Brake job

[James5354]

Hey guys, been on the forum for a bit and this is my first time posting, also first time 4runner owner, well I am planning on doing my own brakes on the 5th gen truck and was wondering how much brake fluid would I need to do a bleed on all 4 wheels, also is there any special tool I would need or size for the bleeder? any tricks that you guys do to make the job easier on these trucks? would be great to hear what your experiences are, also if there is a video anywhere on the forum or a step by step diy would be great too...

thanks
James

 

[Randyman...]

Unless you are planing on flushing/replacing your brake fluid due to age, there is no need to bleed the brakes when performing a standard-issue brake job. The system is never "opened" unless you need to physically replace a caliper or what not.

 

[Kennyr44]

Find someone to help you your first time and dont open the bleeders at all. Not needed. How many miles and what year? You should have a signature at the bottom of your posts describing your vehicle. And a picture of your wife or girlfriend and dog in the off topic section.

 

[James5354]

I have about 89,000km on it and I plan to change the pads and rotors...so I dont need to bleed the brake fluid with fresh fluid?

 

[James5354]

forgot to mention its a 2012 with 89000km

 

[marshal]

No..

 

[James5354]

so when do I have to change the brake fluid? is there an interval for it?

thanks
James

 

[Blitzkrieg]

forgot to mention its a 2012 with 89000km

Damn. Somebody drove that thing a lot. Eeek

 

[Randyman...]

forgot to mention its a 2012 with 89000km

Damn. Somebody drove that thing a lot. Eeek

2013 knocking on 70K Miles over here (112,000 km!).

OP: Does your fluid appear dirty or contaminated?

I read that lots of people recommend changing brake fluid every 2 years regardless of mileage (likely why you are asking), but I guess I'm not one of them. My T4R is well into its 3rd year, and the brake fluid appears almost as clean as new.

More power to you if you decide to flush it! Not sure how much fluid you'll need. I'll likely consider a flush on my next brake job around 120K or so...

 

[James5354]

Randy, yes that is why I ask, I read that some guys change their fluid every 2 years due to moisture, but if its sealed, how can moisture actually get in.

 

[Ebbsnflows]

Brake fluid is extremely hygroscopic (prone to water/moisture absorption). Even a sealed brake system will eventually absorb moisture. The introduction of water reduces the boiling point of the fluid and will cause internal corrosion issues. Ideally you really should change fluid every 2-3 yrs regardless of the clarity. However as long as the moisture level is low (use a brake fluid tester to determine) you don't necessarily HAVE to flush when you change the pads/rotors.

FYI...you can get a moisture tester on Amazon for less than $25.

 

[Randyman...]

Randy, yes that is why I ask, I read that some guys change their fluid every 2 years due to moisture, but if its sealed, how can moisture actually get in.

It finds a way As Ebbsnflows suggested - you can use a tester to see if your fluid is still within safe limits. I've yet to use such a tester through 24 years of vehicle ownership, and generally eyeball it. The tester is likely a far superior method

 

[Ezlife45]

I started doing a little bit of a flush every time i replace pads. Gives me peace of mind. I use a little vacuum pump gizmo. lets me do it by myself. there is a nicer system that pressurizes the reservoir but that costs like 200 bucks.

 

[1engineer]

I'm not going to give an opinion here but if I were the OP I would do a bit of research on the type of brake fluid that is called for in the 4Runner. Might put your mind at ease a bit. Good luck.

 

[sigbrown1297]

I've tried the hand pumps before on brake jobs and found that having someone push on the brake pedal while you open/close the bleeder works much better.

 

[Randyman...]

I'm not going to give an opinion here but if I were the OP I would do a bit of research on the type of brake fluid that is called for in the 4Runner. Might put your mind at ease a bit. Good luck.

The 2010 FSM Manual mentions DOT3 - Nothing special about that with regards to extended service intervals that I'm aware? Is there something I'm (very likely ) missing?

I'd assume Toyota has swapped to DOT4 since 2010, but I'm not in my truck and don't have access to my 2013 owner's manual ATM

 

[perkdog258]

I'm not going to give an opinion here but if I were the OP I would do a bit of research on the type of brake fluid that is called for in the 4Runner. Might put your mind at ease a bit. Good luck.

When it comes to brake fluid I would do some research as [MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION] said. The flush of the system is to ensure that the copper and moisture levels are low as possible. Over time the copper in the lines will break down and end up discoloring the fluid. Moisture does not necessarily change the color but the fluid used can only absorb just so much.

Any parts store can sell you test strips you can use if you are unsure to check these levels. Personally I would just follow the guide lines set down by Toyota for flushing the system.

As for your question about needing to bleed the brakes after changing the pads and drums....you should not need to. There are tons of videos out there that go over how to properly change the pads and rotors on a 5th gen.

Good Luck!!

 

[nevada]

while its technically true, bleeding is not required for a normal brake job. its highly recommended you open the bleeder when compressing the piston. so as to not push the old fluid back up into/through the sensitive ABS components.

if this is done correctly, no air will be introduced into the system. however, its fairly easy to do it "wrong", and then you will need to bleed the air, as well as replacing the fluid that was lost.

either way, I would guess a pint would be plenty.