Brake Actuator Problem

[redbluff]

I have a 2007 with 12K miles on it. Noticed that when moving from Park to Drive I get a big chirp somewhere in the engine compartment. Had it looked at by Toyota dealer and they first did the TSB procedure to see if it would solve the problem. It didn't. Said it was the actuator but that it was not necessary to replace it. I did find out the part is $1,662 and takes 4.4 hours to install. For some reason they dont want to do it. I took it to another local dealer and told them what it was doing and what the other dealer said (had documentation as well) but the new dealer said they would need to spend 3 hours diagnosing themselves and would not take the word of the other dealer who is 10 miles away. Had enough of the crap and called Toyota customer service and ask them to get one of them to just replace the part. Have not heard back from the case worker. This is the 3rd problem I have had with the car since new. Had a steering issue and a driver seat problem both of which they fixed. I also have the extended warranty on the car. I like the car but am getting really frustrated with the dealers which I dont understand because it is warranty work and they get fully compensated by Toyota.

[jdenenberg]

Originally Posted by redbluff

I have a 2007 with 12K miles on it. Noticed that when moving from Park to Drive I get a big chirp somewhere in the engine compartment.

Red,

A chirp when pressing the brake is a known problem and is covered in a TSB. It is caused by air bubbles in the hydraulic fluid and often can be fixed by bleeding the brakes (can only be done with special Toyota equipment). If the air is getting in at the actuator due to leaking seals, the actuator must be replaced (and yes that is an expensive job). Let the second dealer re-diagnose the problem and do the bleeding since that should be a short (1 hour or less) job. If that doesn't fix the chirp, they should then replace the actuator for you under the warranty.

I would not trust the result from the first dealer either (and would not use them again), but the second dealer seems to be taking a reasonable position. You may be escalating too soon.

JeffD

[redbluff]

Thanks. The first dealer did the TSB work and did bleed the brakes etc. They determined it was the actuator at that point but wont replace it since it is not what they call necessary or urgent and will not affect the braking of the car. So I think when a dealer refuses to do warranty work it is time to escalate.

[dannykelly76]

Hey all, I have the same problem with my 2007 Prius. It's a year old, and I took it to the dealer service and they had to look the problem up b/c it hadn't happened before here in Lexington, Kentucky.

When they determined it was the brake actuator, they said they would order the part and replace it, covered under warranty. I think that's fair. So yes, I would complain too.

Not sure if it makes a difference, but my dealer service is the same dealer where I purchased the car.

[FJD]

Had problems with noise in 2005 Prius after 2+ years and 18000 miles. Brake actuator was replaced under warranty. Had similar problem again after 1+ more years and 32000 total miles. Car out of warranty and replacement part was also beyond its one year warranty. Was quoted $2550 for the repair (over $1900 for the part). Complained to Toyota customer service. The best they would offer is I should pay $600. I think is an outrageous failure rate for a part that is so expensive. It should be under at least a 3 year warranty, parts and labor, any time it is replaced. This repair is discussed in Toyota's Technical Service Bulletin BR001-07 which limits correction under warranty to a customer's specific complaint.