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break fluid flush by dealer, or just suck out the old one from tank myself?

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by amitt, Jul 27, 2014.

  1. amitt

    amitt Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2013
    37
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    Vehicle:
    2002 Prius
    Model:
    I
    I have a 2002 prius with 165k miles.

    The dealer asked me if I want to replace parts for $1000, it includes:
    1) throttle body clean- I already did it myself
    2) break service (they say there plenty of pads left, they just want to wash the dust from the drums)- I don't think I need that.
    3) flush the break fluid( they say that they put this film in the fluid and it returned bad results)
    4) change the gas engine water pump because of a leak( I'm not going to do this after reading here, and they say it need replacement for years even though I barely lose any coolant)

    So, the only question now, is whether I should let them flush the break fluid?, I opened the DOT3 tank and it it doesn't look so clear there, kind of like a dirty thick beer.

    I wanted to ask if I can just suck the fluid from the tank and refill it with new DOT 3 , that way I hope to put some clean fluid to the system that will eventually mix with the old one, and give it some more time to work.

    I'm also worried that the dealer will mess something up with the breaks, they can't even check that they didn't overfill the engine oil, even though I ask this every time.

    Is this a good idea?

    Thanks
     
    #1 amitt, Jul 27, 2014
    Last edited: Jul 28, 2014
  2. Merkey

    Merkey Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 18, 2012
    265
    244
    0
    Location:
    Birmingham, Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Not sure about sucking out the brake fluid from reservoir, but I might try it myself. Regarding the leaking water pump, I had a very slow leak from water pump shaft since I bought my 2006 in 2012 with 160K miles. This spring the dealer said pump needed to be replaced. Instead, I took it to an independent specialty radiator shop and had ICE coolant flushed and replaced with Toyota SLLC. It hasn't leaked since.
     
    #2 Merkey, Jul 27, 2014
    robert mencl likes this.
  3. Jon Hagen

    Jon Hagen Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2011
    336
    136
    0
    Location:
    North Dakota
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    I would allow the dealer to do a proper brake system flush. There is at least twice as much fluid in the entire brake system as what is in that little fluid tank. A Prius has a lot of very expensive anti lock brake parts that don't tolerate old wet corrosive brake fluid very well. Dark fluid usually means parts are rusting.

    I was starting to worry about the fluid in my gen 3 at 45,000 miles, but the brake accumulator recall included a brake system flush and new fluid, so I am good to go for a few more years.
     
    #3 Jon Hagen, Jul 27, 2014
    Merkey likes this.
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