I'm going to be installing a used ABS unit and a new master cylinder on my 2000 (which does not have the newer 2001/2002 style ABS system, mind you), and was wondering what you guys do to bleed the ABS unit?

Is there any tool out there by now that we can use to activate it? Or do you guys just take it to the dealer to have them bleed it? OR do you do the whole gravel road thing (which I can't do here in Los Angeles)? I'm not finding much information about this.

Inquiring minds want to know.

Not a 4runner, but I've repaired "dumb" ABS units before. Used a vacuum system to do the initial bleed and then the gravel-road option, which is readily available to me as my driveway is a 1/3rd mile long gravel. But honestly, the vacuum bleed (I used my Pela oil extractor) did 90%+ of the work. I imagine a Motive style pressure bleeder would Similarly do most of the work.

With "most" of the work done, you'll have full brakes but maybe some air in the ABS unit. So just take a day trip away from the urban areas, go find some dirt/gravel roads and get the ABS to kick on to finish the job. Shouldn't need it, but take brake fluid with you.


I don't pay dealers to do anything... I've seen the inept people working at dealerships, wouldn't trust a dealer service center to air up tires properly. An independednt is alright if you don't mind spending the money. They might even only charge you for their minimum shop time if you do the parts replacement and initial fluid change/bleed.

BTW, might as well toss on some new flex lines while you're doing this job, they require bleeding the system too and I can guarantee that if they're original, they're cracked. Go rubber if you like, or stainless braided (didn't make any difference to feel for me), just a good idea to have that addressed and while you're Already bleeding brakes from empty is a great time.

Brian is right, these abs units need to be bench bled. They're a pain, and I typically delete abs because it can be dangerous when off-roading.

Toyota Techstream has the ability to command the ABS pump to bleed the air out of the system. You can either try to download some janky chinese hacked techstream software and the appropriate connector/cable or take it to a dealer/brake shop for them to bleed the abs pump/brake system fully.

Not on my '99 it doesn't. I looked and tried specifically as a 2nd reason behind trying to program keys without a Master, which it can't do either. I think it's part of the difference in the ABS/brake systems between earlier and later 4runners.

It works for mine