Complete replacement of all brake lines from master cylinder to all four wheels, including hard lines and flexible hoses, with full system bleeding.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Complete brake line kit for 2018-2024 Camry or fabricate custom lines × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket kit
• Flexible brake hoses - Front × 2 — 90947-02C26 or equivalent
• Flexible brake hoses - Rear × 2 — 90947-02B96 or equivalent
• Brake line mounting clips and brackets × 1 — Use OEM specification
• New copper crush washers for banjo fittings if applicable × 8 — Various sizes, use OEM

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and install wheel chocks behind rear wheels
2. Ensure master cylinder reservoir cap is clean before opening to prevent contamination
3. Use turkey baster or fluid evacuator to remove most brake fluid from master cylinder reservoir
4. Raise entire vehicle and support securely on four jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
5. Remove all four wheels and set aside
6. Spray all brake line fittings with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes
7. Document or photograph existing brake line routing at all locations before removal
8. Prepare clean workspace for fabricating or laying out new brake lines
9. Verify all new lines match old lines in length and fitting type before beginning removal

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect lines at master cylinder
   Working at master cylinder under hood, use flare nut wrench to carefully loosen brake line fittings. Do NOT use open-end wrench as this will round off fittings. Remove lines from master cylinder and immediately cap or plug openings to prevent contamination. If fittings are seized, apply more penetrating oil and carefully apply heat with heat gun (NOT torch near brake fluid).
   ⚠Brake fluid will immediately drain from lines. Have drain pan positioned to catch fluid.
2. 2

   Remove front flexible brake hoses
   At each front wheel, locate flexible brake hose connection at caliper and at hard line junction on frame/strut. Use flare nut wrench on hard line fitting and wrench on hose fitting. Remove bracket bolt securing hose to strut tower if applicable. Remove flexible hoses and note routing through suspension components.
   ⚠Support caliper with wire or bungee cord if disconnecting at caliper. Do not let caliper hang by brake hose.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove front hard brake lines
   Trace hard brake lines from master cylinder along frame rail to front wheel junctions. Remove all mounting clips and brackets securing lines to chassis. Use flare nut wrench to disconnect fittings at junctions and ABS modulator if equipped. Cut lines in sections if necessary to facilitate removal, noting exact routing path for reinstallation.
   ℹ️Take detailed photos of line routing around subframe, along frame rails, and at all bracket locations.
4. 4

   Remove rear hard brake lines
   Working under vehicle, trace lines from front junction or ABS modulator to rear axle area. Remove clips securing lines along center tunnel and rear subframe. Disconnect at rear junction blocks or flexible hose connections. Note routing over rear axle and around fuel tank and exhaust components.
   ⚠Rear lines typically run near exhaust components. Verify clearance during reinstallation.
5. 5

   Remove rear flexible brake hoses
   At each rear wheel, disconnect flexible brake hose at caliper/wheel cylinder and at hard line junction on chassis or axle. Remove any bracket bolts. Note exact routing and any clips that retain hose to suspension or axle components.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Prepare and fit new brake lines
   If using pre-bent kit, verify each line matches the old line length and fitting orientation. If fabricating custom lines, measure each section carefully, cut nickel-copper or steel tubing to length, and create proper double flares on all ends. Bend lines to match original routing using tube bender to prevent kinking. Label each line for its specific location.
   ⚠️Improper flares will leak under pressure and cause brake failure. Inspect every flare for completeness and proper seating surface.
7. 7

   Install rear hard brake lines
   Starting at rear, route new hard lines following exact factory path. Install all mounting clips and brackets to secure lines to chassis. Hand-thread all fittings first to ensure proper alignment. Lines must have proper clearance from exhaust, fuel lines, and suspension components through full suspension travel. Install bracket bolts and torque to specification.
   ⚠Bounce suspension through full travel to verify no contact between brake lines and other components.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Install front hard brake lines
   Route front hard lines from master cylinder along frame rails to front wheel junctions, matching original routing exactly. Install all mounting clips and brackets. Verify clearance from steering components through full steering lock. Hand-thread all fittings before final tightening. Install bracket bolts and torque to specification.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install flexible brake hoses
   Install new flexible brake hoses at all four wheels. Ensure hoses are not twisted and have proper clearance through full range of suspension and steering motion. Install new copper crush washers if using banjo fittings. Connect hard line end first, then caliper end. Install hose retaining brackets to strut or axle housing and torque bracket bolts.
   ⚠️Twisted brake hoses will fail prematurely. Ensure hose natural position has no twist before tightening fittings.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts102 Nm (75 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Connect lines to master cylinder
    At master cylinder, hand-thread brake line fittings into master cylinder ports. Verify correct lines are connected to correct ports (front and rear circuits). Use flare nut wrench and torque line fittings to specification. Do not overtorque as this will damage flare seats.
    ⚠Cross-threading fittings in master cylinder will ruin master cylinder. Thread carefully by hand first.
    Torque spec

    Line Fittings20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Torque all brake line fittings
    Working systematically from master cylinder to all four wheels, use flare nut wrench and torque wrench to torque all brake line fittings to specification. Back up junction blocks with second wrench to prevent rotation. Verify all fittings are properly seated and torqued.
    Torque spec

    Line Fittings20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Bleed brake system - Master cylinder
    Fill master cylinder reservoir with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid to MAX line. If master cylinder was removed or has been empty, bench bleed before proceeding. With reservoir full, have assistant slowly pump brake pedal 10-15 times, then hold pressure. Crack open one line fitting at master cylinder briefly to release air, then close. Repeat until no air bubbles emerge. Perform on both circuits.
    ⚠Never allow master cylinder reservoir to run empty during bleeding or air will enter system.
13. 13

    Bleed brake system - All four wheels
    Bleed brakes in proper sequence: right rear, left rear, right front, left front. At each wheel, attach clear hose to bleeder screw with other end submerged in container of brake fluid. Have assistant pump brake pedal slowly 3-4 times and hold pressure. Open bleeder screw, observe fluid flow, then close bleeder before pedal reaches floor. Repeat until fluid flows clear with no air bubbles. Torque bleeder screws. Check reservoir level frequently and refill as needed.
    ⚠️System must be completely bled of air. Soft or spongy pedal indicates air in system and compromised braking.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Pressure test and leak inspection
    With system fully bled, have assistant apply firm, steady pressure to brake pedal and hold for 30 seconds. Carefully inspect every fitting, junction, and connection for any signs of leakage. Wipe all fittings dry, then reapply pressure and inspect again. Check flexible hoses for any swelling or seepage. Pedal should remain firm with no gradual sinking.
    ⚠️Any leakage whatsoever indicates improper installation. Do not proceed until leak is identified and corrected.
15. 15

    Reinstall wheels and perform final checks
    Reinstall all four wheels, hand-threading lug nuts. Lower vehicle until wheels contact ground but suspension is not fully loaded. Torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Torque lug nuts again in star pattern. Top off master cylinder reservoir to MAX line and install cap. Pump brake pedal multiple times to verify firm pedal feel.
    ⚠️Do NOT drive vehicle until brake pedal feels firm and normal. Soft pedal indicates air in system or other problems.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all brake line fittings are torqued to specification with no leaks
2. Confirm all brake lines are properly supported with mounting clips and brackets at all factory locations
3. Ensure no brake lines contact suspension, steering, or exhaust components through full range of motion
4. Master cylinder reservoir must be at MAX fill line with cap properly installed
5. All bleeder screws must be closed and torqued properly
6. Brake pedal must feel firm and consistent with no sponginess or excessive travel

Verification

• Start engine and verify brake warning light is OFF on instrument cluster
• With engine running, apply firm brake pedal pressure - pedal should be firm with no excessive travel or gradual sinking
• Perform initial test drive in safe area away from traffic at low speed (under 15 mph)
• Test brakes gently at low speed to verify proper operation and even braking
• Inspect all fittings and connections again after test drive for any signs of leakage
• Perform gradual brake application at increasing speeds up to 30 mph in safe area, verifying straight stops with no pulling
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-inspect all brake line fittings and connections for any signs of leakage or looseness
• Monitor brake pedal feel for first several days of driving - any change in pedal feel requires immediate inspection
• If ABS-equipped, verify ABS warning light is OFF and perform gentle ABS activation test on loose gravel or snow if conditions permit

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