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Rotors and calipers at 25,800 miles?

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by nednvermont, Jul 15, 2020.

  1. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    Is there somewhere in Government where you can complain - like, it's a defective item?

    And - let TOYOTA know that you're taking it further.
     
  2. Kenny94945

    Kenny94945 Active Member

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    Awaiting the result.
    Is the diagnosis true...4 rotors?
    Another mechanic opinion would be a good thing.

    I'd agree that needing 4 rotors and calipers (plus pads) at 25K mileage is rare.

    IMO, certainly the calipers should not replacing.
    The issue I would inspect on the calipers are the pins that hold the pads and the pistons.
    If there is a piston issue, then maybe calipers are called for, but a rebuild of the piston is do-able.
    The pins, they are a wear item.
    Also if the brake pads do not release from the rotors heat could build up, but all 4?
    You could also inspect the brake fluid and also inspect the brake lines for a "clog".

    Rotors could warp at this low mileage, with some examples stated by other co-members, such as keeping your foot on brake after hard stops.
    But a machining/ turning of the rotors could solve this.
    Yet again, all four?

    Pads may or may not be damaged and might be able to be salvaged instead of replaced.
    I'd say the best advice is to get a different mechanic to inspect.

    Interesting post by the OP.
    Good luck.
     
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  3. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    There is almost a 100% probability that you would have gotten the exact same treatment from ANY car maker in the world.
    Well....maybe not if you paid more than $100K for the vehicle.....maybe.

    This is more of an annoyance than a real problem.

    I suggest that you take it to an independent brake shop for an inspection or maybe a different dealer.
    And do NOT tell them what the first shop said.

    I think it is likely that only ONE rotor is in trouble and that it certainly does NOT need any calipers.....or maybe just that one.

    And look for a different dealer for future service.
     
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  4. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    It has been done hundreds of times and the owner has LOST hundreds of times.
    Not worth the time, trouble and cost.
    You have the warranty in writing.
    They are under no obligation to do more than that.
     
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  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    OP should personally look the brakes over. Dealership's diagnosis might be completely off the mark. Or there is something more to this tale?

    ^ This. Something is not adding up. Or maybe something to do with driving in severe salted conditions??
     
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  6. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    More like something to do with a dishonest dealer, I think.
     
  7. nednvermont

    nednvermont Member

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    I've wondered about doing that, though I have to agree with another writer that it will likely just be a big headache and time-eater.

    I did leave a message with the dealership's sales manager, hoping that they might want to sell another car if I'm treated well. Have not heard back...
     
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  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    you really need to have them looked at by an indy mech. take it anywhere convenient, don't tell them what's up, just tell them you would like a complete brake inspection. if they confirm rotors and (i suspect pads not calipers) ask them to show you and explain.
    anyone can work on prius brakes.
     
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  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    They're a little tricky. I'd be more comfortable with a place that has track record of servicing Prius brakes. A couple of issues:

    1. It's best to disconnect 12 volt neg cable before any disassemble, say pulling the caliper off the rotor. It's very easy to trigger the brake booster system to pressurize, which can be disastrous if the caliper's off the rotor.

    2. Only reconnect the 12 volt after everything's reassembled, and before you do: pump the brake pedal multiple times, take out any excessive travel in the brake pedal.

    Also, the rear brake assembly is tricky, caliper piston MUST be oriented, and WELL SEATED, per info in the attachment.
     

    Attached Files:

    #29 Mendel Leisk, Jul 29, 2020
    Last edited: Jul 29, 2020
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  10. amos

    amos Active Member

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    really hard to believe all that happened, not only with toyota but with any other car, and with the prius less wear on brakes and you doing mostly freeway.
     
  11. nednvermont

    nednvermont Member

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    Some hopeful news: A different customer service manager from corporate called me yesterday and offered to pay for half the cost of repairs, with the understanding that "brakes are a wear item and not covered under warranty." I can live with that. At least they're lending a hand. This improves my opinion of corporate Toyota. Thanks all for your insights and suggestions.
     
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  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    congrats!(y)
     
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  13. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    BUT.....none of that changes the likelihood that MOST of what you will be paying for is still totally unnecessary.
    You might save a LOT more money if you would consult a different shop about new pads.......if you even need that.
     
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  14. Fubar XIII

    Fubar XIII Junior Member

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    I have 175,000 miles on mine and the brake pads and rotors are original. (Rear pad material is getting low, however.) We are scary hot here 1/2 the year or more and I have not noticed any pulsing.