Can I bleed only the rear brakes? - Toyota 4Runner Forum

RumHam26 · 10-24-2019, 04:11 PM

Just finishing up replacing all brake lines and hoses from master cylinder to the rear wheels (PITA in the rust belt!!) - can I bleed just the rears? Or do I need to do the fronts as well? I am aware of the proper sequence, but I am under the impression that the fronts and rears are separated in some way as a safety measure in case you lose a brake line. I've bleed only the fronts before, and that was no problem. Any input is appreciated. Thanks!

brillo_76 · 10-24-2019, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RumHam26

Just finishing up replacing all brake lines and hoses from master cylinder to the rear wheels (PITA in the rust belt!!) - can I bleed just the rears? Or do I need to do the fronts as well? I am aware of the proper sequence, but I am under the impression that the fronts and rears are separated in some way as a safety measure in case you lose a brake line. I've bleed only the fronts before, and that was no problem. Any input is appreciated. Thanks!

I would bleed all 4 brakes. Do you have 2 lines going to the rear or just one?

Tip:

Best when in the rust belt, when replacing the rusted lines to cut the lines and put a 6 point socket on the head of the brake line. Super soak it with penetrating oil and mostly they will come loose.

However, you can do as you wish..;-)

BoomerBob · 10-24-2019, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Can I bleed only the rear brakes?

Can't see why not. It would be like just doing the rear brakes on a brake fluid flush. Not really a big deal.

I just did a brake fluid flush on my 01 yesterday when I also installed Speed Bleeders so I could do it by myself. The vacuum method also works when doing this with one person.

I think most people know brake fluid is quite hygroscopic (sometimes spelled hydroscopic) so it's a good idea to flush the system every few years or so just to get the water and any coagulation out. More important in wet climates than dry.

HiLife · 10-25-2019, 12:40 AM

I don't see why not also. The rear is on a separate brake circuit from the fronts.
Hope you were careful in not letting any air travel up the lines and into the abs pump during your lines change out. You need to activate the pump to bleed out the air bubbles trapped inside if it did.
Good idea to keep the fluid fresh and dry, so I just get a quart of brake fluid and bleed the back and front brakes, your already under there.

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