Brake Actuator Replacement
12-12-23, 06:51 AM
#1
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Brake Actuator Replacement
2006 Highlander Hybrid V6 AWD, 252,000 miles. Need to replace the brake actuator. I thought it would be an advanced DIY but when I was looking into ordering the unit from Toyota, I saw the following message: "This part must be programmed using the correct software. Check with your local dealership, or mechanic, to ensure they are able to initiate the actuator. This is NOT an at-home installation." This is the first time I am hearing something like this. Is there anyone in this forum who has performed this on a Toyota/Lexus Hybrid as a DIY? Need advice...thanks!!
12-12-23, 08:34 AM
#2
Lexus Fanatic
You don't need to do anything special no programming, hardest part is getting the fluid to bleed sometimes it's easy other times not so much.
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SJM (02-12-24)
12-12-23, 08:38 AM
#3
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Oh thanks!! I would hate to spend $1200 on a part try to do it myself to save on the labor, and have the job fail. I have a topdon scanner that will perform ABS bleeding. Anything else you can think of? Thanks for the video!!
12-12-23, 08:44 AM
#4
Lexus Fanatic
Don't be like the guys in that video get a couple of cans of brake cleaner to prevent paint damage from any spills. They were constantly trying to sop up the fluid with shop towels. The job is not difficult at all most annoying part is fiddling with the brake lines.
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SJM (02-12-24)
12-12-23, 08:49 AM
#5
Intermediate
Thread Starter
OK nice. I am confident I can pull this off but when I saw the quote from the Toyota dealer that I posted above I got a little spooked. I've learned that with a hybrid, never assume the job will be as straightforward as on an ICE vehicle. I've bled the brakes on a 2012 HS250H manually with no issue. Tried to do that on this highlander and got burned...when I manually pushed back the pistons on the rear brakes, the actuator failed.
12-12-23, 09:05 AM
#6
Lexus Fanatic
The actuator on these cars is a known weak spot you just pushed it over the edge it would have failed at some point anyway. I have the same Highlander as you same year about the same mileage I'm counting the days when the actuator goes south. So far so good maybe doing brake fluid swaps ever 3-4 years helps.
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SJM (02-12-24)
12-12-23, 09:08 AM
#7
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Yep, thats what I figured after discovering thru these forums that this model has failure prone actuators. Bought this car used so I don't know the hybrid battery history but thats in the back of my mind too. I know its inevitable but I hope I get some time between this repair and battery issues. Have you had to address anything with your hybrid battery yet?
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12-12-23, 09:16 AM
#8
Lexus Fanatic
Only thing I've done is clean the fans/vents a few times. No issues with the hybrid battery pack if it ever fails I'll replace it they are not super expensive. This car his been stellar very reliable.
12-12-23, 09:20 AM
#9
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Mine too....other than this actuator issue. What source will you use for a new battery? I think they are unobtanium from Toyota if Im not mistaken...also, have you had to re-solder the ribbon cable on your HVAC temp ****? I did mine a few months ago...heat would spike whenever I made a turn...
12-12-23, 09:26 AM
#10
Lexus Fanatic
also, have you had to re-solder the ribbon cable on your HVAC temp ****? I did mine a few months ago...heat would spike whenever I made a turn...
12-12-23, 09:29 AM
#11
Intermediate
Thread Starter
I've heard these can last a while but 500k is bananas. I do intend to get in there and make sure there is no dust/pet hair clogging up the cooling fans. I know that has been a issue on Prius'
12-12-23, 09:44 AM
#12
Intermediate
Thread Starter
I don't know why the guys in the video are pumping the pedal and not using a scan tool to bleed the system. Its my understanding these cars are brake by wire so I don't think pumping the pedal like a conventional brake system is doing anything. I do intend to buy an Alldata subscription before attempting this...
12-12-23, 09:52 AM
#13
Lexus Fanatic
Pumping the pedal does nothing lol but I'll cut those dudes some slack they are not pros. There is a procedure to put the brake system into service mode without a scan tools Google says this:
After that bleed via the screw on top of the ABS unit. Don't know if the above works.
turn the key to on, pump accelerator pedal twice, shift to neutral, pump accelerator twice again, back to park, pump pedal twice more and you are now in maintenance mode.
12-12-23, 09:56 AM
#14
Intermediate
Thread Starter
That wil put the car into maintainance mode, I did that when I changed my inverter coolant. I'll see what the all data procedure is when I get the subscription. Thanks for all the advice and happy holidays ...
12-13-23, 02:17 PM
#15
Supposed you can bleed the brakes with a paper clip!
Pumping the pedal does nothing lol but I'll cut those dudes some slack they are not pros. There is a procedure to put the brake system into service mode without a scan tools Google says this:
After that bleed via the screw on top of the ABS unit. Don't know if the above works.
After that bleed via the screw on top of the ABS unit. Don't know if the above works.