#Brake fluid #bleeding or #flushing
CL Community Team
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 9,310
Likes: 3,968
From: USA
Good info. I have one of those Motive bleeders too. I just bought last month to do my G35x..... I may need to pickup a new master cylinder adapter to get it to work with the GX.
I added link to this on the Wiki.
Also another option with vacuum
I added link to this on the Wiki.
Also another option with vacuum
Last edited by Acrad; Oct 9, 2021 at 02:09 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 1,975
Likes: 820
From: TX
I like the Harbor Freight brake bleeder than you hook up to an air compressor. I use it to clear the reservoir first, then bleed all four corners. A great, cost effective option provided you have an air compressor.
Rookie
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 75
Likes: 12
From: WA
Note: I do not have any brake fluid in my pressure bleeder. That method is too messy for my preference.
When I started the vehicle up after bleeding, the pedal did sink close to the floor on the first press only before going back to normal. I have a feeling the pressure bleeder method does not purge the old fluid remaining in the ABS pump which will probably happen automatically next time I engage ABS. This was the case in my previous Acura TL at least.
I didn't know there was a Wiki for the GX. Thanks for the heads up. I also own an eBay TechStream. Had I known there were instructions written for the Techstream Bleed Method, I probably would have tried that instead as it appears you don't even have to open any bleeders on the front calipers? Or is this just a method for purging air out of system?
Last edited by binhster; Nov 16, 2018 at 07:48 AM.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 425
Likes: 159
From: Northwest
What adapter did you use? Did you make it yourself or got a specific one. I have Motive brake bleeder an MB and a generic adapter, not sure if those work or not. A brake flush is getting due on our GX too.
Rookie
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 75
Likes: 12
From: WA
Mine was made years ago out of a PVC Cap tapped in the middle with a brass air nozzle fitting. Then I used a rubber pipe coupler with some metal hose clamps to secure each end. One clamp on the PVC fitting and the other to the reservoir.
Last edited by binhster; Nov 17, 2018 at 12:09 PM.
CL Community Team
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 9,310
Likes: 3,968
From: USA
Wow... I used the Motive on another vehicle yesterday.. my '07 G35x with around 96K miles that I bought new. Never changed... fluid was a little discolored but didn't see anything major. Regardless it was needed a long time ago and this Motive product totally rocks. It is so easy to use. I did put fluid in Motive container and will need to clean up with denatured alcohol but this is an easy service item for anyone. I'm gonna pick up the appropriate adapters for my other cars. Adapter fit perfectly on my G like it was a stock cap.
CL Community Team
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 9,310
Likes: 3,968
From: USA
binhster: I notice you had to take part of the trim off behind the master cylinder to get the adapter on there.
Motive says the following about Toyota/Lexus:
"Toyota and Lexus- The majority of Toyotas and Lexus models use a reservoir cap that is a push to seal cap. It doesn't screw on or twist to lock. Some Toyotas and Lexus use a cap that has two locking tabs that engage inside the reservoir neck. Both of these types of caps will need to use the Universal Round kit 0101 with adapter 1101 or the metal version the 0119 which comes with the 1119 adapter. Note - if the reservoir is under the cowl the 1101 or 1119 will not work. Also some Toyota and Lexus use an integrated master cylinder abs unit where the ABS unit is either directly below the master cylinder or attached to the side. We do not have a kit that works with those vehicles."
Motive says the following about Toyota/Lexus:
"Toyota and Lexus- The majority of Toyotas and Lexus models use a reservoir cap that is a push to seal cap. It doesn't screw on or twist to lock. Some Toyotas and Lexus use a cap that has two locking tabs that engage inside the reservoir neck. Both of these types of caps will need to use the Universal Round kit 0101 with adapter 1101 or the metal version the 0119 which comes with the 1119 adapter. Note - if the reservoir is under the cowl the 1101 or 1119 will not work. Also some Toyota and Lexus use an integrated master cylinder abs unit where the ABS unit is either directly below the master cylinder or attached to the side. We do not have a kit that works with those vehicles."
Rookie
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 75
Likes: 12
From: WA
binhster: I notice you had to take part of the trim off behind the master cylinder to get the adapter on there.
Motive says the following about Toyota/Lexus:
"Toyota and Lexus- The majority of Toyotas and Lexus models use a reservoir cap that is a push to seal cap. It doesn't screw on or twist to lock. Some Toyotas and Lexus use a cap that has two locking tabs that engage inside the reservoir neck. Both of these types of caps will need to use the Universal Round kit 0101 with adapter 1101 or the metal version the 0119 which comes with the 1119 adapter. Note - if the reservoir is under the cowl the 1101 or 1119 will not work. Also some Toyota and Lexus use an integrated master cylinder abs unit where the ABS unit is either directly below the master cylinder or attached to the side. We do not have a kit that works with those vehicles."
Motive says the following about Toyota/Lexus:
"Toyota and Lexus- The majority of Toyotas and Lexus models use a reservoir cap that is a push to seal cap. It doesn't screw on or twist to lock. Some Toyotas and Lexus use a cap that has two locking tabs that engage inside the reservoir neck. Both of these types of caps will need to use the Universal Round kit 0101 with adapter 1101 or the metal version the 0119 which comes with the 1119 adapter. Note - if the reservoir is under the cowl the 1101 or 1119 will not work. Also some Toyota and Lexus use an integrated master cylinder abs unit where the ABS unit is either directly below the master cylinder or attached to the side. We do not have a kit that works with those vehicles."
Regarding the proper adapter, I just removed my original post about recommending the Power Probe BA10 as that one appears to only secure to the Toyota reservoirs with the push to seal cap. The GX 460 cap is threaded. Sorry for my misguided information.
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Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,265
Likes: 9
From: MA
GX460 - 30k Mile Brake Fluid Changes
Hi everyone,
Lexus is recommending changing the brake fluid every 30k miles on the GX and I'm sure they're recommending this on other Lexus / Toyota vehicles now too. Mine is a 2015 with about 35,000 miles that I bought new. I've owned a dozen or so Lexus vehicles over the years and this is the first time / vehicle that I remember them wanting to performing this service on. Unless there has been contamination of the system, this service seems crazy to me. I think the service consultant said the service was around $300. I asked him if the fluid was 100% replaced, including the contents in the ABS system and he said no, they bleed the system through the calipers and refill the reservoir. I declined the service and I was a bit ticked off..It seems to me that this is just another way to make more money off of us. What is your opinion on this?
I know there have been complaints filed with the NHTSA concerning brake failures on the GX. Does anyone know if the problems reported are responsible for them recommending this service now? Could be a way to cover their *ss...
Thanks,
Jim
Lexus is recommending changing the brake fluid every 30k miles on the GX and I'm sure they're recommending this on other Lexus / Toyota vehicles now too. Mine is a 2015 with about 35,000 miles that I bought new. I've owned a dozen or so Lexus vehicles over the years and this is the first time / vehicle that I remember them wanting to performing this service on. Unless there has been contamination of the system, this service seems crazy to me. I think the service consultant said the service was around $300. I asked him if the fluid was 100% replaced, including the contents in the ABS system and he said no, they bleed the system through the calipers and refill the reservoir. I declined the service and I was a bit ticked off..It seems to me that this is just another way to make more money off of us. What is your opinion on this?
I know there have been complaints filed with the NHTSA concerning brake failures on the GX. Does anyone know if the problems reported are responsible for them recommending this service now? Could be a way to cover their *ss...
Thanks,
Jim
Racer
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 1,975
Likes: 820
From: TX
Brake fluid is the most overlooked maintenance item for all vehicles. That being said, I'm ok with a 2-3 year replacement interval. Considering what is involved, this service should be no more than $150.
Reminds me, I need to get my GX done...
Reminds me, I need to get my GX done...
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,045
Likes: 633
From: VA via TX, PA, FL, and SC
The most difficult part of doing this service DIY is not getting brake fluid on any part of the vehicle... I haven't done it yet on our GX, but I plan to ... used it on our 4Runners and worked great, easy day.
Rookie
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 36
Likes: 8
From: OH
Brake fluid is hygroscopic. And most brake systems are not truly 100% closed to atmosphere. So it does pick up some water with time. Used to have a Mercedes GLK and they recommended brake fluid change every 2 years which I did. I always wondered why Toyota/Lexus never recommended brake fluid changes. I would do it every 2-3 years if you can as a preventative. Shouldn't be too much $$. Mercedes dealer used to charge $129 for the service IIRC.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 544
Likes: 134
you referring to the sponginess/initial bite?
really didnt like that when I went for a test drive.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 534
Likes: 148
From: VA
Brake fluid is hygroscopic. And most brake systems are not truly 100% closed to atmosphere. So it does pick up some water with time. Used to have a Mercedes GLK and they recommended brake fluid change every 2 years which I did. I always wondered why Toyota/Lexus never recommended brake fluid changes. I would do it every 2-3 years if you can as a preventative. Shouldn't be too much $$. Mercedes dealer used to charge $129 for the service IIRC.