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2013 Prius brake noises.

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by unclebullmoose, Dec 8, 2014.

  1. unclebullmoose

    unclebullmoose Junior Member

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    2013 Prius
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    IV
    I have noticed brake groaning sounds ocassionally when applying the brakes. When this happens the pedal seems spongy takes longer to stop. After the car is turned off in the garage I have heard the same kinds of sound coming from the car. It almost sounds like the car in sequencing through checks after the system has been turned off. Has anyone experienced this and had Toyota check it and find a cause.
     
  2. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

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    How many miles on her? Have you ever had the brake system serviced? If so, by who? Have you owned this car since it was new?

    Noises from the car after shut down are probably normal. The Prius does make some odd sounds that the regular traditional non hybrid vehicle won't create.

    If you can, please answer the above questions. The information you have provided is really insufficient to give any type of diagnosis. Remember that what you read online is mostly opinion and part of it facts. Please consider everything from all sources before taking any action. I do realize that this sounds abrupt and blunt, and I do apologize for that. With additional information, other's like myself will be able to help you better.

    It would not surprise me if your brake system needs to be serviced. IE: Brake fluid changed, system bled properly using TechStream Software. Pads or shoes needing replacement as well as rotors possibly needing to be turned or replaced.

    The Prius brake system is a good system, and generally lasts a long time. But in certain situations it has been found that the system needs to be serviced more often than normally. One thing that really seems to give a lot of Prius users problems is the glide pins in the disc brakes. Over time they do rust up which causes the pads to wear prematurely and damage the rotors. When that happens the brakes will be noisy and not work as well as they should. I am speaking from experience as I had to do work that is NOT normal on the previous 2009 Gen II Prius that I owned.

    Regards,

    Ron (dorunron)
     
  3. unclebullmoose

    unclebullmoose Junior Member

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    Ron we bought this Prius new. Started having issues around 18k...like I said it was occasionally. Hot weather and cold weather alike, it happens sometimes. Took back to my Toyota service garage twice and you know the answer. The noise when hitting my brakes isn't coming from the brakes but the system. (Don't know how to describe it.) We got 40K on it now. You are right about the brakes lasting longer..my 05 Prius has had pads replaced once and didn't need rotors/drums turned. It has 185K on it. I had an 08 as well but sold it when she got the 13.
     
  4. unclebullmoose

    unclebullmoose Junior Member

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    I only have Toyota do my service. They were trained on the hybrid system.
     
  5. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

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    You might consider having Toyota change the brake fluid and bleed the system. It sounds like you have been staying on top of it from day one. Could be you just got a lemon. It happens sometimes. And of course, not all dealers (stealers) are alike. Some will do more than others. Have you tried a different dealer? I realize you may only have one to choose from.

    Based on what you have said so far, I would suggest a fluid change and a thorough bleeding. If the system still makes noise after that, chances are it something (hate to say this) that is something you may have to live with. I am sure you know that the system is radically different from traditional brake systems. It could be any one of a number of things on the car that is acting up. And from what you have said, it has been going on basically since day one, but has gotten worse over time.

    Maybe someone else can chime in on this that has more experience. Patrick Wong? Are you out there?

    Ron (dorunron)
     
  6. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

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    FWIW, there have been folks in the past talking about Gen II Prius brakes making barking noises when driven from high altitudes to low altitudes. Sometimes bleeding will help, sometimes not. I have yet to see a resolution there also.

    I hope you can find the problem. I believe you are not the first to experience what you are describing.

    Ron (dorunron)
     
  7. raykay77

    raykay77 New Member

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    One
    I have had a same exact issue soon after it reached 20k miles. I could hear a brake chirping or groaning sound which Toyota kept saying "normal" for Prius model. Brake system got worse and it is building up some sort of pressure from the brake and release the pressure at some point. When it releases, brake will pulsate pretty bad. Since Toyota claims it is "normal" Prius behavior, I kept on driving it until ABS, BRAKE, TRACTION CONTROL warning indicators to lit up. Noise and pulsation is now gone but it takes twice much distance to stop the vehicle.
    Toyota bled out the air and it fixed indicator issue but it was just a temporary fix which lasted for a day. During the second visit, I was told that the brake booster and master cylinder replacement is needed at $3,800.
    By the way, my Prius is now out of warranty but it has been an ongoing issue while I had a warranty.
    Now I am going through Toyota corporate and my case has been elevated to the customer relations manager.
    I will post an update once I hear back from them.
     
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    all the best! since you reported it while under warranty, you should be covered.