Explanation of Brake System

[Optimus]

I've driven my new used 2002 Prius just long enough to know it doesn't have standard vacuum assisted power brakes like "normal" cars do. The brake system is VERY sensative (in a good way for the most part) and is taking a little bit to get used to. But there seems to be 2 components to it, based on pedal feel. The first wee bit of pedal travel has barely any resistance and seems to be an electronic braking, and harder braking seems to be standard hydraulic? I've read discussions of the brake system on the G2's, but it doesn't necessarily apply to the G1's.

I wouldn't say there's a problem with the brakes. They are just, well, different.

[Patrick Wong]

See attached three files.

May I suggest that you subscribe to techinfo.toyota.com and download the 2001 New Car Features Manual. This will provide substantial "theory of operations" content not found in the Toyota repair manual.

[Bobwho]

I wish that I had the time to read this thread before my dealer told me that I had manual adjust drum brakes. I told him that I did not believe him and almost had to fight my way out of the shop. I have not been back to that dealer since then and have used the auto adjusters to remedy the "trouble" myself without having to pay for service to adjust my brakes. The nut even sent me a letter claiming that the auto adjusters would not hold!

[hobbit]

I offered proof on how the auto-adjusters work. Keeping the
parts clean will probably help over the long term; if the
threaded parts rusted they could conceivably stop turning any
more and thus be unable to adapt to shoe wear, but if that was
a really common occurrence we probably wouldn't have this sort
of design in so many cars now.
.
_H*