Toyota brake fluid

[Mr. Baseball]

I am new here and there may already be information on this topic but I am curious.

I own a 2004 4Runner Limited, bought from a mechanic. I flush my brake system with DOT 3 that meets both specifications in my owner's manual once a year.

I just had the timing belt replaced at local Toyota dealership. Brake fluid flush came up (they charge $140).

My concern is they say to use Toyota brake fluid. After some research I found an inferior master cylinder seal was used so Toyota added lubricants to their brake fluid. Should I believe this and use Toyota brake fluid for next flush? Thank you for advice.

 

[fourwd1]

I haven't heard of that, but I'll move your question to the 4th gen section where someone more familiar with an 04 may be able to help.

 

[Mr. Baseball]

Thank you.

 

[Sungod]

Yes it is true and the secret ingredient is called snake oil.

Serioulsy don't waste your time or money. There is nothing special about Toyota brake fluid. It is made by a major manufacturer and put in a Toyota bottle then marked up 1000%.

 

[4RunnerFan]

Yes it is true and the secret ingredient is called snake oil.

Serioulsy don't waste your time or money. There is nothing special about Toyota brake fluid. It is made by a major manufacturer and put in a Toyota bottle then marked up 1000%.

Not so fast.
Toyota recall: Brake fluid problem affects 1.5 million vehicles - CSMonitor.com

 

[bergs]

Prestone DOT4 hasn't given me any trouble in the last 60,000 miles.

Annual fluid flush is completely unneccesary.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Not so fast.
Toyota recall: Brake fluid problem affects 1.5 million vehicles - CSMonitor.com

That's the first I have ever heard of that to be honest with you. Seems to only affect the Lexus model cars than anything else...

 

[Mr. Baseball]

Thank you 4RunnerFan. I found out my local Toyota dealership sells 12 oz. bottles of toyota brake fluid for $5.00 each. Even though my 2004 4Runner is not on list I don't know what seal was in the bin in the assembly line.
I been flushing brake system yearly with Gunk dot 3 that meats both specs in manual with no problems but just did 3rd flush (beginning of 3rd year). I would guess if true about Toyota brake fluid I am close to damaging MC seal.
I would like to add I don't understand why the caliper bleeder on front calipers are up high. They are dual piston so bottom never gets "fully" flushed. I've replaced both front calipers that had seized bottom pistons. I am 2nd owner.
Thank you for confirmation, time, and knowledge. Also thank you everyone for input and advice.

 

[LobstaMobsta]

Thank you 4RunnerFan. I found out my local Toyota dealership sells 12 oz. bottles of toyota brake fluid for $5.00 each. Even though my 2004 4Runner is not on list I don't know what seal was in the bin in the assembly line.
I been flushing brake system yearly with Gunk dot 3 that meats both specs in manual with no problems but just did 3rd flush (beginning of 3rd year). I would guess if true about Toyota brake fluid I am close to damaging MC seal.
I would like to add I don't understand why the caliper bleeder on front calipers are up high. They are dual piston so bottom never gets "fully" flushed. I've replaced both front calipers that had seized bottom pistons. I am 2nd owner.
Thank you for confirmation, time, and knowledge. Also thank you everyone for input and advice.

Bleeders are always on the top, that's the only way to get the air out!

 

[Mr. Baseball]

Admittedly, I did not know all calipers had their bleeders at the top. That makes complete sense; to get the air out. I am not a professional mechanic and I stand corrected.

However I do know fellow Toyota owners that have drilled and tapped calipers lower and added a bleeder so they can flush entire caliper to help prevent seized pistons, so I am told.

Thank you

 

[banzaj]

The manual specifies just a DOT3, not a specific Toyota brand liquid, although I use Toyota DOT4.

 

[Mr. Baseball]

I believe dot 4 has a higher boiling point, a good thing. Also completely compatible. Some say meet dot 3 and 4. I've pondered the "synthetic" but think it is marketing strategy. I do know to NOT use silicon dot 5. But then there is 5.1, which I have never seen locally.

I had lengthy discussion with Toyota service manager and final statement was "as long as it says dot 3". This is in regard to an '04 T4R V8 Limited awd.

Thanks everyone for help, advice, and experience.

 

[banzaj]

Although DOT4 is more advanced than DOT3, there's still an opinion DOT3 and DOT5.1 are both better than DOT4 in terms of viscosity - DOT4 is the "thickest" one among all which may not be the best choice for ABS system. I bought DOT4 from Toyota dealer - they said this is the only brake fluid they use on every Toyota vehicle they service, no issues. Besides, they haven't seen DOT3 for ages anyway. If thinking of upgrade / racing lol and therefore using DOT5.1, I would've sticked with Toyota only to avoid potential issues of compatibility with seals/ rubber parts etc. Other than racing I see no reason for using DOT5.1. Probably, I am just currently not informed enough on the subject though.