This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the ABS module (hydraulic control unit) on a 2014-2019 Toyota Corolla with 1.8L engine, including brake line disconnection, module replacement, and system bleeding.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• ABS Module (Hydraulic Control Unit) × 1 — Use OEM specification - varies by trim and options
• Brake line crush washers × 4 — Use OEM specification
• DOT 3 Brake Fluid × 1 — Minimum 1 quart

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 1 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Ensure engine is cold and ignition is OFF
3. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 3 minutes for airbag system discharge
4. Locate ABS module in engine bay on driver's side near brake master cylinder and strut tower
5. Remove engine cover if equipped by pulling upward on clip attachments
6. Remove air intake duct for better access to ABS module area
7. Clean brake line fittings and ABS module mounting area with wire brush to prevent contamination
8. Place drain pan beneath ABS module to catch brake fluid
9. Have brake line plugs ready to minimize fluid loss when lines are disconnected

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect ABS module electrical connector
   Locate the large electrical connector on the ABS module. Press the locking tab and carefully pull the connector straight away from the module. Do not pull on wires. Inspect connector and module pins for corrosion or damage.
2. 2

   Label and disconnect brake lines
   Using masking tape or a marker, label each of the four brake lines connected to the ABS module (LF, RF, LR, RR corresponds to left front, right front, left rear, right rear). Using a 12mm flare nut wrench, carefully loosen each brake line fitting at the ABS module. Turn slowly to avoid rounding the fittings. Once loose, unthread by hand and immediately plug each line and module port to prevent fluid loss and contamination.
   ⚠️Wear safety glasses - brake fluid may spray when fittings are loosened. Keep face away from fittings.
3. 3

   Disconnect brake lines from master cylinder to module
   Identify the two brake lines running from the brake master cylinder to the ABS module inlet ports. Using the 12mm flare nut wrench, loosen and disconnect these fittings at the ABS module. Label these lines to ensure correct reconnection. Plug all open ports immediately.
4. 4

   Remove ABS module mounting bolts
   Locate the two 10mm mounting bolts securing the ABS module to its bracket. Support the module with one hand while removing the bolts with a 10mm socket. The module with attached bracket weighs approximately 5-7 lbs and will be heavy with residual brake fluid.
   ⚠Support the module before removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling and damaging brake line stubs or injuring you.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove ABS module from vehicle
   Carefully lift the ABS module assembly out of the engine bay. Keep it upright to minimize brake fluid spillage. Place it on a clean work surface over a drain pan. Inspect the mounting bracket and rubber isolators for damage. If reusing the bracket, remove it from the old module.
6. 6

   Prepare new ABS module
   Remove the new ABS module from packaging. Verify part number matches the old unit. If the bracket is not included, transfer the bracket from the old module to the new one. Ensure all brake line ports have protective caps installed until ready to connect. Check that the electrical connector on the new module is clean and undamaged.
7. 7

   Install new ABS module
   Position the new ABS module assembly into the mounting location. Align the mounting holes with the bracket on the vehicle. Install the two mounting bolts and hand-tighten. Using a torque wrench, tighten the ABS module mounting bolts to specification in a cross pattern.
   Torque spec

   ABS Module Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Connect brake lines from master cylinder
   Remove plugs from the two inlet ports on the ABS module. Install NEW crush washers on the brake line fittings coming from the master cylinder. Thread fittings by hand first to ensure proper engagement and prevent cross-threading. Using the 12mm flare nut wrench and torque wrench, tighten to specification.
   ⚠Always start brake line fittings by hand. If resistance is felt, back off and realign - cross-threading will ruin the fitting and require brake line replacement.
   Torque spec

   Brake Line Fittings15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Connect wheel brake lines
   Remove plugs from the four outlet ports on the ABS module. Install NEW crush washers on each of the four brake line fittings (LF, RF, LR, RR). Verify each line is connected to the correct port per your labels. Thread each fitting by hand first, then tighten to specification using the flare nut wrench and torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Brake Line Fittings15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Align the electrical connector with the ABS module connector and push firmly until the locking tab clicks into place. Tug gently on the connector to verify it is fully seated and locked.
11. 11

    Refill brake fluid reservoir
    Open the brake master cylinder reservoir cap. Fill 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.
    ⚠Use only fresh DOT 3 brake fluid from a sealed container. Never reuse old brake fluid or mix different brake fluid types.
12. 12

    Perform manual brake bleeding
    Bleed brakes in this order: RR (right rear), LR (left rear), RF (right front), LF (left front). At each wheel, attach bleeder hose to bleeder screw, submerge other end in container with brake fluid. Have assistant pump brake pedal 3-4 times and hold. Open bleeder screw, allow fluid and air to escape, close bleeder screw before pedal reaches floor. Repeat until no air bubbles appear. Tighten each bleeder screw to specification. Check fluid level frequently.
    ⚠️Never let the brake pedal go to the floor with the bleeder open, and never allow the reservoir to run dry, or air will enter the ABS module requiring complete restart of bleeding procedure.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw13 Nm (10 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Perform ABS actuator bleeding with scan tool
    Reconnect battery. Connect Toyota Techstream or equivalent scan tool to OBD-II port. Navigate to ABS system, select 'Utility' or 'Active Test', then 'ABS Actuator Bleeding' or 'Air Bleeding'. Follow on-screen instructions which will cycle the ABS pump and solenoids. During this process, monitor brake fluid level and refill as needed. The scan tool will typically run through multiple cycles. After scan tool procedure completes, perform one more round of manual bleeding at all four wheels in the same sequence.
    ⚠️The scan tool actuator bleeding procedure is REQUIRED. Manual bleeding alone cannot remove air trapped in the ABS module's internal valves and pump. Skipping this step will result in brake failure.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw13 Nm (10 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Inspect for leaks and test brake pedal
    With engine off, pump brake pedal firmly 20-30 times. Pedal should become firm and hold pressure. Inspect all brake line connections at the ABS module for any signs of fluid leakage. Wipe connections dry, pump pedal again, and recheck. Start engine and verify ABS warning light goes out after 3-5 seconds. Pump brakes with engine running and recheck all connections for leaks.
    ⚠️If brake pedal feels soft, spongy, or sinks slowly, there is still air in the system or a leak exists. DO NOT drive the vehicle. Re-bleed the system completely.
15. 15

    Clear fault codes and verify system operation
    Using the scan tool, clear any ABS fault codes that may have been stored during the replacement procedure. Verify no new codes are present. Check that the scan tool shows normal communication with the ABS module and all wheel speed sensors are reading properly.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall air intake duct and secure all clamps
2. Reinstall engine cover if equipped
3. Fill brake fluid reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 3 fluid
4. Clean any spilled brake fluid from painted surfaces immediately with water
5. Dispose of old brake fluid and ABS module according to local environmental regulations

Verification

• With engine running, verify ABS warning light is OFF on instrument cluster
• Check brake fluid level is at MAX line and cap is secure
• Inspect all six brake line connections at ABS module - no leaks should be present
• Pump brake pedal with engine running - pedal should be firm and not sink
• Perform a careful low-speed test drive in a safe area - brake pedal should remain firm with normal stopping power
• Perform ABS function test at low speed (10-15 mph) on dry pavement with hard braking - you should feel ABS pulsation if system is working
• After test drive, recheck all brake line connections for leaks and verify brake fluid level
• Use scan tool to verify no ABS fault codes are present
• IMPORTANT: If any abnormality is detected during verification, do NOT drive the vehicle on public roads. Re-inspect all work and repeat bleeding procedure if necessary

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