket in the same orientation as the original (refer to photos taken during disassembly). Ensure the hose is not twisted or kinked. Install the retaining clip or bracket bolt. The hose must be able to move slightly within the bracket but be securely retained. Verify the hose routing allows full steering travel without binding or stretching.
   ⚠Brake hose routing is critical. The hose must not contact suspension components, the tire, or any moving parts through full steering and suspension travel. Incorrect routing can cause hose damage and brake failure.
   Torque spec

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

   Connect brake line to new brake hose
   Remove the plug or cap from the brake line. Thread the brake line fitting into the new brake hose by hand to start the threads. Ensure it threads smoothly without resistance - cross-threading will damage the fitting. Once hand-tight, use a line wrench to tighten the fitting to specification. Do not overtighten as this can damage the soft steel fitting or crack the hose fitting.
   ⚠Start all threaded fittings by hand to prevent cross-threading. If resistance is felt, stop and verify proper thread engagement.
   Torque spec

   Line Fittings20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Connect brake hose to caliper with new washers
   Remove the plug from the caliper port. Place one new copper crush washer onto the banjo fitting of the brake hose, then insert the banjo fitting into the caliper port. Place the second new copper crush washer on the outside, then insert the banjo bolt through both washers and the fitting. Thread the banjo bolt by hand until it seats, then torque to specification. Position the hose so it has slight slack and proper orientation before final tightening.
   ⚠️New copper crush washers are mandatory on both sides of the banjo fitting. Reusing old washers will result in brake fluid leaks and potential brake failure.
   Torque spec

   Brake Hose Banjo Bolt25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Verify hose routing and clearances
   Before bleeding, verify proper brake hose installation. The hose should have slight slack with no tension or sharp bends. Turn the steering wheel fully lock-to-lock and verify the brake hose does not contact the tire, wheel, suspension components, or reach maximum extension. Bounce the suspension and verify no contact occurs. Correct any routing issues now before bleeding the system.
10. 10

    Bleed the brake caliper
    Fill the master cylinder reservoir to the MAX line with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid from a sealed container. Locate the bleeder screw on the back of the caliper. Place a box-end wrench on the bleeder screw and attach clear tubing to the bleeder nipple with the other end submerged in clean brake fluid in a container. Have an assistant slowly press the brake pedal to the floor and hold. Open the bleeder screw 1/2 to 3/4 turn - fluid and air will flow out. Close the bleeder screw before the pedal reaches the floor, then have the assistant release the pedal slowly. Repeat this process until only clear, bubble-free brake fluid emerges. Check and refill the master cylinder reservoir frequently - never let it run dry or air will enter the ABS system.
    ⚠️Never allow the master cylinder reservoir to run empty during bleeding or air will enter the ABS hydraulic unit, requiring extensive bleeding or professional scan tool bleeding procedures.
    ⚠The brake pedal must not be released while the bleeder screw is open or air will be drawn back into the system.
    Torque spec

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

    Check for leaks
    With the bleeder screw closed, have an assistant apply firm, steady pressure to the brake pedal and hold for 30 seconds. Carefully inspect the banjo bolt connection at the caliper and the line fitting at the brake hose for any signs of fluid seepage or dripping. Check the bleeder screw as well. If any leaks are observed, release pedal pressure and correct the issue before proceeding. A leak at the banjo bolt typically indicates improperly installed or reused copper washers.
    ⚠️Any brake fluid leak is a critical safety issue. Do not drive the vehicle if leaks are present. Repair leaks and retest before proceeding.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel
    Clean the wheel hub face and inside of the wheel mounting surface to remove any dirt or corrosion. Mount the wheel and install all lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but the full weight is not yet on the wheel. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern (tighten opposite lug nuts in sequence, not in a circle). Lower the vehicle completely and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts136 Nm (100 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Final brake system check
    With the engine off, pump the brake pedal multiple times until it becomes firm. The pedal should build pressure and feel solid. If the pedal remains soft or sinks to the floor, additional bleeding is required. Check the master cylinder fluid level and top off to the MAX line with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid. Start the engine and verify the brake pedal height and firmness are normal. The pedal should be high and firm, not low or spongy.
    ⚠️A soft, spongy, or low brake pedal indicates air in the system or a leak. Do not drive the vehicle until the brake pedal is firm and high with normal feel.

Reassembly

1. Dispose of used brake fluid at an appropriate recycling facility - never pour down drains or into the ground
2. Clean any brake fluid spills on the vehicle with water immediately to prevent paint damage
3. Double-check all connections are tight and properly torqued
4. Verify master cylinder reservoir is filled to MAX line with cap properly installed

Verification

• Perform a careful visual inspection of the banjo bolt, line fitting, and bleeder screw for any signs of brake fluid leaks
• With engine running, firmly press the brake pedal - it should be high, firm, and not sink under constant pressure
• The brake pedal feel should be identical to before the repair - no sponginess or unusual softness
• Test drive in a safe area at low speed (under 10 mph) and verify normal brake function with no pulling to one side
• Perform several moderate brake applications and recheck for leaks at all connections while the system is hot
• After the test drive, recheck the brake hose routing with wheels turned full lock in both directions - verify no contact with any components
• Perform a final careful inspection under the vehicle for any brake fluid drips or seepage
• Before returning vehicle to service, perform a brake test from 30 mph in a safe area - brakes should operate smoothly with no abnormal pedal feel, pulling, or noise
• Recheck master cylinder fluid level after test drive and top off if needed

More procedures for this vehicle