Brake fluid replacement at 50,000?

coopdedoo · 08-27-2009, 06:27 PM

Does anyone have any thoughts on Brake Fluid replacement at 50,000 miles on the odometer. I've pumped a LOT of money into the car this year. Hybrid battery, ecu and relay failed. $5300 of repairs with only $1900 help from Toyota

I don't need to spend$$ needlessly. Dealer recommended replacing the brake fluid and de-carbonizing the throttle. I declined for the moment having just replaced the coolants and transmission fluid in a major service visit. But if it will save me from more major repairs I'll do it. The dealer charges $120 for brake fluid and $160 fro decarbonization. Can brake fluid flush be done eslewhere? I had a quote of $75 from Big O tires for brake flush.

RobH · 08-27-2009, 06:35 PM

Art's Automotive recommends doing it at 30,000. Here's a link to their comments on fluid replacements: Prius: 30k Service

windshearalert · 08-27-2009, 07:29 PM

As i said in my previous post, i honesly believe a 30k brake fluid change is about as needed as earrings on a pig. 30K miles? cmon, that is a brake fluid change out every year and a half for a lot of drivers. Now i know a LOT of people are sticklers for watching the service manuals, but a 30k brake fluid replacement is pointess and you are throwing your money out the window. IF the system has not been opened, and IF there has not been any leaks, i find it doubtless that you would need to R&R the fluid every 30k miles. Brake shops, dealers and the like are taking advantage of drivers that do not understand and follow advice like lemmings. I for one wouldnt worry well past 50k miles. Wouldnt even give it a second thought until possibly 80k to 100k miles.
I swear the manufacturer will start a windshield washer resevoir flush soon enough...every 1500 miles, just to make sure the fluid is fresh.....

tochatihu · 08-27-2009, 08:23 PM

The condition of brake fluid can be checked. brake shops have meters or color-cange paper stips for this. It is their way of upselling because in many cars the fluid will test 'poor'. Wouldn't want to bet on yours either way, but 2001 was a long time ago.

I'm more interested in changing your transaxle fluid, actually.

08-27-2009, 06:27 PM	#1
coopdedoo Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: venice ca Posts: 2 My Car: 2001 Prius Model: N/A Package: N/A Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Brake fluid replacement at 50,000? Does anyone have any thoughts on Brake Fluid replacement at 50,000 miles on the odometer. I've pumped a LOT of money into the car this year. Hybrid battery, ecu and relay failed. $5300 of repairs with only $1900 help from Toyota I don't need to spend$$ needlessly. Dealer recommended replacing the brake fluid and de-carbonizing the throttle. I declined for the moment having just replaced the coolants and transmission fluid in a major service visit. But if it will save me from more major repairs I'll do it. The dealer charges $120 for brake fluid and $160 fro decarbonization. Can brake fluid flush be done eslewhere? I had a quote of $75 from Big O tires for brake flush. Last edited by coopdedoo; 08-27-2009 at 06:32 PM.

08-27-2009, 06:35 PM	#2
RobH Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Sunnyvale, California Posts: 674 My Car: 2006 Prius Model: Package: #8 Thanks: 23 Thanked 46 Times in 29 Posts Friends: 0	Re: Brake fluid replacement at 50,000? Art's Automotive recommends doing it at 30,000. Here's a link to their comments on fluid replacements: Prius: 30k Service

08-27-2009, 07:29 PM	#3
windshearalert Junior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Little Rock, Arkansas Posts: 16 My Car: 2001 Prius Model: N/A Package: N/A Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Re: Brake fluid replacement at 50,000? As i said in my previous post, i honesly believe a 30k brake fluid change is about as needed as earrings on a pig. 30K miles? cmon, that is a brake fluid change out every year and a half for a lot of drivers. Now i know a LOT of people are sticklers for watching the service manuals, but a 30k brake fluid replacement is pointess and you are throwing your money out the window. IF the system has not been opened, and IF there has not been any leaks, i find it doubtless that you would need to R&R the fluid every 30k miles. Brake shops, dealers and the like are taking advantage of drivers that do not understand and follow advice like lemmings. I for one wouldnt worry well past 50k miles. Wouldnt even give it a second thought until possibly 80k to 100k miles. I swear the manufacturer will start a windshield washer resevoir flush soon enough...every 1500 miles, just to make sure the fluid is fresh.....

08-27-2009, 08:23 PM	#4
tochatihu Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Kunming Yunnan China Posts: 2,413 My Car: 2001 Prius Model: Package: Pioneer #1 Thanks: 1 Thanked 39 Times in 39 Posts Friends: 14	Re: Brake fluid replacement at 50,000? The condition of brake fluid can be checked. brake shops have meters or color-cange paper stips for this. It is their way of upselling because in many cars the fluid will test 'poor'. Wouldn't want to bet on yours either way, but 2001 was a long time ago. I'm more interested in changing your transaxle fluid, actually.

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