Quote:
Originally Posted by gquenstedt
Has anyone ever heard that you can't use a pressure bleeder on a tundra? I was at a shop that specializes in european cars, but also works on Japanese cars, and the guy told me that it had to be done the old fashion way with pumping the pedal. I don't really believe that
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He might have been referring to the 2004-06 models with VSC. If so, these models would be very difficult to use a pressure bleeder. Not only does the reservoir and filler cap, make it a challenge to get an adapter to fit and hold pressure, but the 2004-06 Tundra with VSC setup is similar to the newer 4Runner. They both use an integral hydraulic brake booster / master cylinder assembly, and the bleeding procedure is a bit more complex. It requires that the hydraulic booster be bled first using a specific sequence, first with the ignition ON, and the ABS pump running, and then with the ignition OFF, and a helper pumping the brake pedal more than 20 times to release the pressure in the ABS accumulator. You basically need to follow a very exact sequence. The front brakes are also bled with the Ignition ON, and with the helper pumping the brake pedal. Again not sure if you could replace the pedal pumping with a pressure bleeder (if you can somehow get an adapter to seal at the reservoir), or if the pedal MUST be held down, in order to get a fluid flow. Some of the older Integral ABS, like the Teves II, and the Wabco (used on Land Rover), required the ABS fully pressurized, and a helper holding down the brake pedal. This is needed to get a fluid flow out the rear bleeder screws, but a pressure bleeder is still the best method to bleed the front brakes on vehicles with these ABS systems.
Regarding the best way to flush a brake system, like someone else at the beginning of this thread, I use the Speedi-Bleed pressure brake bleeder that I got from
http://www.speedibleed.com
I just purchased the K100B DIY kit for $99 (includes free shipping). Their might be other pressure bleeders that cost a bit less, but for the money this tool is great value. My kit had a pressure regulator & gauge, quick release coupling to connect the bottle, an aluminum adapter with a thick rubber gasket, and a strap to tighten the adapter onto the reservoir. Fluid leakage can be a big problem with pressure bleeders, but the adapter in my kit did a good job (even at 20 psi I got a good seal).
