Need Advice on 30K maintenance

[vinnysca]

Hello Everyone,

It's been a while since I posted anything here. Here goes:

I'm coming up to my 30K miles on my 2006 Prius. I've benefited from the advice of other veteran Prius owners on this board on what one really needs on their 30K mile anniversary.

But, since moving to NH I'm really weary of the only dealership in this part of the state. I know that some of the posters recommend that the rear drum brakes be inspected. I tried doing this myself but couldn't get the drum plates off due to rust.

Here's my million dollar question:

Would I lose out if I don't take my Prius for its 30K maintenance check? I only drive the car to work and hardly even use the parking brakes. And if I do, I don't even push on the ebrake pedal that hard. Six to 7 clicks at the most.

If I can wait for the 60K check, I'd rather.

Thanks so much guys!

Vince.

[firepa63]

Here's what is recommended Toyota Parts and Service. However, since almost everything is a visual inspection, the cost shouldn't be much. Replace the ICE and cabin filters yourself. My 30K service at my dealer was $52.88. Basically your looking at an oil and filter change along with tire rotation.

[vinnysca]

Thanks.

Did they inspect your rear drum brakes? If not, then I should be OK then. I will just replace the filters myself. One of the things I've done every month was to vacuum my a/c filter. it's still good.

[JimboK]

Does NH require an annual (or other interval) safety inspection? Virginia does, and I rely on that for inspection of vehicle components that have a potential safety impact, including brakes (front and rear), suspension and steering components, fuel system, and exhaust system.

[vinnysca]

yes, there's a yearly inspection required. But it's very lax. I think the only thing they really inspect is if the break lights turn on when you step on the brake pedal.

[Patrick Wong]

Originally Posted by vinnysca

...I know that some of the posters recommend that the rear drum brakes be inspected. I tried doing this myself but couldn't get the drum plates off due to rust...

Hi Vince,

I assume that you have access to the Prius 30K mile schedule so that you can see the list of required inspections. I further assume that you have been able to perform all of the inspections other than the rear brakes. If these assumptions are not correct, then you may be risking your safety as well as the vehicle's performance, to some extent.

Regarding the drum brake inspection, this is relatively simple. Go to your local hardware store and buy a couple of 6 mm bolts, 25 mm length or longer. Then jack up the rear of the car and place jackstands to keep the car up. Remove both rear tires. Release the parking brake. Insert the two bolts into the threaded holes that are on the face of the rear drum. Rotate clockwise so that the bolts force the drum off the brake assembly. Repeat on the other side of the car. Now you can inspect the brake lining, look for a leaky wheel cylinder, and clean off the interior using brake parts cleaner, etc.

[vinnysca]

Thanks for the advice! I'll try that this afternoon after i get home from work.

Vince.