Replace all brake fluid in the system by bleeding each brake caliper in the correct sequence to remove old fluid and air, ensuring optimal brake performance and safety.

Warnings

Tools required

Fluids

• DOT 3 Brake Fluid — 1.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely before lifting vehicle
3. Verify you have sufficient fresh DOT 3 brake fluid (minimum 1.5 quarts from unopened containers)
4. Locate brake fluid reservoir in engine bay on driver's side firewall
5. Clean area around reservoir cap thoroughly to prevent contamination before opening

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and secure vehicle
   Using a floor jack, lift the front of the vehicle and support with jack stands at proper jacking points behind front wheels. Lift the rear and support with jack stands at rear jacking points. Ensure vehicle is stable and secure before working underneath. Remove all four wheels.
2. 2

   Remove old brake fluid from reservoir
   Open the brake fluid reservoir cap. Using a turkey baster or fluid transfer pump, remove as much old brake fluid as possible from the reservoir without allowing debris to enter. Wipe inside of reservoir with clean lint-free rag if any sediment is visible. Refill reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 3 brake fluid. Keep reservoir cap nearby but do not reinstall yet.
   ⚠Dispose of old brake fluid properly according to local hazardous waste regulations. Do not pour down drains or onto ground.
3. 3

   Prepare bleeding equipment
   Attach one end of clear plastic tubing to the brake bleeder screw on the RIGHT REAR caliper. Place the other end of tubing into your catch container with enough fluid in the bottom to submerge the tube end (prevents air from being sucked back). Position container below caliper level.
   ℹ️Toyota brake bleeding sequence is: Right Rear → Left Rear → Right Front → Left Front. This sequence must be followed exactly.
4. 4

   Bleed right rear brake
   Have an assistant sit in driver's seat. Check that reservoir is at MAX line. Assistant should slowly pump brake pedal 5-6 times and hold pedal down firmly. While pedal is held down, open bleeder screw 1/2 to 3/4 turn using 10mm wrench. Observe old dark fluid flowing through clear tube. When pedal reaches floor and fluid flow stops, close bleeder screw. Assistant can now release pedal. Repeat this process until only clean, fresh fluid emerges from tube with no air bubbles (typically 8-12 repetitions). Check and refill reservoir to MAX line after every 3-4 bleeds.
   ⚠️Never allow reservoir to drop below MIN line or air will enter master cylinder. Check reservoir level frequently throughout bleeding process.
   ⚠Bleeder screw must be closed BEFORE assistant releases brake pedal, or air will be drawn into caliper.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Bleed left rear brake
   Move tubing and catch container to LEFT REAR caliper bleeder screw. Check and top off reservoir to MAX line. Repeat the same bleeding procedure as right rear: assistant pumps pedal 5-6 times and holds, you open bleeder screw, fluid flows, close bleeder, assistant releases pedal. Continue until clean fluid with no air bubbles emerges. Refill reservoir as needed.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Bleed right front brake
   Move tubing and catch container to RIGHT FRONT caliper bleeder screw. Check and top off reservoir to MAX line. Repeat the bleeding procedure: assistant pumps and holds pedal, open bleeder screw, observe fluid flow, close bleeder, release pedal. Continue until clean fluid with no air bubbles emerges. Refill reservoir as needed.
   Torque spec

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

   Bleed left front brake
   Move tubing and catch container to LEFT FRONT caliper bleeder screw. Check and top off reservoir to MAX line. Repeat the bleeding procedure one final time: assistant pumps and holds pedal, open bleeder screw, observe fluid flow, close bleeder, release pedal. Continue until clean fluid with no air bubbles emerges. This is the final wheel in the sequence.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Final reservoir fill and inspection
   Fill brake fluid reservoir to MAX line with fresh DOT 3 fluid. Reinstall reservoir cap securely. Inspect all four bleeder screws to ensure they are closed and torqued properly to 10.0 Nm (7.0 lb-ft). Wipe away any spilled brake fluid from calipers and surrounding areas with clean rags.
   ⚠Clean any brake fluid from painted surfaces immediately to prevent paint damage.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reinstall wheels
   Install all four wheels. Hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern, then torque to 140.0 Nm (103 lb-ft) in a star pattern while vehicle is still on jack stands. Lower vehicle to ground and perform final torque verification of all lug nuts in star pattern.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Pump brake pedal and test
    With engine off, pump brake pedal 15-20 times to ensure firm pedal feel is achieved. Pedal should become progressively firmer and hold pressure. If pedal feels spongy or sinks to floor, air remains in system and bleeding must be repeated. Start engine and verify brake warning lights are off. Test brake pedal feel with engine running - pedal should drop slightly but remain firm.
    ⚠️Do not drive vehicle if brake pedal feels soft, spongy, or travels to floor. This indicates air in system or other brake system problems requiring immediate attention.

Reassembly

1. Verify all four bleeder screws are closed and torqued to specification
2. Verify brake fluid reservoir is filled to MAX line with cap securely installed
3. Verify all four wheels are installed with lug nuts torqued in star pattern to 140 Nm
4. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle completely

Verification

• Check brake fluid reservoir level - should be at MAX line with no leaks around cap
• Inspect ground under all four wheels for any brake fluid leaks from bleeder screws
• With engine off, pump brake pedal - should achieve firm, high pedal within 3-4 pumps
• Start engine and verify brake warning light is off on instrument cluster
• Test brakes at low speed (5-10 mph) in safe area - should provide immediate, strong stopping force with no pedal sponginess
• Perform final test drive with gradual braking from 25 mph in safe location - braking should be smooth, straight, and confident with firm pedal feel
• Re-check brake fluid reservoir level after test drive and top off if needed

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