Cap adapter to pressure bleed Toyota brake fluid?

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Sep 2, 2016
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I've made various adapters from master cylinder reservoir caps to pressure bleed different vehicles, but they have all been threaded caps while Toyotas use a push-on cap. I've seen a clever DIY adapter made from a 1.5" rubber test cap which gets secured to the reservoir with a hose clamp (example), but not sure how effective it is when pressurized.

What do you use to pressure bleed Toyotas?

FWIW, I pressure bleed with a DIY kit that pressurizes the reservoir using the vehicle's tire (depressurized to 28 PSI). Simple and compact, but I have to refill with new fluid after each corner.
 
I bought an adapter one like this for the LS400 but I've yet to use it. I can't recall where I got it from. I think it'll fit on the LS430.

 
I have an AGM pressure bleeder (with thanks to @The Critic !) and I bought the AGM reservoir cap. It works OK. It’s good up to about 10 PSI, then it leaks. AGM wanted a lot for the adapter, though, so, I am not sure I would recommend it.

 
It looks like CTA also has an offering. No personal experience here but in general CTA stuff is decent
 
I have an AGM pressure bleeder (with thanks to @The Critic !) and I bought the AGM reservoir cap. It works OK. It’s good up to about 10 PSI, then it leaks. AGM wanted a lot for the adapter, though, so, I am not sure I would recommend it.

I like to keep the pressure low whenever using a pressure bleeder. Years of working on C2 and C3 Corvette disc brake systems, with their hard to properly bleed systems, taught me low pressure is the way to go.
 
Just a note on this:

I recall a TSB to from Toyota stating NOT to use a pressure bleeder. Likely mid to late 2000's

In fact I requested my local Toyota dealer to bleed my brakes at the time and they refused!

I said O.K. so it safe to drive around with a low, spongey pedal?! Blank stare. Idiots.

I also had the front catcon leaking sulfur stink/exhaust into the cabin when accelerating. Had to call customer care to plead my case and get approval. The dealer balked though I had corporate go ahead. Nothing got done.

A TSB came out a bit later on the exhaust leak to replace front pipe and cat. Traded the car, taped the TSB to the dash.
 
Interestingly, I cannot find any reference to brake fluid service intervals from Toyota. Only Toyota Canada mentions replacing it at 48k km (30k miles) with no consideration to time.

USA:

Canada:
 
The LS430 (glorified Toyota) lists brake fluid replacement every 30k miles of two years.

OTOH, replacement is not mentioned in the Highlander maintenance schedule. It only states (in the footnotes) to inspect the level/condition every 15k miles/18 months.
 
I would try putting one of these ratcheting clamps over the cap to hold it in place, but it would probably be tricky with the fitting sticking out from the middle of the cap.

I had to double gasket the bleeder cap for my Dodge as it would not tighten properly and leak. I have to check out my Toyota CHR to see what cap it has.


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