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Home >> Toyota >> 2021 >> Highlander LE, 4WD >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Brakes >> Mechanical - Hydraulic >> Brake System (Hydraulic) - Service Information >> BRAKE FLUID (for Gasoline Model) >> Bleeding [12/2019 - 10/2022] >> Procedure

Bleeding [12/2019 - 10/2022]: Procedure

  1. BLEED BRAKE LINE 
    1. Remove the brake master cylinder reservoir filler cap assembly.
      GTY912149Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    2. Add brake fluid to keep the level between the MIN and MAX lines of the reservoir while bleeding the brakes.

      Brake Fluid

      SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT3

      SAE J1704 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT4

      NOTE:
      • Make sure that there is sufficient brake fluid in the reservoir.
      • Do not remove the filter from the brake master cylinder reservoir assembly and be sure to fill the brake master cylinder reservoir assembly with new brake fluid to avoid any potential contamination of the brake system. Contamination, for example by dirt particles or mineral oil, could lead to functional brake problems.
    3. Remove the bleeder plug cap.
    4. Connect a vinyl tube to the bleeder plug.
    5. Depress the brake pedal several times, and then loosen the bleeder plug with the pedal depressed.*1
    6. When fluid stops coming out, tighten the bleeder plug and release the brake pedal.*2
    7. Repeat steps *1 and *2 until all the air in the brake fluid is completely bled out and new brake fluid comes out.
    8. Tighten the bleeder plug completely.

      Torque: 8.3 N.m (85 kgf/cm, 73 in.lbf) 

    9. Install the bleeder plug cap.
    10. Repeat the above steps to bleed the brake fluid of the brake lines for each wheel.
    11. Inspect for brake fluid leaks.
    12. Inspect the brake fluid level in the reservoir.

      Refer to ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION [12/2019 - ] 

    13. Install the brake master cylinder reservoir filler cap assembly.
  2. BLEED BRAKE SYSTEM 
    WARNING:

    If air is bled without using the GTS, damage or accidents may result. Therefore, always use the GTS when bleeding air.

    GTY945178Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    NOTE:
    • To prevent brake fluid from damaging painted surfaces, cover any surrounding parts with a piece of cloth.
    • Be sure to clean your hands before bleeding the brake master cylinder sub-assembly to avoid any potential contamination of the brake system. Contamination, for example by dirt particles or mineral oil, could lead to functional brake problems.
    1. Remove the battery.

      Refer to REMOVAL [12/2019 - 10/2022]

    2. Remove the brake master cylinder reservoir filler cap assembly.
      GTY912149Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    3. Add brake fluid to keep the level between the MIN and MAX lines of the reservoir while bleeding the brakes.

      Brake Fluid

      SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT3

      SAE J1704 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT4

      NOTE:
      • Make sure that there is sufficient brake fluid in the reservoir.
      • Do not remove the filter from the brake master cylinder reservoir and be sure to fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with new brake fluid to avoid any potential contamination of the brake system. Contamination, for example by dirt particles or mineral oil, could lead to functional brake problems.
    4. Using a union nut wrench, disconnect the 2 brake lines from the brake master cylinder sub-assembly.
      GTY916650Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
      NOTE:
      • Do not kink or damage the brake lines.
      • Do not allow any foreign matter such as dirt or dust to enter the brake lines from the connecting parts.
    5. Slowly depress the brake pedal and hold it.*1
      GTY916649Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    6. Cover the 2 outer holes with fingers, and release the brake pedal.*2
      GTY916648Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
    7. Repeat steps *1 and *2, 3 or 4 times.
    8. Using a union nut wrench, connect the brake line to the brake master cylinder sub-assembly.
      GTY870092Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
      *a Torque Wrench Fulcrum Length
      *b Union Nut Wrench

      Specified tightening torque 

      Torque: 19.5 N.m (199 kgf/cm, 14 ft.lbf) 

      NOTE:
      • Do not kink or damage the brake line.
      • Do not allow the brake line to twist or interfere with other parts or the vehicle body during tightening.
      • Do not allow any foreign matter such as dirt or dust to enter the brake line from the connecting parts.

      HINT: 

      • Calculate the torque wrench reading when changing the fulcrum length of the torque wrench.

        Refer to PRECAUTION [12/2019 - 11/2023]

      • When using a union nut wrench (fulcrum length of 20 mm (0.787 in.)) + torque wrench (fulcrum length of 162 mm (6.38 in.)):

        17.4 N.m (177 kgf/cm, 13 ft.lbf)

    9. Using a union nut wrench, connect the brake line to the brake master cylinder sub-assembly.
      GTY932070Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
      *a Torque Wrench Fulcrum Length
      *b Union Nut Wrench

      Specified tightening torque 

      Torque: 19.5 N.m (199 kgf/cm, 14 ft.lbf) 

      NOTE:
      • Do not kink or damage the brake line.
      • Do not allow the brake line to twist or interfere with other parts or the vehicle body during tightening.
      • Do not allow any foreign matter such as dirt or dust to enter the brake line from the connecting parts.

      HINT: 

      • Calculate the torque wrench reading when changing the fulcrum length of the torque wrench.

        Refer to PRECAUTION [12/2019 - 11/2023]

      • When using a union nut wrench (fulcrum length of 20 mm (0.787 in.)) + torque wrench (fulcrum length of 162 mm (6.38 in.)):

        17.4 N.m (177 kgf/cm, 13 ft.lbf)

    10. Add brake fluid to keep the level between the MIN and MAX lines of the reservoir while bleeding the brakes.

      Brake Fluid

      SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT3

      SAE J1704 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT4

      NOTE:
      • Make sure that there is sufficient brake fluid in the reservoir.
      • Do not remove the filter from the brake master cylinder reservoir assembly and be sure to fill the brake master cylinder reservoir assembly with new brake fluid to avoid any potential contamination of the brake system. Contamination, for example by dirt particles or mineral oil, could lead to functional brake problems.
    11. Remove the bleeder plug cap.
    12. Connect a vinyl tube to the bleeder plug.
    13. Depress the brake pedal several times, and then loosen the bleeder plug with the pedal depressed.*3
    14. When fluid stops coming out, tighten the bleeder plug and release the brake pedal.*4
    15. Repeat steps *3 and *4 until all the air in the brake fluid is completely bled out and new brake fluid comes out.
      NOTE:

      After all the air in the brake fluid is completely bled out, tighten the bleeder plug while depressing the brake pedal.

    16. Repeat the above steps to bleed the brake fluid of the brake lines for each wheel.
    17. Connect a battery charger to the battery to ensure that a sufficient battery charge is maintained throughout the following steps.
    18. Install the battery.

      Refer to INSTALLATION [12/2019 - 10/2022]

    19. Depress the brake pedal more than 20 times with the ignition switch off.
    20. Perform the Auto Power OFF Cancel using the GTS.

      Body Electrical > Power Source Control > Utility 

      Tester Display
      Auto Power OFF Cancel
    21. Bleed the brake system following the instructions on the GTS.

      Chassis > Brake/EPB > Utility 

      Tester Display
      Air Bleeding
      NOTE:

      Do not start the engine.

    22. After air bleeding, tighten each bleeder plug while depressing the brake pedal.

      Torque: 8.3 N.m (85 kgf/cm, 73 in.lbf) 

    23. Inspect for brake fluid leaks.
    24. Inspect the brake fluid level in the reservoir.

      Refer to ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION [12/2019 - ] 

    25. Install the brake master cylinder reservoir filler cap assembly.