In order to address a braking issue that arises after the vehicle has been serviced using genuine brake fluid and non-factory fill, Toyota Motor Sales has announced it will undertake a voluntary safety recall.
740,000 vehicles sold in the United States are affected by the recall, including the following models: 2005-2006 Avalon, 2004-2006 Highlander (non-hybrid), Lexus RX330, and 2006 Lexus GS300, IS250, and IS350.
The brake warning signal may illuminate as a result of a little amount of brake fluid leaking from the brake master cylinder. The driver will start to notice a spongy or soft brake pedal feel, and braking performance may gradually deteriorate, if the brake warning lamp has illuminated and the vehicle is driven without replacing the master cylinder brake fluid reservoir.
Non-factory Toyota brake fluid supplied during system maintenance was identified as the leak’s cause. According to Toyota, some replacement brake fluids are deficient in a specific polymer that prevents the internal rubber seal (also known as the brake master cylinder cup) at the piston’s tip from drying up and curling when the brake pedal is depressed.
According to the news release, “Polymers are present in the Toyota Genuine Brake Fluid utilized in car assembly for automobiles marketed in the United States. For some brake system parts, the polymers serve as lubricants.
A material that can function in an environment with lower quantities of this polymer was used to create the revised seal. No matter what type of brake fluid is used to maintain the system, this ought to stop any additional leaks.
Toyota recommends using DOT3 brake fluid that complies with SAE J1703 or FMVSS No.116 in its owner’s manuals and service instructions. These recommendations are still valid, and any brand of brake fluid is appropriate so long as it complies with DOT or SAE standards.
These standards emphasize compressibility and boiling point, but they also emphasize lubricating characteristics, seal compatibility, and corrosion resistance. However, each manufacturer of brake fluid has their unique set of additives. Usually, the unidentified polymer is a part.
First class mail will be used to contact the owners of the relevant vehicles starting in early November 2010. Dealerships for Toyota and Lexus will swap out the brake master cylinder cup for a brand-new model at no cost to the owners of the vehicles.
In This Article...
Can Toyotas be used with DOT 4 brake fluid?
The majority of people working in the automobile industry are likely aware of Toyota’s request that Dot 3 fluids rather than Dot 4 fluids be used in its cars or the brake systems will lose their guarantee. Although it is worth noting that practically all Toyota cars have a reservoir where it clearly indicates that Dot 3 is to be used, it looks that the 100 Series Landcruiser is the main model affected by these potential issues.
Apart from Dot 4’s higher boiling point and the fact that it adheres to a higher industry specification standard, there has long been a widespread belief in the sector that there is no difference between the two.
The majority of Australian producers claim that the two have different compositions. If this is the case, how is it possible that Dot 4 fluids have been flushed through Toyota automobiles’ systems for years without causing any obvious issues?
That is a legitimate query. NBS has extensively compared several fluid brands from around the world. Today, the majority of producers produce both. Does that suggest that you are forced to keep both fluids on hand?
Is it too wonderful to be true? Customers have been successfully using our brake fluid for a very long time on many types of vehicles, including Toyotas! For any vehicle where the manufacturer recommends Dot 3 or 4, the fluid is guaranteed to work.
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Antifreeze/Coolant
Without the use of dangerous silicates, this recipe offers maximum protection and is incredibly durable. It works well with non-metallic materials to make water pump seals last longer. Additionally, it is compatible with Toyota Red Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant and won’t damage aluminum surfaces like coolants that contain borate.
Genuine Toyota Motor Oil
This motor oil, which comes in 5W-30, 10W-30, and 10W-40 grades, aids in preventing corrosion on metal and gasket surfaces, stops foaming, and ensures proper oil application on cylinder walls.
Synthetic Motor Oil
Longer oil change intervals are provided by this motor oil, which also increases thermal stability and fuel efficiency. This oil pumps better when cold since many new Toyota cars are qualified for a new, zero weight synthetic lubrication standard. In addition, compared to traditional engine oil, it offers more consistent lubrication and overall efficiency.
Brake Cleaner
Brake cleaner is an efficient, non-chlorinated mixture that gets rid of brake fluid, grease, oil, and other impurities without leaving any residue when your brakes start to clatter and screech.
Battery Cleaner
This special solution, which comes in a spray can, functions as a cleanser, acid detector, neutralizer, and protector. It works well on batteries, terminals, cables, and brackets. When there is acid present, it changes color from light red to blue and penetrates and emulsifies filth, grease, and deposit.
Automatic Transmission Fluid
Automatic transmission fluid delivers good lubricating qualities, increases transmission life, and provides outstanding drivability in non-sealed Toyota automatic gearboxes when you need quiet operation and smooth shifting.
Brake Fluid
This is a highly heavy-duty, high-temperature brake fluid created by Toyota experts that is used to help deliver optimum performance in all Toyota brake systems where DOT 3 brake fluid is advised.
We have amazing rates and deals on all servicing fluids at John Roberts Toyota, so be sure to swing by if you ever require one of these fluids or have any concerns. Middle Tennessee and Murfreesboro customers will be catered to by our highly qualified personnel, who are always happy to assist.
Does Toyota use synthetic brake fluid?
Registered. The braking fluid used in DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 5, and DOT 5.1 is all synthetic. Glycol-ether-based DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5.1 fluids are compatible with the original equipment Toyota fluid.
How frequently does Toyota advise flushing the brake fluid?
While no two drivers are alike and some may need their fluid to be replaced more or less frequently, Toyota advises changing your brake fluid every two years or 20,000 miles.
Can you mix DOT 3 with DOT 4?
Can DOT 3 and DOT 4 be combined? Since DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluids are both glycol-based, mixing them is not a problem, but you should be aware that the boiling points will alter.
Better still, DOT 3 or DOT 4?
brake fluid DOT 4. The following are the main distinctions between the two: Over time, DOT 3 brake fluid will collect less water from the air than DOT 4, resulting in fewer frequent fluid changes. Due to its higher dry and wet boiling points, DOT 4 brake fluid is more heat-resistant.
Can DOT 4 and DOT 5 brake fluid be combined?
Our distributor network is offering KLONDIKE DOT 5.1 Universal Synthetic Brake Fluid in Canada. KLONDIKE DOT 5.1 Universal Synthetic Brake Fluid reduces inventory and preparation time for end users while meeting all brake fluid requirements on the market in one fluid.
- extremely high boil point for optimum effectiveness
- meets all OE specifications for all hybrid and electric vehicles.
- 500ml and 1L containers are available.
- Low conductivity and viscosity
- Brake fluid that is truly suitable for use worldwide
- replaces all specifications for glycol-based braking fluid, including Dot 3, 4, 4LV, 5.1, 5.1LV, and EHV
Can I use DOT 5.1?
DOT 5.1 has a very broad range of applications and can be utilized in any brake system where the use of glycol ether fluid is mandated with confidence. This includes high performance European vehicles as well as the most recent full electric and electric hybrid vehicles, where low conductivity is crucial. It is completely compatible with DOT 4 and DOT 3 systems and can be used to replace or top off those systems.
Since DOT 4 and 5.1 are both glycol-based brake fluids, they can be mixed without damaging your brake system because they are compatible with one another. Never confuse DOT 5.1 (a glycol-based fluid) with DOT 5, a silicone-based fluid that must never be used with any other DOT fluid. Most antique cars that are kept in storage for extended periods of time and require brake fluid that does not absorb water use DOT 5.
Comparing and Mixing Brake Fluid
DOT 5.1 fluids are an improvement over DOT 4 and have much enhanced viscosity (thickness) at low temperatures in addition to having higher boiling points and maintaining them even better than DOT 4 in service. The minimum dry and wet boiling points are one of the requirements that DOT fluid producers must meet. These are the lowest temperatures that the brake fluid can operate at without beginning to boil, which can result in a complete failure of the brakes.
Several well-known international standards bodies have established the specifications for braking fluids.
- Other brake fluid grades are categorized by the International Standards Organization (ISO) in their ISO 4925 document: the classes 3, 4, 5.1, 6, and 7.
- Under FMVSS 116, the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) in the US categorize brake fluids into three basic grades: DOT 3, DOT 4, and DOT 5.1.
- Three other grades are categorized by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) as SAE J1703, J1704, and J1705.
How is DOT 4 brake fluid utilized?
For use in automobile disc, drum, and anti-skid brake systems as well as clutch systems, Mobil Braking Fluid DOT 4 is an exceptionally high performance hydraulic brake fluid.
What occurs if brake fluid is not changed?
The brake reservoir, where the brake fluid is housed, will become contaminated with moisture if you don’t change your brake fluid as advised by the vehicle’s manufacturer.
Your braking fluid will inevitably become polluted with “debris buildup” as it ages. Your brake system’s many seals and hoses might gradually lose little amounts of rubber as they wear down. Additionally, rust particles may get up in your brake fluid as a result of metal components corroding and rusting due to moisture-rich brake fluid.
Your car’s ability to stop suffers substantially from not changing the brake fluid, which results in subpar braking performance. Most of the time, you can tell by pressing the brake pedal: if it feels excessively spongy, your brake fluid is probably about to fail. You may find that stopping your car requires more work and time, and in some situations, you may even need to pump the brakes in order to build up enough pressure for a secure stop.
If you’re moving at any speed, the uncomfortable idea that your brakes could completely fail is also a deadly one. This may occur if the boiling point of the braking fluid is reached while the vehicle is in motion, particularly if the boiling point was intentionally decreased due to moisture contamination.