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?
Toyota Brake Fluid?
- Thread starter danmcph
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Jack90210
SILVER Star
Just the regular Toyota DOT3: 00475-1BF03
I personally think it's important to do a full flush every year. Extra points for activating the ABS module at the time. Also, be sure to not fill to the line without performing the brake booster pressure-relief procedure.
Amsoil will do or any reputable brake fluid manufacturers.
2001LC
SILVER Star
We all once thought, as it should be. That all DOT III Brake fluid was the same. NOT SO!
Does it matter which DOT III. Well, it certainly did to Toyota/Lexus in 2010:
Searching Bing (MS A.I.):
Toyota is recalling 740,000 vehicles in the United States due to an issue within the brake master cylinder. The automaker identified a seal as a potential problem area should it come into contact with brake fluid that is not up to Toyota’s fluid specifications1. The recall was issued in 2010.
Toyota Recalls 740,000 Vehicles for Brake Master Cylinder Seal
Toyota is prepared to recall 740,000 vehicles in the United States due to an issue within the brake master cylinder.
Toyota Recalls 740,000 Vehicles for Brake Master Cylinder Seal
Toyota is prepared to recall 740,000 vehicles in the United States due to an issue within the brake master cylinder. The automaker identified a seal as a potential problem area should it come into contact with brake fluid that is not up to Toyota's fluid specifications.2005-2006 Avalon, 2004-2006 Highlander (excluding Hybrid), 2006 Lexus GS 300, 2006 IS 250, 2006 IS 350, 2004-2006 RX 330
The Problem: The hydraulic brake system houses a seal at the end of the brake master cylinder piston, which moves in conjunction with the driver's braking efforts. Toyota says its genuine brake fluid possesses a certain quantity of lubrication polymers crucial in keeping the seal in working order. Replacement brake fluid with insufficient amounts of the polymers may not saturate the seal adequately and cause it to deform, eventually leading to fluid leakage, a soft brake pedal, and a warning light. According to Automotive News, 600,000 vehicles in Japan and 190,000 in other markets are affected as well.
A separate recall for potentially faulty fuel pump wiring was also announced, although it's unclear how many vehicles are afflicted.
The Fix: Dealers will swap the brake master cylinder cup with a newly designed unit and change the fuel pump wiring.
Number of vehicles potentially affected: 740,000 in the U.S., 1.53 million worldwide
Sources: Automotive News (Subscription required), Toyota
Toyota DOT 3 Brake Fluid Composition ?
forum.ih8mud.com
When I learned a few years ago. Toyota Dealership parts departments were starting and continue too, to this day. Selling an unusually high number of brake master in all models (to their shops). I learned this after talking with a parts guy, about the 2010 recall of brake masters. That the TBS stated "use of non-Toyota brake fluid" as the cause. I than began ordering cases of Toyota BR fluid. The first case was covered in dust. So, I ask what their shops are using for brake fluid. "Bulk" non-Toyota (OH s***). At that point I switched to only using Toyota brake fluid, I'm still the only one I know of!
We once knew who produced the bottles of Toyota brake fluid. Which was same company that made the factory fill. Although, formula was altered from factory fill.
A few years ago. Toyota decided to privet label the bottles. So, we no longer know who makes.
I hope the Prestone DOT4 I used is good enough. Plan is if the once super clear brake fluid gets a little dark, that’s my sign to do complete flush, fill and bleed again.
hoser
SILVER Star
Toyota DOT3: 00475-1BF03 is the US manufactured brake fluid that is only available in 12 oz bottles, unfortunately.
In Japan... here comes some brake fluid porn... haha...
I believe this statement to be true for both Toyota Oil and Brake Fluid.
"Japanese O.E.M. - oils under the Toyota brand, as well as oils under the CASTLE brand for the domestic market of Japan - are produced under a contract by ExxonMobil Yugen Kaisha Corporation (original Toyota oil is produced at the same plant). Castle is a retail brand of TACTI, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Toyota. TACTI Corporation (Toyota Aftermarket Creating and Trading Incorporated) was founded in 1996. The founders are: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION - 80%, DENSO CORPORATION - 10%, AISIN SEIKI CO., LTD. - 10%. The CASTLE brand was created in order to expand the customer base in the post-warranty car service market. Consequently, the same oil is filled in cans under the Toyota brand and in cans under the CASTLE brand. In Japan, Toyota oils are sold mainly through authorized dealers and in large packages of 20 and 200 liters,"
In Japan... here comes some brake fluid porn... haha...
I believe this statement to be true for both Toyota Oil and Brake Fluid.
"Japanese O.E.M. - oils under the Toyota brand, as well as oils under the CASTLE brand for the domestic market of Japan - are produced under a contract by ExxonMobil Yugen Kaisha Corporation (original Toyota oil is produced at the same plant). Castle is a retail brand of TACTI, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Toyota. TACTI Corporation (Toyota Aftermarket Creating and Trading Incorporated) was founded in 1996. The founders are: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION - 80%, DENSO CORPORATION - 10%, AISIN SEIKI CO., LTD. - 10%. The CASTLE brand was created in order to expand the customer base in the post-warranty car service market. Consequently, the same oil is filled in cans under the Toyota brand and in cans under the CASTLE brand. In Japan, Toyota oils are sold mainly through authorized dealers and in large packages of 20 and 200 liters,"
Dirt Ferguson
SILVER Star
I just had my brake fluid drained and filled at the dealership. I thought the color of the fluid was supposed to look like a lager, mine looks like a porter. Should I be concerned?
So, how many bottles of the magic elixir goes into the brake fluid ritual? I used anything from a Walmart no-name to Motul DOT 3 and DOT4 from Pentosin. Never had a problem. If their seals in a vehicle that is advertised to run in Sahel, Magrib and on Telegraph Road require some NASA level fluid that's shaky engineering and testing. Reminds me lame excuses by German car mfg in regards to their Direct Injection deposits in Messerschmitt engines.
Looks like one needs around 15 12 oz bottles per car?
Looks like one needs around 15 12 oz bottles per car?
So if I'm reading that right toyota replaced the master cylinder cups, not the fluid right?..... I've been using store brand dot3 for decades and NEVER had any issues from it.....We all once thought, as it should be. That all DOT III Brake fluid was the same. NOT SO!
Does it matter which DOT III. Well, it certainly did to Toyota/Lexus in 2010:
Searching Bing (MS A.I.):
Toyota is recalling 740,000 vehicles in the United States due to an issue within the brake master cylinder. The automaker identified a seal as a potential problem area should it come into contact with brake fluid that is not up to Toyota’s fluid specifications1. The recall was issued in 2010.
Toyota Recalls 740,000 Vehicles for Brake Master Cylinder Seal
Toyota is prepared to recall 740,000 vehicles in the United States due to an issue within the brake master cylinder.www.motortrend.com
Toyota Recalls 740,000 Vehicles for Brake Master Cylinder Seal
Toyota is prepared to recall 740,000 vehicles in the United States due to an issue within the brake master cylinder. The automaker identified a seal as a potential problem area should it come into contact with brake fluid that is not up to Toyota's fluid specifications.
2005-2006 Avalon, 2004-2006 Highlander (excluding Hybrid), 2006 Lexus GS 300, 2006 IS 250, 2006 IS 350, 2004-2006 RX 330
The Problem: The hydraulic brake system houses a seal at the end of the brake master cylinder piston, which moves in conjunction with the driver's braking efforts. Toyota says its genuine brake fluid possesses a certain quantity of lubrication polymers crucial in keeping the seal in working order. Replacement brake fluid with insufficient amounts of the polymers may not saturate the seal adequately and cause it to deform, eventually leading to fluid leakage, a soft brake pedal, and a warning light. According to Automotive News, 600,000 vehicles in Japan and 190,000 in other markets are affected as well.
A separate recall for potentially faulty fuel pump wiring was also announced, although it's unclear how many vehicles are afflicted.
The Fix: Dealers will swap the brake master cylinder cup with a newly designed unit and change the fuel pump wiring.
Number of vehicles potentially affected: 740,000 in the U.S., 1.53 million worldwide
Sources: Automotive News (Subscription required), Toyota
Toyota DOT 3 Brake Fluid Composition ?
When I learned a few years ago. Toyota Dealership parts departments were starting and continue too, to this day. Selling an unusually high number of brake master in all models (to their shops). I learned this after talking with a parts guy, about the 2010 recall of brake masters. That the TBS stated "use of non-Toyota brake fluid" as the cause. I than began ordering cases of Toyota BR fluid. The first case was covered in dust. So, I ask what their shops are using for brake fluid. "Bulk" non-Toyota (OH s***). At that point I switched to only using Toyota brake fluid, I'm still the only one I know of!
We once knew who produced the bottles of Toyota brake fluid. Which was same company that made the factory fill. Although, formula was altered from factory fill.
A few years ago. Toyota decided to privet label the bottles. So, we no longer know who makes.
2001LC
SILVER Star
Do you know if and where can be bought and shipped to USA?
2001LC
SILVER Star
Staining in reservoir perhaps! Which is indication of poor fluid flush history.
Once the factory fluid flushed out, we must then flush ever 2 to 4 years. Depending on climate. It's moisture, that lower boiling temp, which turns the fluid dark.
Note: When I grade brake masters. Staining is a negative. As it is an indication, of seal health.
5 12oz bottles minimum. Total of ~7 to do a good job at flushing accumulator. Add 1 more for calipers (compress pistons).
Toyota does not say: We must to use their brake fluid only. OM states: Toyota or DOT III equivalent brake fluid.
I use and recommend only Toyota brake fluid. Out of abundance of caution!
Why:
- Recall TBS, recall do to use of non Toyota brake fluid damaging seals.
- I flushed my factory fill after more than 10 years (01LC). Amazingly, the old fluid came out looking like new.
- I then used off-the-shelf DOT3, which turned green in calipers (copper washer in 98-02) in less than 3 year.
- Toyota wholesale parts guy, said to me: "They're seeing and unusually high number of brake master sold" Toyota dealership, aren't using their own brand brake fluid. Hummmm!
- Many brake fluids on the market today. The best testers, have specific test depending on which/manufactures fluid. Indicating a difference. I try to avoid, mixing fluids i.e Coolant, oil, gear lube, ATF, AHC and even brake fluid.
Master aren't cheap. Why chance reducing it's life, for ~$10 difference in cost!
I only wish I could get the same fluid that came from the factory fill. The Toyota brand bottles are a second choice.
well, if the alcohol content maps....
The Book (2004) says "Using automatic transmission fluid other than "Toyota Genuine ATF" may cause ..." a list of catastrophe events follows.
It doesn't say anything of that nature about the brake fluid. This is the spec from the book:
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3
Nothing special.
I call that excuse mentioned in the recall on different vehicles irrelevant to J100.
It doesn't say anything of that nature about the brake fluid. This is the spec from the book:
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3
Nothing special.
I call that excuse mentioned in the recall on different vehicles irrelevant to J100.
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