OEM toyota brake fluid

[RollinYotas]

I try to use oem fluids whenever possible but is there really a difference between the aftermarket dot 3 and toyota for brake fluid?

 

[Zuberg]

I think the Toyota stuff tastes better.

In all seriousness, I've read that the Toyota fluid plays nicer with the OEM master cylinder seals etc. Toyota did a recall some years back due to this issue and use of non toyota brake fluid.

Thread 'Toyota Brake Fluid?'

Jul 7, 2023

I just bought an 03 LX470 and read some brake threads. I use Amsoil Brake Fluid in my other cars but after reading the threads I think I should run the Toyota fluid. Is there a specific part number or Toyota fluid I need for a 100 series?

• danmcph
• Replies: 14
• Forum: 100-Series Cruisers

 

[TahoeZ]

Lots of people think the Toyota fluids are better and worth the extra money. I don't adhere to that belief and haven't had any issues that could be attributed to issues with the fluids myself, but that isn't a conclusion that there isn't a difference. I've been running Prestone synthetic brake fluid for years without any problems.

 

[OEMGUY0720]

DOT Ratings Explained:

• DOT 3:
  The most basic glycol-based fluid, suitable for normal driving conditions.
  
  
• DOT 4:
  Glycol-based, with higher wet and dry boiling points than DOT 3, often found in European vehicles and performance applications.
  
  
• DOT 5:
  Silicone-based, not compatible with glycol-based fluids (DOT 3, 4, and 5.1). DOT 5 has a higher boiling point than DOT 3 and 4 but is not recommended for vehicles with ABS due to its compressibility.
  
  
• DOT 5.1:
  Glycol-based, with boiling points comparable to DOT 5, but compatible with DOT 3 and 4. DOT 5.1 is often used in high-performance and racing applications.

 

[Malleus]

Good question. The dealerships use commercially available fluids The parts departments sell Toyota fluids because they are told to.

@2001LC swears by Toyota brake fluid, and he's had more 100s under the knife than most people ever will.

 

[cmw]

While picking up a new brake master the parts manager / 30 year mechanic saw me looking at Toyota DOT3 and told me to buy Prestone and save the money.

 

[Zuberg]

While picking up a new brake master the parts manager / 30 year mechanic saw me looking at Toyota DOT3 and told me to buy Prestone and save the money.

Smart mechanic playing the long game. He knows you'll be back in to replace the master cylinder .

I'm kidding

 

[squidmotion]

I would recommend using the Toyota fluid, If you are starting with a new MC booster assembly. There is an added lubricant, from what i’ve researched, that might have a benefit with the weirdness of this booster/electric style system. I tend to err on the side of caution, when this system is so expensive to repair/replace. I’m not gonna chance issues, in the long run, with a cheaper, even if capable fluid. Just my two cents.

The reason Toyota is using standard, off the shelf fluids these days, is because the systems are more standard, vacuum assisted, usual type master cylinders.

The 100s and even the 4runners and the FJs that use this weird electric system, I would use Toyota fluid.

 

[Jack90210]

I'd say that it's the frequency of brake fluid flushes that matter more than the specific fluid (I've been doing annual flushes with Valvoline Synthetic DOT 4/5 for decades), but if you're an "every three to six years I flush brakes" type then I'd go with the Toyota fluid.

 

[scubadoober]

Just did a total brake fluid flush this weekend. I flushed the majority of the system with regular (non-Toyota) DOT-3. I used 64 ounces to flush, and the last sixteen ounces added to the MC was BOSCH ESI6 5.1. It is supposed to have better low temp viscosity, and more resistance to moisture. I figured having that in the reservoir couldn't hurt. No science behind it just what I did.