Toyota has become a household name as one of the best vehicle and vehicle parts manufacturing companies. This Japan-based company is responsible for manufacturing some of the most memorable and legendary cars of the present decade. So, there’s no doubt that Toyota is a reliable name all over the world.
One of the best-selling trucks made by Toyota is the Tundra pick-up truck. The models under the Tundra have been a massive hit since its inception in 1999. Although this 5.7l V8 engine has poor mileage, it has a large customer base because of its superior durability and flexibility. That’s why it’s necessary to know the procedure to do brake bleeding on a Toyota Tundra.
Toyota Tundra Basic Information
Toyota Tundra is a flexible off-roading pick-up truck that can carry up to 6 passengers as well carry a payload of 1560lbs. at the same time. The truck has a torque of 401lb-ft while having 381hp for towing over 9700lbs. behind it. Since the truck has direct contact with dirt and uneven terrain, it has automatic tire pressure monitoring capabilities which help to keep the truck stable and maintain traction.
Unlike other vehicles, Toyota Tundra is an FWD (Four Wheel Drive) type vehicle which means that all four of its wheels can be controlled individually. Such mechanisms are necessary for trucks like Toyota Tundra because they need to keep the payload safe at all costs. The wheelbase of the truck is 145.7 inches and it has a ride height of 10.6 inches.
Why Is Bleeding Brakes Necessary?
It’s not completely necessary to bleed brakes but it’s good for your vehicle. However, some vehicles do need to bleed brakes compulsory because their internal parts need to keep working properly. The main objective of bleeding brakes is to make sure that there is no air in the brake lines. Unless you’re having one of the problems mentioned below, you don’t need to bleed your brakes.
Worn Out Brake Pads
Due to the lack of fluid in the master cylinder, the air gets the scope to get inside the brake system. Brake pads should be replaced and brakes bleeding is necessary when situations like this take place.
Damaged Drum Brake Cylinder
Drum brake cylinders can get damaged due to various reasons. When replacing a damaged drum, the whole brake line needs to be disconnected. This will let in airflow to the brake system which will then require bleeding.
Caliper Piston Compression
Caliper pistons need to be compressed which means you have to open the bleeder valve and change the brake pads at the same time. This will let air slip into the brake lines that needs brake bleeding procedure.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The brake system consists of several components that can be damaged over time. For this reason, you need to replace them which will disconnect the hydraulic part and the brake line. This will let air flow into the brake lines that must be bled out.
Toyota Tundra Brake Bleeding Procedure
As any form of tampering or damage to the brake lines will let air into your vehicle’s brake system, it’s highly plausible that Toyota Tundra can have such problems too. Since the mechanisms of this truck vary from other vehicles, the procedure requires different instruments and steps too. The steps are provided below:
Bleeding The Brake Line
Requirements:
- A flexible hose to insert fluid
- Assembly of the disc brake cylinder
Steps:
- Firstly, remove the reservoir filler cap of the brake master cylinder.
- Next, you have to add a substantial amount of brake fluid that can stay between MAX and MIN shown on the brake fluid reservoir.
- After pressing the bleeder fluid for a while inside, the bleeder plug should be loosened.
- After depressing the brake pedal, start bleeding fluid from RH and LH disk brake calipers situated at the front.
- Tighten back the bleeder plug and let go of the brake pedal once you’ve finished bleeding the fluid.
Bleeding The Brake System
Requirements:
- Sub-assembly of Brake Master Cylinder
- Brake booster assembly
- Assembly of Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir
- Brake Actuator assembly
Steps:
- Remove the reservoir filler cap of the brake master cylinder.
- You have to add a substantial amount of brake fluid that can stay between MAX and MIN shown on the brake fluid reservoir.
- Take a union nut wrench and search for the master cylinder’s 2 brake lines. Disconnect them with the wrench.
- While holding down your brake pedal, slowly keep depressing the fluid.
- You will find two outer holes which you have to block with your fingers and release the pedal at the same time.
- Keep repeating steps 4 and 5 for 5-6 minutes.
- Take the union nut wrench again and reconnect the two brakes lines that you had previously disconnected off the master cylinder.
Caution While Bleeding Brakes
Bleeding brakes is not hard but requires patience and basic mechanical skills. The procedures mentioned above are possible only if you’re familiar with the techniques and terms. If not, it’s advised that you take your truck to a mechanic and if you can do the process yourself, remember to maintain the cautions provided below:
- Check if the amount of brake fluid in the can is sufficient before using it for bleeding brakes.
- Make sure the reservoir is enough to stay between MAX and MIN after you apply the brake fluid.
- Follow the steps strictly to avoid destroying the brake system.
- Apply parking brake before starting the bleeding procedure.
- Make sure that the brake fluid doesn’t come in contact with your truck’s paint or decals.
Toyota Tundra: How To Bleed Your Brakes
Final Words
Toyota Tundra has a durable body that has a considerably large lifespan along with robust parts. The truck can accomplish a lot of work like carrying passengers, towing, and moving payload at the same time. The truck is also superb for off-roading because of its FWD feature and aerodynamic shape.
Note that bleeding brakes in case of airflow in the brake system are a highly necessary fix. Unable to perform this fix will end with your truck brake failure and the chance of severe casualties. The total bleeding brakes cost is below 200USD so it’s recommended that you bleed the brakes as soon as you identify the problem. With the steps mentioned in the article, bleeding brakes in a Toyota Tundra will be easier than ever.
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