I want to change the brake fluid in my 2002 4runner and was wondering if bleeding an ABS system is any different from a system without ABS. There is a sticker on the reservoir that says that the system must be depressurized before servicing or changing brake componenets. Any help would be appreciated. :fireman:

 

I was told something like this when I bought my 99 Acura. But I've bled that car the normal way. I've also bled countless other cars in my family that have ABS. If you have doubts go check with the service department.

 

I have never had any problems bleeding with an ABS unit. There may be some pressurized fluid in there but nothing to worry about unless you drained all the fluid out of the system and are now refilling it. In that case you need to follow the FSM to bleed the system.

 

What's an FSM?
Also, can the ABS unit handle the extra pressure if I replace the master cylinder with a bigger one?

Thanks.

 

FSM=Factory service manual

 

If you've inadvertantly gotten air in the ABS system like I did, it's going to require a trip down to the Toyota dealer to bleed it out of the ABS Actuator... the only way it can be done is using their ABS computer-assisted bleeding system! While it can take up to two-hours, a skilled technician should be able to do it in one. You'd think you could just take those two plugs on top out, and fill it, tap it, whatever? Nope... not possible, because the internal solenoid system is controlled by your ECM, and only their factory-supplied computer can do it, I promise. As for the FSM's bleeding procedure for the ABS Actuator, it isn't even mentioned... crazy.

As for the second question, the ABS Actuator can handle a larger MC, and a two-stage T100 booster just fine, if you want to replace the OEM units.

 

If you can get the ABS in engage, try rebleeding the brakes afterwards and one should be good to go. I've done it on two other cars this way with 100% sucess....