Checking the level and topping up the brake fluid in the Toyota RAV4 hydraulic brake system reservoir

Parts and consumables:

• Brake fluid
• rags

Notes:

The brake fluid reservoir is located in the engine compartment.

The brake fluid used in the hydraulic brake system is poisonous, so if it comes into contact with the skin, immediately wash it off with plenty of water. If the liquid accidentally gets into the eyes or inside the body, consult a doctor immediately.

Brake fluid dissolves paint and plastic, so if fluid comes into contact with your vehicle's paintwork, wash it with plenty of water.

Brake fluid is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the air), so it is not recommended to use fluid that has been stored in an open container for a long time.

Brake fluid must not come into contact with mineral oils. Even a small amount of mineral oil degrades the properties of the brake fluid and can damage the brake system.

1. The tank has a transparent body, and therefore the level of brake fluid can be controlled from the outside (the arrow shows the MIN level in the photo).

Note:

Make sure that the brake fluid level is always closer to the MAX mark.

2. If the brake fluid level is too low, before removing the plug from the compensation tank, wipe the plug and the place near the plug from dirt with a clean rag to avoid getting into the hydraulic circuit of the brakes and clutch. Please note that the tank cap has a vent hole that must not be blocked.

3.  With the cover removed, inspect the internal surfaces of the compensation tank. If there are deposits or water droplets on the reservoir walls, change the brake fluid.

4.  Add the recommended brand of brake fluid to the reservoir; preliminarily place a clean rag around the filler hole of the tank (so that liquid drops do not fall on the plastic of other engine parts and do not damage them).

Note:

Mixing different types of brake fluid can damage the hydraulic system.

Fill the reservoir with brake fluid only up to the dotted mark. This will ensure that the level is correct when the float plug is installed on the reservoir to control the level.

5.  After filling the reservoir, check that the lid is securely attached to the reservoir.

Note:

The brake fluid level may drop slightly during vehicle operation due to worn brake pads and automatic brake pad adjustment. This is quite normal.

If the level of the brake fluid has dropped noticeably in a short time or has fallen below the MIN mark, the tightness of the brake system is most likely broken. Too low level of brake fluid in the tank is signaled by a control lamp (marked in the photo).

The article is missing:

• Photo of parts and consumables

Source:  http://www.navigator.mn/toyota-rav4/tehnicheskoe-obsluzhivanie/roverka-urovney-ekspluatatsionnih-zhidkostey/tormoznaya-zhidkost.html