Brake Fluid: Bleeding

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

NOTE: Immediately wash off any brake fluid that comes into contact with any painted surfaces.

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.

FILL RESERVOIR WITH BRAKE FLUID
1. Disengage the 3 clips and separate the hood to cowl top seal.
2. Remove the cowl top ventilator louver.
  
  Fig 1: Identifying Cowl Top Ventilator Louver
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
3. Set the brake fluid can upside down on the reservoir.
  Fluid: SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT3
BLEED MASTER CYLINDER
HINT:

If the master cylinder has been disassembled or if the reservoir becomes empty, bleed the air from the master cylinder.

Fig 2: Filling Reservoir With Brake Fluid
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
1. Using SST, disconnect the brake tubes from the master cylinder.
  SST 09023-00100
  
  Fig 3: Separating Brake Tubes From Brake Master Cylinder
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
2. Slowly depress the brake pedal and hold it there (Step a).
  
  Fig 4: Depressing Brake Pedal
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
3. Block the outer holes with your fingers, and release the brake pedal (Step b).
4. Repeat step a and b 3 or 4 times.
  
  Fig 5: Releasing Brake Pedal
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
5. Using SST, connect the brake tubes to the master cylinder.
  SST 09023-00100
  
  Torque: for use without SST
  
  15 N*m (155 kgf*cm, 11 ft.*lbf)
  
  for use with SST
  
  14 N*m (143 kgf*cm, 10 ft.*lbf)
  
  HINT:
  - Use a torque wrench with a fulcrum length of 300 mm (11.81 in.).
  - This torque value is effective when SST is parallel to a torque wrench.
    
    Fig 6: Separating Brake Tubes From Brake Master Cylinder
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
BLEED BRAKE LINE
1. Connect the vinyl tube to the bleeder plug.
2. Depress the brake pedal several times, then loosen the bleeder plug with the pedal depressed (Step C).
3. At the point where the fluid stops coming out, tighten the bleeder plug, then release the brake pedal (Step D).
4. Repeat step c and D until all the air in the fluid is completely bled out.
5. Tighten the bleeder plug.
  Torque: 8.3 N*m (85 kgf*cm, 73 in.*lbf)
6. Repeat the above procedure to bleed the air out of the brake line for each wheel.
  
  Fig 7: Depressing Brake Pedal & Loosening Bleeder Plug
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
CHECK FLUID LEVEL IN RESERVOIR
1. Check the fluid level and add fluid if necessary.
  Fluid: SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 D0T3