88Legend

I'm planning on doing a brake bleed and PSF change within the next few weeks on the ES300.

I have changed the PSF in the Legend before and did a brake bleed on my bros W123 Mercedes and it went well.

Is there any special way to change the brake fluid in these cars, anything I should know about? I know they have an ABS system, but I think it is separate form the actual brake system.

Any particular brake and PSF fluid to use?

Thanks

88Legend

Anyone? What type of ATF can I use in the PS system and will regular DOT 3 be fine for brakes?

PFB

Not sure what year your ES300 is, but the correct fluid specs for your car are stamped on their respective caps in your engine bay.

Phil

88Legend

Ok I'll check there. It is a 2000 ES300, it says so in my sig. Thanks for the reply.

snowmaker

I just use my Amsoil ATF in the PS..Brake fluid is either 3 or 4; whatever, I have around at the time. It does not matter if you mix the 2.

PFB

Sorry, I did not see the year of your car, mine is a 2001 so should be the same as yours.

PS fluid = Dexron 3
Brake fluid = DOT 3

But just to make sure, double check the markings on your respective caps.

Phil

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

Yeah, i just run a normal/average DOT 3 brake fluid. Did the flush a month ago when i had to change my caliper since it was toast.

Anyways, there's no 'special' way. If doing it the manual way [pumping brakes] just go bit by bit with each corner, all the way around so that it is good to go. That's how my mech. did it as he doesn't have that cool-gadget they use at commercial shops that sucks the fluid out of each bleeder.

snowmaker

I have a bleeder and start in the rear and work to the front...For me, not worth the time and effort. Just suck the fluid of the res every 6 months and be done with it..

Most people do not even know the fluid types but pay lexus $100 to install PS fluid...BONG.

pauloil

one advantage or opening the bleeders is that they don't stay welded in place as easily. Or I could say, Tis healthy to open a bleeder!

yeldogt

The fluid for my es300 is DOT 3 -- and changing the master cylinder tank is not bleeding the brakes. The point of bleeding the brakes is to flush the lines so that any moisture at the calipers is cleaned out.

Do a search as to what rear wheel to start -- you start at the caliper with the longest line and finish with the shortest.

The manual lists the PS fluid -- Doing a "turkey baster" change will refresh the PS fluid if you do it a few times.

88Legend

Thank you guys, I'll try to get this done a few other things with in the next few weeks.

Also, I don't think there is a way to get a turkey baster in the PSF reservoir in these cars. But it has been a while since I looked under the hood of the ES300. I will just take off the return line and run the car, and of course keep adding fluid so no air gets sucked in...

The PSF fluid might be original, not sure, but it looks nasty.

snowmaker

I have a fluid extractor for brake fluid since bleeding is again, not worth the time and effort.