Brake Kit ideas? rockauto options? arg!

If the original Rotors can be resurfaced, it's best you remove them and have them resurfaced. They are much high quality than the cheap aftermarket stuff (they won't crack when they get too hot).

As for brake pads, I believe the Prius uses a Ceramic pad material, not a semi metallic. Semi Metallic pads contains more metal and will make more noise (although it may provide better stopping power). Majority of the braking in the Prius is through Regen so the brake pads should last over 100k miles and shouldn't have to be too robust

 

I guarantee you have semi-metalic. Cheap, dusting, noisy. All signs of semi-metallic pads. I don't know as I would assume there's a huge difference between OEM and aftermarket rotors. I would say aftermarket should probably be perfectly fine. Centric would be fine, and I think they have a kit for something like $45 on RockAuto.

 

Once I started buying lifetime brake pads from AutoZone, I’ve never bought a set anywhere else. If you aren’t happy with them, bring them back. If they wear down, so long as not to the backing plate, bring them back. Don’t go cheap, and you get excellent pads.

I don’t have much experience replacing rotors.

 

Centric is a good vendor for rotors, but be aware that they sell several different grades for most applications. Their 120xxxx and 320xxxxx series are great though I avoid the 121xxxxx grade.

the 320 coated ones have held up well in a few of our other cars but I haven't had any need to do brakes on our Prius yet.

For pads I'd pick the Akebono ceramics first but there are many satisfactory choices available.

I wouldn't buy a brakejob-in-a-box, it's really not hard to put your own combo together.

 

Sounds familiar, over the years the various lifetime parts purchases have generally paid for themselves, especially the spark plug wires back in the day. Recently took in a set of Civic 'bottom of the line' front pads for warranty replacement, the younger jockey didn't have the part in stock and gave me the $50 ceramic version without saying a word, needless to say I was elated.

A warranty was denied once for uneven pad wear, so make sure all four (4) pads look about the same.

 

I actually had an opposite story, and it is why I'm so pro-AutoZone pads:

I had a sticking caliper in the rear of our Toyota Sienna. This would cause an uncomfortable vibration in the steering wheel. I could take a look through the spokes and see the outer pads were fine. Eventually it ate up one of the inner pads until there was a crack in the lining. Then there was a squeal. I finally pulled off the wheels and found the burnt pad. It had not worn to the backing plate. I took them to AutoZone thinking they'd blame the caliper, which the counter person did, and then went back to give me a free replacement! I asked if I could pay the difference for their higher level pads, which he allowed. The problem has not recurred, although we drive the van even less now....

Ever since I've been buying their highest end pads, and I also recommend going with those higher level pads for trouble free operation.

Ultimately I guess it's the counterperson's call whether to give you the free replacement or not. When I originally asked regarding the truthfulness of their Lifetime Warranty the guy told me as long as the backing plate isn't reached, all they do is select as return reason "customer not satisfied".

moto g(7) power ?

 

In all the years I've doing brakes it's never occurred to me, to do anything other than go to the dealership parts department and tell them what I need. Probably spent more, though not that much. And never any surprises.

 

In my yute, I was driving cars that needed so much repairing, I would always be looking for aftermarket parts so I could afford the next repair and the one after that.

Driving Prii for the last dozen years has changed that because they've needed so little of anything, it hasn't seemed a problem to just go to the dealer those rare times when they do.

 

I learned the hard way that some things you just have to pay more for so it will work correctly. This is one area that you really need to buy Toyota parts. Prius brakes are too special. I am also going to buy a new (not rebuilt) traction battery when the time comes.

 

I've actually watched mechanics hoist a car up and leave the driver's door open so they can pump the brakes after completing the installation. That way they can just reach in instead of bringing the car down. Hopefully that didn't/doesn't happen.

 

How come? Are you thinking about brake activation while the caliper's off? Rule one is disconnect the battery before starting. At least for me. There are cleverer ways maybe, but that keeps it safe. It's like a shock treatment for the car too: next couple of start ups are "novel". That battery disconnect is something a regular brake shop might not know about too. The Prius in a regular shop can be a minefield for the uninitiated.

 

My point exactly!!

 

It is almost more important to properly lube the slide pins than what brand of parts you put on. These brakes have very lazy life. They do not do a lot of work and last upwards 120k miles. That is if the pins are properly lubed with proper grease. If not, you’ll be replacing the whole thing in a year or less.

don’t ask me how I know this.

 

I'm not sayin' I'm just sayin' ... But you can get a rotor / brake-pad kit for +/- $40. New hardware kits are +/- $10.

Whenever I do brakes I change out at least the rotors ... sometimes the calipers if they're cheap enough. For the time $$$ and labor involved I hate to do work that can go wrong because of some simple little part that looked good but could have been cheaply and easily replaced.

That however ... is just the way I am. ... YMMV.

 

They're not "bargain basement" ... just purchased from an inexpensive supplier.

Just because you spend more $$$ doesn't mean you bought anything better.

I've never had any problems with RockAuto ... except when I read things wrong. ... LOL@Me I guess.