Toyota Brake Fluid

[Built_Well]

Is there an important difference between the brake fluid needed for a Japan-VIN Camry and the brake fluid needed for an American-VIN Camry? My 2006 Camry LE was made in Japan, and the following web page says there is a difference:

http://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/429173-toyota-dot-3-brake-fluid-composition-2.html

Here is a short, interesting excerpt from 2001LC's post on that page from 11/19/2010 :

"Supposedly it is the same, but we have know-way to know for sure, since we don't have the composition and ingredients.

Toyota brake fluid is certainly our safest bet, unless you have need of a high temp fluid for extreme braking.

I spoke with CCI tech support, very poor phone system kept loosing contact. He is apparently Japanese and barley spoke English. I would have like to get more "color" on the Inhibitor package and differences in the glycol ester, but communication was just to difficult. I'm waiting on a email and may converse further with him through email.

Here is what I learned:

CCI does not processes the chemicals, only mixes the acquired chemicals to client spec and bottles it.

Toyota has not changed it's formula since they began auto production in USA (around 1990)

This gets a little more tricky. They have different formulas in Japan then in USA, mainly do to the fact they use a different glycol ester in Japan, which is very expensive to import into USA. But the Inhibitor package is said to be the same.

CCI Golden Cruiser brake fluid is not sold in USA only Japan according to this Tech.

The recalled vehicles have one bad seal that reacts to aftermarket fluid only.

Any manufactures brake fluid can be used, but not in a recalled vehicle until seal is changed."
[End Quote]

 

[bepperb]

If the recall has been done why would it matter?

Or more importantly why does it matter since you cannot get the Japan factory brake fluid anyway (short of flying there)?

 

[Built_Well]

Well, maybe, I can order the Toyota Brake Fluid on Yahoo-Japan or Ebay-Japan or something like that, if it's in English (or use an English translation site). Or maybe I could do a Google search for the magic elixir. There's always a way if one is determined, right. But I'll probably just use the dealer's can. Easiest way.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Lexi are Japan made, oui?
Maybe go there for your stuff. I went there to get the REAL toyota OE foam element oil filters that the VVTi cars thrive on.

 

[Built_Well]

Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
Lexi are Japan made, oui?
Maybe go there for your stuff. I went there to get the REAL toyota OE foam element oil filters that the VVTi cars thrive on.

Thanks for the good idea. I just called one of the two Lexus dealerships in town. The parts clerk checked the can of Toyota Brake Fluid, but said it's made in the U.S. I'll probably use that.

 

[nthach]

CCI does have a plant in Illinois, but Amrep handles Toyota's chemical needs, much like Excelda does for others.

 

[tommygunn]

Once the recall is fixed, just use Castrol DOT 4 (formerly LMA) or Wagner Severe Duty DOT 5.1