BRAKE FLUID (W/VSC) (From August, 2004): Bleeding

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Toyota 4Runner. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE:

Wash off brake fluid immediately if it comes into contact with a painted surface.
If the brake pedal is depressed with the reservoir cap removed, then brake fluid will spatter.

HINT:

If any work is done on the brake system or if air in the brake lines is suspected, bleed the air from the system.
When bleeding, keep the amount of the fluid between the Min. and Max. lines on the reservoir.

FILL RESERVOIR WITH BRAKE FLUID
Fluid: SAE J1703 or FMVSS NO. 116 DOT3
BLEED BRAKE BOOSTER W/ACCUMULATOR PUMP ASSY
HINT:

Perform this step only if the brake booster w/ accumulator pump assy is removed and/or installed.
1. Turn the ignition switch off, depress the brake pedal 20 times or more, and release the pressure from the accumulator.
2. Fully depress the brake pedal 10 times.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position and start the brake booster pump.
4. Make sure the pump operates for 8 to 14 seconds.
  If the pump does not operate as specified, repeat steps ( a) to ( c) and recheck the operating time.
BLEED BRAKE LINE
1. Front brake line
  1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position and wait until the pump motor has stopped.
  2. Connect the vinyl tube to the brake caliper.
  3. Depress the brake pedal several times, then loosen the bleeder plug with the pedal held down.
  4. At the point when the fluid stops coming out, tighten the bleeder plug, then release the brake pedal.
    Torque: 11 N.m (112 kgf.cm, 8 ft.lbf)
  5. Repeat ( 3) and ( 4) until all the air in the fluid has been bled out.
  6. Repeat the above procedures to bleed the other brake line.
    
    Fig 1: Identifying Front Brake Line
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
2. Rear brake line
  1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position and depress the brake pedal.
  2. Connect the vinyl tube to the brake caliper.
  3. Loosen the bleeder plug and release air.
    HINT:
    
    Brake fluid is sent through the pump, so keep the brake pedal depressed until the air is completely bled out.
    
    Fig 2: Identifying Rear Brake Line
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  4. When the air is completely bled out of the brake fluid through the bleeder plug, tighten the bleeder plug.
    Torque: 11 N.m (112 kgf.cm, 8 ft.lbf)
  5. Repeat the above procedures to bleed the other brake line.
BLEED MASTER CYLINDER SOLENOID
HINT:

Perform this step only if the master cylinder solenoid is removed and/or installed.
1. Connect the Hand-held Tester to the DLC3.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
3. Select "ACTIVE TEST" mode on the Hand-held Tester.
4. Connect the vinyl tube to the rear brake caliper.
5. Loosen the bleeder plug.
6. Select "SRMF & SRMR" to drive the solenoids and bleed air from the rear brake caliper.
  NOTE: Do not depress the brake pedal.
  
  HINT:
  - Brake fluid is sent through the pump.
  - To protect the solenoids, the Hand-held Tester turns OFF automatically 2 seconds after every solenoid has been turned ON.
7. Repeat step ( f) until all the air in the brake fluid is bled out.
8. When the air is completely bled out of the brake fluid through the bleeder plug, tighten the bleeder plug.
  Torque: 11 N.m (112 kgf.cm, 8 ft.lbf)
9. Repeat the above procedures to bleed the other brake line.
10. Turn the ignition switch off.
11. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
12. Clear DTC (see DTC CHECK/CLEAR ).
  
  Fig 3: Connecting Hand-Held Tester To DLC3
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
CHECK FLUID LEVEL IN RESERVOIR (SEE W/MASTER CYLINDER BRAKE BOOSTER ASSY (W/VSC) )