parking break 2011 Prius Squeaking Upon exit from vehicle

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Kthi, Jan 23, 2026 at 1:09 AM.

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  1. Kthi

    Kthi Junior Member

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    my 2011 gen3 chassis squeaks most times I get out of the vehicle with my parking break set. Doesn't do it when I do not apply the parking break.

    Do you think it's as easy as pulling the tire and hitting it with break cleaner? I did the breaks my self last February. And, it was all fine up until around last September.

    I appreciate any input.
     
    #1 Kthi, Jan 23, 2026 at 1:09 AM
  2. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    Did you use the past on the spot where the pads touch the caliper?
     
    #2 ASRDogman, Jan 23, 2026 at 6:41 AM
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    Yeah see the “rear brake drag” link in my signature, (on a phone turn it landscape to see signatures).

    first time I did the rear brakes on our ‘10 I got bit by this; first car I’d had with rear disk brakes, and you HAVE to pay attention to caliper piston orientation, and ensure it’s well seated in that orientation.
     
    #3 Mendel Leisk, Jan 23, 2026 at 7:45 AM
  4. Kthi

    Kthi Junior Member

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    Thank you all, that gives me something to look at, check. I remember the post concern, maybe I didn't set the brake right and the piston rotated? Other than this noise, there seems to be no drag, so I'll check this out at my planned maintenance end of February. I'll update the thread at that time.
     
    #4 Kthi, Jan 23, 2026 at 10:46 AM
  5. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    I wonder if it's necessarily the brakes at all. Setting the brake changes the forces on the suspension as you're climbing in/out of the car (with the brake set, the rear wheels can't roll; with the brake off, they can). Could be a suspension squeak.

    My 2001 started making awful noises that ended up being the driver's door moving against the rubber weatherstrip whenever there were twist forces on the body ... fixed by new hinges for the driver's door.

    Approach chassis squeaks with an open mind.
     
    #5 ChapmanF, Jan 23, 2026 at 11:29 AM
  6. Kthi

    Kthi Junior Member

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    Yes, thank you, I will check my suspension torques also. when it is happening I am on a very slight incline, my driveway.
     
    #6 Kthi, Jan 23, 2026 at 11:51 AM
  7. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    Another relevant link, some pics of what my rear brake situation look like after my first (disastrous) rear brake job
     
    #7 Mendel Leisk, Jan 23, 2026 at 12:06 PM
  8. Kthi

    Kthi Junior Member

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    Perfect Mendel, the subtleties. I will be checking both brakes and suspension tightness.
     
    #8 Kthi, Jan 23, 2026 at 12:22 PM
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