Toyota Tacoma Brake Fluid Flush & Bleed

How to Do a Brake Fluid Flush & Bleed on your Toyota Tacoma. Although this does apply to a large portion on the vehicle out there. Learn how to do a complete brake system flush to remove all of the old brake fluid out and replace it with fresh new DOT 3 brake fluid. I show you the one person method to bleed the brakes and how to make a bleeding bottle cheaply. I also show you how to bleed drum brakes and disc brakes as well as the correct order to bleed them for a complete flush.
Clear hose-
www.amazon.ca/...
fluid (Battery) filler-
www.amazon.ca/...
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Thanks! Kelly.

[@awakeandalive4248]

One quick tip after you use this method to do a car and later months or a year later you do another car make sure to cut a small piece of the tip from your tubing because it will actually expand a little, I did this procedure perfectly and easily the first time and a year later when I was doing another car I noticed that air bubbles were continuously showing after pumping the brakes over and over again and wasted a lot of fluid suddenly I realized that fluid was leaking through the tip of the tubing because it had expanded from the last time I used it and wasn't tight enough so I cut the tip off just a small piece and proceeded with the job and it worked perfect again but it took me more than 5 minutes to figure it out.

[@TheRealTBCPurp]

Bro, I had NEVER bled brakes by myself before, and I had a really bad leak on a brake line so I was super nervous to do this. You made this super easy to do, and it took about 20-30 minutes to bleed all 4 wheels. Luckily I didn’t have to bench bleed the master cylinder. Great advice on the 3/16” tubing, really simple and straightforward advice. Good job. 👍🏼

[@Beacon_Offroad]

Awesome. Good job.

[@williambrinton4661]

2nd gen owner here. My new favorite channel, Thanks!

[@DonOH12]

I really appreciate the effort put into this video. Now excited to do this on my 2nd gen! Thank you

[@johnmichael5179]

Thanks for the video man! Going to change the brake fluid this weekend and will be using yours and Faye Hadley's videos as a guide.

[@tswvxyastswvyeej5510]

Good job. I have done my cars for many years

[@derekp6636]

Great tips thanks! Ordered replacement brake lines to go ahead and swap all 4 on my tacoma and will need to bleed em when I'm done. Figured due to time/mileage I'll knock em both out at the same time. Thank you very much

[@whatismyusername6140]

Thanks for this fantastic instructional! I flushed my brake fluid and that pesky light is no longer on…great job satisfaction.

[@johnmellyn2700]

Great video, will be doing this in the spring when the weather gets better along with other maintenance tips I’ve learned from your awesome videos,.. thank you very much !

[@Beacon_Offroad]

Awesome, good job. 👍

Great video. Perfectly detailed. I've been looking for exactly this. !!

[@jeffreyking7994]

Nice bike!

[@faustogonzalez8397]

Thanks Buddy for the Video, clear, concise and to the point. You've made me a Fan !!

[@sparklight5317]

Thanks. Really useful. Working on rebuilding front suspension and brakes now. Rear drums and rebuild to follow. Maybe rear bearings too. A good flush to wrap up hopefully.

[@Beacon_Offroad]

No problem, goodluck with your rebuild.

[@SuperMcPuffin]

Really informative and actually seems pretty simple, thanks so much for the video!! 👍👍

[@babycarrots8085]

Can we expect to see a video on how to replace the drive belt in the near future? And also changing the power steering fluid? Thanks and your videos are awesome 🤘🏻

[@Beacon_Offroad]

Good ideas. Definitely put it on the short list.

[@genkikiwi8240]

Thank you! Great video, easy to follow and super useful!

[@mikecurtis3643]

Super video! Really clear and easy to follow, as well as great tips. Thanks!

[@Beacon_Offroad]

Thanks Mike.

[@daltonspencer4453]

Right on this is on my list. Great job👍🏻

[@seanpop2886]

One thing I wouldn't do is pump the brakes multiple times without the drain line arched upward so that air does not go back into the system. In fact, I would have one of my kids slowly depress the brake and hold it then I would shut the bleeder then they would release the brake. This is to assure that the only direction the fluid is going is out.

[@scottschmucker5622]

Great job, nice production. Love it and can't wait to refresh the fluid on my Tacoma AND Odessey. Keep up the great work.

[@Beacon_Offroad]

Thank you.

[@gullinbursti118]

Thanks Kelly, this is next on the maintenance list for my '14 taco

[@jeffthompson8663]

This is the correct hose, it is tight but it keeps out air and works great.

[@awakeandalive4248]

Is it the same size for the 98 Camry too?

[@jeffthompson8663]

alive probably but get a small peice and try it.

[@rrodriguez4378]

Further wheel from the master cylinder will be the front one away from the master cylinder or rear?

[@davidmadden1195]

Awsome video, very helpful, many thanks !

[@jockodog2009]

Good complete advice.

[@nghiadinh94]

High-quality content and great demonstration of the process. Thanks so much!

[@chrishenderson4265]

Great video! I will be on the look out for many more from you. Thanks!

[@Beacon_Offroad]

Thanks for watching. 👍

[@michael184272]

Very well-done..very informative #1 I also had the question about whether or not the key has to be in the on position..

[@marioposada8955]

Love the videos man !!!! Would love to see a power steering video for this truck. Keep up the good work .👍🏾👏🏾

[@Beacon_Offroad]

Sounds good. I'll put it on the short list.

[@gringocangrow]

Awesome, thanks for putting this out!

[@Rockhounding-with-Bigfoot]

You asked and I did it... subed. Thanks for the video. I am doing this now on my BEAR 2006 Tundra

[@Beacon_Offroad]

Thanks man. 🤘

[@nastysoda9212]

Thank you!

[@HerbertAtkinson]

Tacomas have the ABS brake module that's located on the right front side under the hood therefore the lines should be bleed from the furthest from the the ABS module, so it would be the left rear, then the right rear, then left front, then finally the right front.

[@TN1000W]

So driver rear, passenger rear, driver, then passenger??

[@googlinstuff8910]

great teacher, thank you

[@Beacon_Offroad]

Thank you

[@travisfeld97]

Thanks Kelly a great refresher!

[@JML1987]

Some of the tutorials I've seen for self bleeding say to raise the tube above the bleeder valve to avoid air going back into it when you release the pedal. Is that necessary? Liked and subscribed. Hope to see more Toyota tutorials.

[@Beacon_Offroad]

No not really. As long as there's fluid in the bottle you'll be ok. Thank you.

[@big_R_]

Another great video, keep up the good work!

[@juliogonzalez-nh4jb]

thanks very much ,very detailed.

[@h001139]

Thank for posting

[@michellenorman7798]

Thanks im doing mine today.

[@michaelschwartz8922]

Nice! Hope you do more

[@hungle-zv7mk]

im ur fan for life. Ty for such good videos 👍👍👍

[@tylersmith293]

Very helpful.

[@TheTreeTuner]

Awesome video - thank you!

[@Beacon_Offroad]

You are welcome.

[@DJ-cw2cj]

Thank you sir!

[@sergebasque8460]

Great tips.

[@tradmanmike3360]

GREAT CHANNEL! GREAT STRAIGHT FORWARD CONTENT!!! THANK YOU! THUMBS UP!!

[@largekj33]

loved the video! got along bleeding the brakes on my 2011 trd off road and found my brake pedal to be pretty firm the entire time and I couldn't get much brake fluid out of the lines. maybe was able to replace less than half a liter out of my two rear brakes after about an hour of pumping. the truck remained off the whole time and the pedal stayed pretty firm. It would travel some but not much. What am I missing!

[@dougherr3802]

That sounds like the bleeder valve was not opened enough. You don't want to loosen it so much that air comes in passed the threads but you do want it open enough so that you can get the fluid moving. It is easier to find that sweet spot by having somebody else pumping the brake pedal as you loosen the valve. Once you get the hang of it you can go back to "do it yourself".

[@jimbernard8964]

Excellent! Thanks man.

[@jimcatanzaro7808]

Best tip if you have a little guy around to pump the breaks for ya

[@milkyway808]

How many pump needed? Or until it’s clean? I can’t wait to try it!! Very helpful video sir👊👊👏👏

[@Beacon_Offroad]

Until youre happy. Once you feel its clean your good.

[@catherinemorris9844]

I followed this procedure and ran into a few problems on my 2017 Tacoma. First, the engine needs to be running when pumping the brakes. The video did not say that, and it was not obvious to me at first that it needed to. But without the engine running little or no brake fluid flowed through the lines when pumping the brake. I figured the power brakes were not functional with the engine off and that might be the problem. When I tried it with engine running, fluid pumped easily. Second, the hose that attaches to the nipple needs to be a .25" id. Video said 3/16" ID which I bought first and that did not fit. I measured the OD of the nipple and it was .290". A .25" ID tube (my next purchase) fit well. Third, either the screen in my master cylinder was permanently installed, or I could not get it out. It appeared permanent. I could not suck the fluid out of the master cylinder, so I decided to pump it out with the brake pedal (with engine running) through a bleed nipple. I did not completely empty it but I think I went too low (well below the "min" line) and probably introduced air into my system. After attempting to bleed all four lines, and seeing a lot of air in the system I sealed up the nipples and tried the brakes. Pedal went easily too the floor, very soft, and lots of brake warning lights. So I think my system is full of air, despite putting a full quart of new fluid into the system. It got dark and cold, and I ran out of brake fluid, so I gave up for the day. Will try rebleeding the system tomorrow without letting the fluid in the master cylinder get below the "min" fill line. You might also comment on how you know when you've bled enough. My brake fluid was 7 years old with 90,000 miles on it and it looks just like the new fluid. So I could not tell when new fluid was coming into the bottle, at least not be appearance. The old stuff was not dirty at all, and same color as new. Yes, I'm a newbie to brake flushing. This was my first attempt. I appreciate the video though other than the above issues.

[@catherinemorris9844]

Replying to my own message with an update. I re-bled the brakes without letting the level drop below the min line in the master cylinder and all is good now.

[@mastermetalshredder]

This was super helpful and you're a great teacher. Please stay stoked on making videos!

[@Beacon_Offroad]

Love to hear it. Thank you very much.

[@mastermetalshredder]

@@Beacon_Offroad Definitely! I'm getting ready to flush the brake system on my 2nd gen tacoma, I didn't know about the bottle trick- very cool! Now I dont need anyone to help

[@ChadSextoid1]

This seems easy enough, but I have one question. In the beginning of the procedure you removed some fluid from the master cylinder and then put new fluid in to top it off. Then, during the bleeding procedure fluid is being expelled from the system into the bottle. My question is, won't this result in less fluid in the system than when you started? If so, does this procedure require topping off the fluid in the Master Cylinder at the end?

[@Beacon_Offroad]

Yes. Continue to check and top up as you go along.

[@ChadSextoid1]

@@Beacon_Offroad thanks!

[@davidruiz5383]

great video and I appreciate you sharing your services. do you do the bleeding on all cylinders. thanks and have a great day.

[@Beacon_Offroad]

Thanks. Yes, bleed all 4 corners.

[@ThanhNguyen-np9rn]

I got a Toyota 4runner 2016 and I want to flush the brake fluid. One of my concern is the ABS system. I'm kind of scare to mess with it so do you have any advise for me? I can see in your video is NOT turn on the engine. Is that the key to flush the brake? Do you have to disconnect the battery ? I don't know so I have to ask. Thank you very much and by the way, I Subscribed your channel already

[@Beacon_Offroad]

My truck has abs. Dont be overly concerned. Follow the steps and you'll be perfectly fine. Truck is off, not reason to turn it on during. But even if you did, nothing would happen. Goodluck, thanks for the follow..

[@williambeckman6900]

DOT5 grade fluid is silicone based and does not absorb any moisture. It is required on many classes of race vehicles. Change to that once and you are done unless a line ruptures.

[@jerryvikla3925]

I was taught to close the bleeder when the pedal is down each time so air wasn't sucked back in (2 person). I purchased bleeders with a check valve to do it myself. You did not mention that at all so I am wondering is it because you submerged the hose in the fluid you added to the bottle first that you can do it with just one person or are newer vehicles equipped with checks in the bleeders? Also, I had been led to believe that anti-lock brakes trap fluid in the mechanism somewhere and a computer is required to cycle it for a flush. Is that true or is it just not that important to worry about such a small amount? Thanks for your videos.

[@Beacon_Offroad]

You were taught correctly. That would apply to a 2 person method. You're also correct, with the hose submerged it will not back suck air into the system allowing you to preform this solo. Some vehicles will not allow bleeding without a scan tool. Also, if you're not changing the master or a abs unit and haven't let the system get air into it, there should not be any air introduced into the system.

[@jerryvikla3925]

@@Beacon_Offroad Thank you so much! Yeah I have purchased a viper pressure bleeder and various vacuum pumps to do it myself. I had never heard of submerging the tube in the bottle. Genius! Thanks for your videos.

[@Xxxxxrrr6464]

Thanks

[@daryn_Canada_1066]

What is your opinion on Anti-Lock brake module? Some trucks have it under the hood, some are in under the frame. Someone mentioned to start farthest from the Anti_lock unit? I have a 2017 Tundra. Thanks for the video, it explains everything very well. Cheers

[@Beacon_Offroad]

I find it negligible. Besides the Toyota stuff, we do a lot of brake services at my shop and have never seen a difference either way. Just start in the rear and move forward.

[@daryn_Canada_1066]

@@Beacon_Offroad Thanks for your quick reply!

[@EzraGaskin001]

Do you have any opinions on those little vacuum pumps for flushing brakes? Is there any advantage to them over the bottle method, or vice versa?

[@Beacon_Offroad]

Ther is absolutely nothing wrong with them or that method. Neither has the advantage. I made this video because you basically almost need nothing to do it.

[@EzraGaskin001]

@@Beacon_Offroad Thanks so much for responding! That makes sense. Keep these videos going! Loving the help with my Tacoma.

[@22iceage]

I know on my 2005 4runner you have to turn the key to the on position to engage the brake booster prior to bleeding. Does your Tacoma not have this

[@DeathSithe92]

Dumb question but does this need to be done per tire or is this a single loop system that goes through all of the brake cylinders where if you do it for one it does it for all of them? New to truck maintenance, tired of paying outrageous maintenance fees at a dealership when this all seems pretty simple and relatively cheap

[@Beacon_Offroad]

Only dumb question is the one that isnt asked. Yes, you need to do this at each wheel. You have 2 front caliper and 2 rear brake drums with wheel cylinders. Bleed all 4 just like in the video, maybe watch it a couple times. Goodluck!

[@richlien5598]

Great video. Can you do this for brakes with ABS? I have a 2000 4runner with ABS.

[@Beacon_Offroad]

Yes you can.

[@cncmachining7568]

What key positions are : off, on or start vehicle...?

[@jakeherchert5975]

Can you make a power steering fluid flush video?

[@ChadSextoid1]

So I just followed this procedure on my 2015 Tacoma 4x4. During the bleeding process for the passenger side and the rear driver side I was only able to get 1 or 2 pedal presses before the pedal got very firm. However, when bleeding the front passenger line, I must have depressed the pedal close to 15 times and the pedal never got firm. It continued to travel all the way to the floor. I checked the bleed line and it was full of clear liquid, no air. Also checked the reservoir and ensured it was topped off. At this point, the pedal will get very firm quickly if pressed when the vehicle is off, but the pedal still feels a bit spongy when the vehicle is on. Could there be an issue with the front passenger line? I checked for leaks and didn't see any. Should the pedal feel solid when bleeding each line? Edit - it might also be worth mentioning that I just replaced the front rotors and pads a couple days ago.

[@zekeyeager1458]

I think it’s because of the rotors, as well as pads if you replaced those as well. The pistons aren’t used to being that spread apart so it’s going to take a little bit of time to get that right feel. I don’t doubt that this is the cause for the stiffness in your pedal. I’m going to be replacing my rotors and pads, and then finish it off with a brake fluid flush for the first time on my 2017 TRD Sport. Wish me luck but I don’t think I’ll need it. I’ve researched and worked on my vehicle too much to not get this right.

[@JFCA97]

@@zekeyeager1458Did everything come out fine during the flush? Had to replace the front brake pads on my 2019 Tacoma and when I went ahead and started the brake flush on the rear passenger side drums I opened the valve and had my brother depress the brake and nothing was coming out did you have a similar issue?

[@zekeyeager1458]

@@JFCA97 no not for me. My issue was that I was trying to get all of the bubbles out so the fluid pumped out clear but I could never get it 100% out so I kept refilling the brake fluid ressy with fluid and just draining it out, pretty much wasting it. So I just called it a day and left the bubbles in and it’s been working fine since.

[@JFCA97]

@@zekeyeager1458 so did you follow the same steps for the flush as in the video? Or did you do something different?

[@zekeyeager1458]

@@JFCA97 I used a harbor freight bleed kit. That should say it all lol

[@rodzalez3549]

Didn’t even know this was a thing until now

[@Beacon_Offroad]

It works great.

[@ronfazer2423]

BEWARE: Brake bleeders screws are sometimes seized. If you brake one off , what are you going to do? My 2016 Civic was only 5 years old at the time with low miles and I could not loosen 2 of the 4 screws. Consider sucking out the master cylinder and replacing that fluid and have a good day. Do that every 20000 miles ?

[@popclutch_100]

I purchase my 2019 Toyota Tacoma crew cab SR5 Brand new. I have 47,000 miles on the truck currently. When should I do this to my truck? Also what type of wheels are on ypur Tacoma? They are nice..

[@danielkondrath8217]

Great video. Would 1 quart be enough to bleed and flush?

[@Beacon_Offroad]

Yes that would be a typical amount used.

[@tacticallybroke]

After I am done with the bleed do I need to add any more brake fluid? Or is brake fluid being added as the flush is done on each wheel?

[@Beacon_Offroad]

You need to check and add to the master through out the process. Make it doesnt go too low.

[@tacticallybroke]

@@Beacon_Offroad thanks!

[@myronhensel]

I need to extend the brake lines in the rear of my 2015 Tacoma trd off road. Do I just need to bleed the brakes at those lines?

[@Beacon_Offroad]

Quickly change the lines and bleed the rear brakes. Simple as that.

[@myronhensel]

KB Autotech & Adventure Thank you so much. I think mine has that electronic booster if I’m not mistaken, not sure if that matters.

[@drakeforte568]

Should the master cylinder cover be on or off during the bleeding? I get conflicting info from different people.

[@Beacon_Offroad]

In reality it won't make a difference.

[@cncmachining7568]

And should the engine running or shut off during the bleeding, I’m confusing 🤔

[@Beacon_Offroad]

@@cncmachining7568 engine off any you'll be fine.

[@wjm3018]

Brake fluid looks clean prior to flushing. How often do you flush brake fluid under normal driving. Every 50k miles or 4 yrs?

[@Beacon_Offroad]

It wasn't too bad yet but the point of servicing is to do it before it looks bad. Ya that would be a fairly good interval. Each manufacturer has there own take on it. Some don't even list a recommendation, just says inspect and replace as needed.

[@Beacon_Offroad]

@JGTT14 Engine off. Either for the key, it makes no difference.

[@thomasthompson3967]

Does the Tacoma need to be on for this whole process?

[@kota11334]

Hi. Can I do this on my 5th Gen 4runner ? The master cylinder is different.

[@envylures5770]

I was doing this my 2016 Tacoma and starting in the rear right side wasn’t really getting much fluid out per pump. Went around the truck once found that the front was as shown in the video. Started over in the back right again, this time I rotate the wheel and then it started to flow and air coming out and fluid like the front brakes did. Maybe it’s the ABS system on it but I did it another two times all the way around just to make sure. Hope this is right or normal. If not, please let me know what to do. Thanks

[@JFCA97]

Update? Did your brake feel fine or did you have to keep repeating the flush? I had to replace the brake pads on my 2019 Tacoma and decided to flush the brakes and had the same issue of starting with rear passenger and nothing was coming out.

[@cncmachining7568]

What size of the clear hose do you used

[@midnighttoker2859]

How do you avoid the break warning sensor from activating when you siphon the break reservoir? Its going to show low break fluid and wont reset after refill until 500 mi of driving.this is on an 05 tacoma pre runner

[@Beacon_Offroad]

I dont believe that to be accurate. It should only be a float level sensor in the reservoir but cannot confirm without looking.

[@Kgrldo]

Is there any issue if I do this without lifting my truck or removing the wheel?

[@Beacon_Offroad]

Nope none at all. To save time we do it whenever possible.

[@charlievu1358]

Why did you filled bottle with fresh fluids before draining old fluids in there instead of draining into empty bottle ?

[@Beacon_Offroad]

The bottle needs fluid in there or it will suck air. Just part of the process.

[@agustinherrera5600]

Hey is it possible the brake booster goes out or even the master cylinder while bleeding brakes ? I bled the brakes on my 2016 tacoma and the pedal sinks at high speeds and sudden stops . Its good on city driving though.

[@Beacon_Offroad]

Sure its possible but typically not. Super hard for me to say with looking at it.

[@constantinoperez3711]

What wrench for the bleeders

[@ghostlygaming8674]

i did this but the pedal feels squishy when the car turns on

[@jonmusgrove2134]

Hi there, what about the proportioning valve on the rears - there's usually a bleed valve there, what order is that done in the bleeding sequence?

[@Beacon_Offroad]

Nothing extra to do. Just follow this procedure and you'll be good. 👍

[@XBrandonLeeX765]

Do you empty & refill the bottle with one inch of brake fluid? each time you move on to bleed a new brake?

[@Beacon_Offroad]

No I did not. It never draws in the fluid from the bottle. It just stops the air from getting into the line.

[@XBrandonLeeX765]

Carcraft Autotech Thank you for the clarification. Please, keep the videos coming. I have a 2018 2.7 Tacoma. I love how your videos are straight to the point.

[@daniellandrum1988]

What size wrench you use for bleeder

[@BryanOmally-ol2oc]

What size ratchet is the bleeder screw?

[@agustinherrera5600]

Hey i bled my tacomas brakes and it didnt want to turn on after . Why is that ?

[@manuelbenitez8771]

How much fluid do one needs to do a full replace?

[@Beacon_Offroad]

1 liter will do. 1.5 if you want to do a bit extra.

[@davidray3558]

Does anyone know how many miles is recommended for brake flush service on 3rd gen Tacoma

[@johnappleseed9290]

Every 2-3 years OR 30-35,000 miles is highly recommended.

[@agustinherrera5600]

Does the truck have to be off when bleeding the brakes ? Does it matter if its off but the ignition on ?

[@Beacon_Offroad]

It's does not absolutely need to be off but normally it always would be off, key on is perfectly fine.

[@agustinherrera5600]

@@Beacon_Offroad i bled my brakes and my pedal still gies down alot . I bled them until no air came out and i didnt let the reservoir run low . Why is that

[@Beacon_Offroad]

@@agustinherrera5600 very hard for me to say without being there. I'd assume there's air, you just done realize it. Unless you have a actual problem with the master or abs unit bypassing.

[@mr.k9935]

Can't find that size tubing anywhere. What alternative size will work? Thanks.

[@Beacon_Offroad]

5/16 is the most common size hose on earth lol. Use regular vacuum line, won't be clear but any parts store will have it. It really doesn't need to be clear.

[@captinbeyond]

I used 1/4" clear plastic tubing ( that's the OD so inside will be smaller of course) and found it at Lowes in their plumbing section for about $3.

[@awakeandalive4248]

Is the tubing the same size for the 98 Toyota Camry.

[@Beacon_Offroad]

More than likely, most bleed screws are basically the same size.

[@ElSabio2929]

I tried it now I don’t have brakes

[@rubicon4x494]

How do we watch the bottle when in the cab pressing the brakes?

[@Beacon_Offroad]

You don't. Just do a set amount and recheck.

[@rubicon4x494]

@@Beacon_Offroad ok got it, thanks👍🏻

[@mikefey2427]

Do you refill the master cylinder with the excess fluid in the bottle? (If the cylinder is running low while bleeding)

[@Beacon_Offroad]

@@mikefey2427 no, just new clean fluid from your new container. Refill as many times as necessary.

[@edmondargonza759]

how do you know when you have clean fluid?

[@Beacon_Offroad]

Just look. When it's no longer dirty and when the color changes to look like new fluid.

[@edmondargonza759]

@@Beacon_Offroad thank you!

[@jameslique7008]

Does the truck need to be running????

[@Beacon_Offroad]

No, but you could if you wanted to.

[@octaviolozano6890]

Why fill the water bottle with fresh brake fluid before draining? And is Dot 4 safe

[@Beacon_Offroad]

So it doesn't draw back air into the system. Dot 4 is fine

[@SergioSanchez-eo4ls]

Were you have the Shop

[@Beacon_Offroad]

I'm up in Canada. Surrey B.C. to be precise.