Brake Fluid: Replacement

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Lexus LS 600hL. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: The intelligent tester or Techstream must be used with air bleeding and fluid replacement. If not used, the air bleeding and fluid replacement will be incomplete, which is hazardous and may lead to an accident.

NOTE:

When replacing the brake fluid, replace the front and rear brake fluid as a set.
Perform fluid replacement with the shift lever on P and the parking brake set.
Perform fluid replacement while maintaining the brake fluid level between the MIN/MAX level on the brake fluid reservoir.
As brake fluid may overflow when bleeding air, do not place the fluid can on the reservoir filler opening.
Air bleeding will be difficult if the following occurs: 1) the brake fluid reservoir's No. 2 brake actuator hose (the hose between the brake accumulator pump and brake fluid reservoir) is lowered into the fluid and air enters the hose; and 2) during the fluid replacement procedure, air enters the brake accumulator pump while operating the pump motor.
While performing fluid replacement, the accumulator pressure drop may cause a buzzer to sound. As there is no problem, continue with the fluid replacement.
During fluid replacement, DTCs for pressure sensor malfunctions, etc. may be stored. After fluid replacement and if instructed in the procedures, clear the DTCs.
Do not allow brake fluid to contact the vehicle's paint surfaces. If contact occurs, clean it off immediately.

HINT:

For air bleeding, refer to the PRECAUTION
Air bleeding with the intelligent tester or Techstream cannot be performed when the power switch is ON (IG) or when the parking brake is not operating (electric parking brake operation signal is not input into skid control ECU).
While performing air bleeding, a display and navigation assembly (with HDD navigation system) or multi-display (without HDD navigation system) malfunction warning is displayed However, there is no malfunction. After performing air bleeding, erase the warning using the tester's menus.

REPLACE BRAKE FLUID OF FRONT BRAKE SYSTEM
CAUTION: The intelligent tester or Techstream must be used during fluid replacement. If not used, the fluid replacement will be incomplete, which is hazardous and may lead to an accident.
NOTE:
- Perform fluid replacement while maintaining the brake fluid level between the MIN/MAX level on the brake fluid reservoir.
- As brake fluid may overflow, do not place the fluid can on the reservoir filler opening.
1. DISABLE BRAKE CONTROL
  HINT:
  
  Using the intelligent tester or Techstream to disable brake control causes the master pressure cut solenoid to turn off and the line from the master cylinder to the front disc brake caliper to open.
  1. Connect the intelligent tester or Techstream to the DLC3 with the power switch OFF.
  2. Check that the parking brake is set, and turn the power switch ON (IG).
2. Enter the following menus:
  1. Intelligent tester - select: DIAGNOSIS / ABS/ VSC / ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED BRAKE SYSTEM UTILITY / ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED BRAKE SYSTEM INVALID
  2. Techstream - select. Chassis / ABS/VSC/TRAC / Utility / Electronically Controlled Brake system Utility / Electronically Controlled Brake system Invalid.
3. REPLACE BRAKE FLUID OF FRONT BRAKE SYSTEM
  1. Connect a vinyl tube to the bleeder plug.
  2. Depress the brake pedal several times and loosen the bleeder plug. With the brake pedal depressed, bleed fluid from the front disc brake caliper RH and LH
    NOTE: Add fluid to the brake fluid reservoir as necessary so that the fluid does not decrease below the MIN level.
    
    HINT.
    
    Bleed the RH side first, and then bleed the LH side.
  3. After bleeding the fluid, depress and hold the brake pedal, and tighten the bleeder plug
    Torque: 11 N*m (110 kgf*cm, 8 ft.*lbf)
    
    Fig 2: Depressing And Hold Brake Pedal
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
4. CANCEL DISABLING OF BRAKE CONTROL
  1. Follow the intelligent tester or Techstream screens to cancel the disabling of the brake control.
REPLACE BRAKE FLUID OF REAR BRAKE SYSTEM
CAUTION: The intelligent tester or Techstream must be used during fluid replacement. If not used, the fluid replacement will be incomplete, which is hazardous and may lead to an accident.
NOTE:
- Perform fluid replacement while maintaining the brake fluid level between the MIN/MAX level on the brake fluid reservoir.
- As brake fluid may overflow, do not place the fluid can on the reservoir filler opening.
1. DISABLE BRAKE CONTROL
  HINT.
  
  Using the intelligent tester or Techstream to disable brake control and loosening the rear disc brake camper's bleeder plug (with the brake pedal depressed) causes the pump motor and solenoid to operate and pressurize the rear brake line.
  1. Connect the intelligent tester or Techstream to the DLC3 with the power switch OFF.
  2. Check that the parking brake is set, and turn the power switch ON (IG).
2. Enter the following menus:
  1. Intelligent tester - select: DIAGNOSIS / ABS/ VSC / ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED BRAKE SYSTEM UTILITY / ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED BRAKE SYSTEM INVALID.
  2. Techstream - select: Chassis / ABS/VSC/TRAC / Utility / Electronically Controlled Brake system Utility / Electronically Controlled Brake system Invalid.
3. REPLACE BRAKE FLUID OF REAR BRAKE SYSTEM
  1. Connect a vinyl tube to the bleeder plug.
    
    Fig 3: Connecting Vinyl Tube To Bleeder Plug
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  2. While depressing the brake pedal, loosen the bleeder plug of the rear disc brake caliper LH While the pump motor and solenoid are operating, bleed fluid.
    NOTE: Add fluid to the brake fluid reservoir as necessary so that the fluid does not decrease below the MIN level.
    
    HINT
    - Depress and hold the brake pedal. Maintain this position
    - Operate the solenoid for approximately 30 seconds at a time Release the pedal to stop operation of the solenoid
    - During fluid replacement, the brake warning light illuminates and the buzzer sounds However, there is no malfunction.
  3. Bleed fluid from the rear disc brake caliper RH using the same procedures as the LH side
  4. After bleeding the fluid, tighten the bleeder plug and release the brake pedal.
    Torque: 11 N*m (110 kgf*cm, 8 ft.*lbf)
    
    HINT
    
    The fluid amount adjustment is easier to perform if fuel bleeding is completed with the brake fluid reservoir's fluid level at approximately 5 mm (0.197 in) below the MAX level.
    
    Fig 4: Depressing And Hold Brake Pedal
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
4. CANCEL DISABLING OF BRAKE CONTROL
  1. Follow the intelligent tester or Techstream screens to cancel the disabling of the brake control.
CHECK AND ADJUST BRAKE FLUID LEVEL IN RESERVOIR
1. PERFORM ACCUMULATOR ZERO DOWN
  HINT
  
  Using the intelligent tester or Techstream to perform accumulator zero down causes the pressurized fluid in the accumulator to be returned to the brake fluid reservoir.
  1. Connect the intelligent tester or Techstream to the DLC3 with the power switch OFF
  2. Check that the parking brake is set, and turn the power switch ON (IG)
2. Enter the following menus.
  1. Intelligent tester - select: DIAGNOSIS / ABS/ VSC / ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED BRAKE SYSTEM UTILITY / ZERO DOWN.
  2. Techstream - select. Chassis / ABS/VSC/TRAC / Utility / Electronically Controlled Brake system Utility / Zero Down.
3. When the buzzer sounds, turn the power switch OFF.
4. INSPECT AND ADJUST BRAKE FLUID LEVEL IN RESERVOIR
  1. After performing accumulator zero down (fluid that was inside the accumulator has been returned to the brake fluid reservoir), adjust the fluid amount so that it is at the brake fluid reservoir's MAX level
    
    Fig 5: Locating Brake Fluid Reservoir's MAX Level
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    
    NOTE: If using a dropper to adjust the fluid amount, make sure the dropper has not been used with mineral oils, water or deteriorated brake fluid. Sealed areas may deteriorate and lead to fluid leaks, or the fluid may deteriorate and lead to decreased efficiency.
    
    HINT.
    
    After performing accumulator zero down, turning the power switch ON (IG) causes fluid to enter the accumulator, leading to a decrease in the fluid level
  2. After turning the power switch ON (IG), check that the fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir is slightly lower than the MAX level
CLEAR DTC
1. Clear the DTCs (see DTC CHECK / CLEAR ).
CHECK FOR DTC
1. Check for DTC If any DTC is output, perform the troubleshooting for that DTC (See DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE CHART )
CHECK AND BLEED BRAKE SYSTEM
1. If the following malfunction symptoms occur, air may have entered the brake fluid line Perform the following air bleed procedures
  - Low pedal or spongy pedal
  - Brake pedal is depressed firmly but brake is insufficient.
BLEEDING PRECAUTION
CAUTION: Be sure to read the "PRECAUTION" thoroughly before bleeding (see PRECAUTION ).
PERFORM ACCUMULATOR ZERO DOWN
1. Connect the intelligent tester or Techstream to the DLC3 with the power switch OFF
2. Perform the accumulator pressure zero down.
  HINT
  
  Using the Techstream to perform accumulator zero down causes the pressurized fluid in the actuator's accumulator to be returned to the brake fluid reservoir
  1. Check that the parking brake is set, and turn the power switch ON (IG)
  2. Enter the following menus of intelligent tester - select: DIAGNOSIS / ABS/VSC / ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED BRAKE SYSTEM UTILITY / ZERO DOWN
  3. Enter the following menus of Techstream - select: Chassis / ABS/VSC/TRAC / Utility / Electronically Controlled Brake system Utility / Zero Down
  4. When the buzzer sounds, turn the power switch OFF
DISCONNECT BRAKE ACCUMULATOR PUMP CONNECTORS
NOTE: If the brake accumulator pump operates while air remains inside the No. 2 brake actuator hose, air will enter the brake accumulator pump, resulting in difficulty in bleeding. Keep the 2 brake accumulator pump connectors disconnected before bleeding.
1. Disconnect the 2 brake accumulator pump connectors.
FILL RESERVOIR WITH BRAKE FLUID
NOTE:
- As brake fluid may overflow when bleeding air, do not place the fluid can on the reservoir filler opening.
- If brake fluid leaks onto any painted surface, clean it off completely.
1. Add brake fluid into the reservoir.
  Fluid:
  
  SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3
  
  Fig 7: Filling Brake Fluid Into Reservoir
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
DISABLE BRAKE CONTROL
HINT

Using the intelligent tester or Techstream to disable brake control causes the master pressure cut solenoid to turn off and the line from the master cylinder to the front disc brake caliper to open
1. Check that the parking brake is set.
2. Connect the intelligent tester or Techstream to the DLC3 with the power switch OFF.
3. Turn the power switch ON (IG).
  NOTE: Do not start the engine.
4. Enter the following menus
  1. Intelligent tester - select: DIAGNOSIS / ABS/ VSC / ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED BRAKE SYSTEM UTILITY / ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED BRAKE SYSTEM INVALID.
  2. Techstream - select Chassis / ABS/VSC/TRAC / Utility / Electronically Controlled Brake system Utility / Electronically Controlled Brake system Invalid.
BLEED AIR FROM FRONT BRAKE SYSTEM
HINT:

After replacing the brake master cylinder with simulator assembly, perform air bleeding on it (same as for common master cylinders) so that bleeding air from the front brake system is easier
NOTE:
- Bleed air from the wheel furthest from the master cylinder.
- Repeat the bleeding procedures until all the air in the fluid is completely bled out.
1. Connect a vinyl tube to the bleeder plug on the front disc brake caliper LH and RH.
2. Depress the brake pedal several times, then loosen the bleeder plug with the pedal depressed.
3. When fluid stops coming out, temporarily tighten the bleeder plug, then release the brake pedal.
4. Repeat the above procedures until all the air in the fluid is completely bled out
5. Tighten the bleeder plug
  Torque: 11 N*m (110 kgf*cm, 8 ft.*lbf)
CANCEL DISABLE BRAKE CONTROL
1. Cancel "DISABLE BRAKE CONTROL" on the intelligent tester or Techstream.
CONNECT BRAKE ACCUMULATOR PUMP CONNECTORS
1. Turn the power switch OFF.
2. Connect the 2 brake accumulator pump connectors.
3. Turn the power switch ON (IG).
BLEED AIR FROM PUMP SUCTION SYSTEM (RR)
NOTE:
- If work is not performed from "PERFORM ACCUMULATOR ZERO DOWN", air cannot be bled from the pump suction system (RR). Perform the procedure from "PERFORM ACCUMULATOR ZERO DOWN", then perform this step.
- The accumulator pressure is at zero down.
HINT.

Loosening the rear disc brake caliper's RH bleeder plug and using the intelligent tester or Techstream causes the pump motor and solenoid to operate and pressurize the rear brake line.
1. Check that the parking brake is set.
2. Connect the intelligent tester or Techstream to the DLC3 with the power switch OFF.
3. Turn the power switch ON (IG).
  NOTE: Do not start the engine.
4. Connect a vinyl tube to the bleeder plug on the rear disc brake caliper RH
5. Loosen the bleeder plug.
6. Enter the following menus:
  1. Intelligent tester - select: DIAGNOSIS / ABS/ VSC / ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED BRAKE SYSTEM UTILITY / ZERO DOWN RR.
  2. Techstream - select: Chassis / ABS/VSC/TRAC / Utility / Electronically Controlled Brake system Utility / Zero Down Rear
    NOTE: Do not depress the brake pedal.
    
    HINT:
    
    The solenoid operates for approximately 30 seconds.
7. Tighten the bleeder plug
  Torque: 11 N*m (110 kgf*cm, 8 ft.*lbf)
DISABLE BRAKE CONTROL
1. Enter the following menus:
  1. Intelligent tester - select: DIAGNOSIS / ABS/ VSC / ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED BRAKE SYSTEM UTILITY / ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED BRAKE SYSTEM INVALID
  2. Techstream - select: Chassis / ABS/VSC/TRAC / Utility / Electronically Controlled Brake system Utility / Electronically Controlled Brake system Invalid.
BLEED AIR FROM REAR BRAKE SYSTEM
1. Connect a vinyl tube to the bleeder plug on the rear disc brake caliper LH and RH.
2. With the brake pedal depressed, loosen the bleeder plug
  NOTE: Keep the fluid inside the reservoir above the MIN line by replenishing.
  
  HINT.
  - Depress and hold the brake pedal.
  - After the solenoid operates for approximately 30 seconds, release the brake pedal to stop the solenoid.
  - Repeat the above procedures until air is completely bled from the rear brake system.
  - The brake control warning light comes on and the buzzer sounds while bleeding, but they do not indicate a malfunction
3. Tighten the bleeder plug after bleeding
  Torque: 11 N*m (110 kgf*cm, 8 ft.*lbf)
  
  HINT.
  
  The fluid amount adjustment is easier to perform if fuel bleeding is completed with the brake fluid reservoir's fluid level at approximately 5 mm (0.197 in.) below the MAX level.
CANCEL DISABLE BRAKE CONTROL
1. Cancel "DISABLE BRAKE CONTROL" on the intelligent tester or Techstream.
PERFORM ACCUMULATOR ZERO DOWN
1. Connect the intelligent tester or Techstream to the DLC3 with the power switch OFF.
2. Perform the accumulator pressure zero down.
  HINT:
  
  Using the Techstream to perform accumulator zero down causes the pressurized fluid in the actuator's accumulator to be returned to the brake fluid reservoir
  1. Check that the parking brake is set, and turn the power switch ON (IG).
  2. Enter the following menus of intelligent tester - select: DIAGNOSIS / ABS/VSC / ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED BRAKE SYSTEM UTILITY /ZERO DOWN
  3. Enter the following menus of Techstream - select: Chassis / ABS/VSC/TRAC / Utility / Electronically Controlled Brake system Utility / Zero Down
  4. When the buzzer sounds, turn the power switch OFF.
3. Perform the accumulator fluid circulation
  1. Perform the accumulator pressure zero down 5 times repeatedly.
    HINT
    - Accumulator pressure is released and accumulated repeatedly, which circulates the fluid inside the accumulator every time accumulator zero down (accumulator depressurizing) is performed.
    - The pump motor rotates and the accumulator is pressurized every time the power switch is turned from OFF to ON (IG)
CHECK AND ADJUST BRAKE FLUID LEVEL IN RESERVOIR
1. After performing accumulator zero down (accumulator depressurizing), adjust the fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir to the MAX level.
  NOTE: If using a dropper to adjust the fluid amount, make sure the dropper has not been used with mineral oils, water or deteriorated brake fluid. Sealed areas may deteriorate and lead to fluid leaks, or the fluid may deteriorate and lead to decreased efficiency.
  
  Fig 13: Locating Brake Fluid Reservoir's MAX Level
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  HINT.
  - After performing accumulator zero down (accumulator depressurizing), if the power switch is turned ON (IG), the fluid level in the accumulator increases, and the fluid level in the reservoir decreases.
  - If the fluid level is adjusted without performing accumulator zero down (accumulator depressurizing), fluid is sent from the accumulator to the reservoir. The fluid level may exceed the MAX level, but it is normal.
2. After turning the power switch ON (IG), check that the fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir is slightly lower than the MAX level.
CLEAR DTC
1. Clear the DTCs (see DTC CHECK / CLEAR ).
PERFORM LINEAR VALVE OFFSET LEARNING
1. When the brake actuator is replaced, perform linear valve offset learning (see INITIALIZATION ).
CHECK FOR DTC
1. Check for DTC. If any DTC is output, perform the troubleshooting for that DTC (See DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE CHART ).
READ VALUE OF ACCUMULATOR PRESSURE SENSOR OUTPUT VOLTAGE (See DISPOSAL )