I have a 2013 Rx350.

I recently changed the brake pads, and I want to change the brake fluids. Brakes feel fine, but its still the factory break fluid from 2013 so its time change.

Can I do the old fashion bleed without Techstream? I know the ABS module and brake actuator wont get fully flushed without techstream, but I can still get away with an old fashion bleed?
In my other cars, I do the one man brake bleed with a device that has a 1 one way valve to prevent air from getting sucked backed in.

 

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...e-fluid-2.html

 

I have done it at home without Techstream and using my MightyVac one man brake bleeder after replacing the brake pads if I feel it needs it. It uses a vacuum to pull the brake fluid out. I usually have to go around the car a few times for a good bleed and fluid replacement. However, even if you leave the ignition on in accessory mode, it will not bleed the ABS or electronic brake distribution module. I still take it to a shop every few years for a thorough professional brake bleed. Since you have the original fluid and the cost is not that much, usually under $120, I recommend you have a shop with the equipment to do a proper bleed. Considering that a new EBDM costs a couple of thousand dollars, it is like buying insurance to pay for a more thorough brake bleed.

True, they do not need Techstream, but good independent shops have other aftermarket equipment to activate the ABS and EBDM while bleeding. Or call a few Toyota and Lexus dealers for prices.
Some will even do a transmission fluid exchange if you want to price that and do some more preventive maintenance. I paid about $250 to have the transmission fluid exchanged (a/k/a flushed- which is not an accurate description) on my Niece's ES350 which has the same transmission as the RX350.

 

Yeah, I'll probably just take it to Lexus to get it done the proper way.

I'm just shocked 7 year old brake fluid still feels nice and strong, especially after I installed new brake pads. Wish flushing the brakes was as easy as slapping the new pads on, that was a super easy DIY job.

 

I'm planning to do the same thing. I will change all the other fluids myself, including the transfer case, the diff and the coolant.

But the brake fluid seems like too much hassle, the price they charge is not bad, and you only need to do it every few years.

 

I just start the engine, bleed each brake with a clear hose until the fluid comes out clear having one person in the car pumping the brake pedal. Make sure you are always topping up the fluid so it doesn't go below add. Then in the winter I slam on the brakes in the snow to flush out the old fluid in the ABS module, that isn't much fluid anyway....... easy peasy

 

RX450H has electronic pump and it is live all the time. Not sure if 350 has a brake booster that needs the engine to run. in 450H no pumping is required and one push will keep the fluid draining. Practically all the work is below. For 450 the brake reservoir is near the passenger and the farthest wheel is driver side rear wheel.

Bleeding the air out of the system would require tech stream or something similar. So do not introduce air or you may end up needing a flat bed.

Salim

 

Update.

Since there is plenty of down time to do auto work these days, I decided to change brake fluids without Techstream.

The old fashion bleed works perfectly fine without Techstream. I did the usual bleed through the calipers, and the brakes are as strong and firm as ever. I did this with engine off.

As other have mentioned, as long as you don't introduce air, or need to bleed out exisiting air, no need need for Techstream.

 

Pencap- What year is your RX please? I want to bleed my 2015 RX350 the old fashion way aka pump the pedal- wonder if he 2015 has any issues doing it this way?
Thanks

 

You can brake bleed your 2015 RX350 the same as a 2013 or 2010. Mechanically they are all the same. The RX350 brakes are the same as the Highlander, Sienna, Venza.

Now the RX450 being a hybrid is very different upstream from the calipers and I would consider taking it to a shop to have the brakes bled.

 

Thanks Clutchless