Brake Fluid: Bleeding

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Scion tC. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

HINT:

If any work is performed on the brake system or if air in brake lines is suspected, bleed air from the brake system.

NOTE: Wash off brake fluid immediately if it comes in contact with any painted surface.

FILL RESERVOIR WITH BRAKE FLUID Fluid:
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT3

Fig 1: Filling Reservoir With Brake Fluid
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
BLEED AIR FROM BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER
HINT:

If the master cylinder has been disassembled or if the reservoir becomes empty, bleed air from the master cylinder.
1. Using SST, disconnect the 2 brake lines from the master cylinder.
  SST 09023-00101
  
  Fig 2: Disconnecting Brake Lines From Master Cylinder
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
2. Slowly depress and hold the brake pedal.
3. Cover the outer holes with your finger, and release the pedal.
4. Repeat the 2 previous steps 3 or 4 times.
5. Using SST, connect the 2 brake lines to the master cylinder.
Fig 3: Connecting 2 Brake Lines To Master Cylinder
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002

SST 09023-00101

Torque:
- 15 N.m (155 kgf.cm, 11 ft.lbf) without SST
- 14 N.m (143 kgf.cm, 10 ft.lbf) with SST
HINT:

Use a torque wrench with a fulcrum length of 30 cm (11.81 in.).
BLEED AIR FROM BRAKE LINE
1. Remove the bleeder plug cap.
2. Connect the vinyl tube to the bleeder plug.
3. Depress the pedal several times, and then loosen the bleeder plug with the pedal depressed.
  
  Fig 4: Connecting Vinyl Tube To Bleeder Plug
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
4. When fluid stops coming out, immediately tighten the bleeder plug. Then release the pedal.
5. Repeat the 2 previous steps until all the air in the brake fluid is gone.
6. Tighten the bleeder plug.
  Torque: 8.3 N.m (85 kgf.cm, 74 in.lbf)
7. Install the cap.
8. Bleed air from the brake line for each wheel by repeating the above procedures.
CHECK BRAKE FLUID LEVEL IN RESERVOIR
1. Check the fluid level and add fluid if necessary.
Fluid: SAE J1703 or FMVSS No 116 DOT3

Fig 5: Checking Fluid Level
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002