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Need help bleeding brakes in Los Angeles / Socal area

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by nicoj36, Aug 13, 2015.

  1. nicoj36

    nicoj36 Active Member

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    Can anyone help me bleed my brakes in LA area? I'm willing to pay some cash just so I could learn how to do it on my own. Preferably someone who has jack stands and an OBD reader or g-scan for the computer. I'd love to do it similarly to the video below.

     
    #1 nicoj36, Aug 13, 2015
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Since you want to learn to do this on your own, use that cash to buy:

    1. Mini VCI
    2. A subscription to techinfo.toyota.com so you have access to the factory repair manual
    3. The necessary jack stands, hydraulic floor jack, and hand tools

    The 3G brake bleeding process is much easier than 2G, and it is possible to do that without Mini VCI. However you'll need Mini VCI for other service procedures and to gain access to the many operating parameters stored by the various ECUs.
     
    #2 Patrick Wong, Aug 14, 2015
  3. sfv41901

    sfv41901 Masta S

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    I just sent u a PM

    VS980 4G ?
     
    #3 sfv41901, Aug 14, 2015
    orenji likes this.
  4. el Crucero

    el Crucero Senior Member

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    Nico, SFV is the answer or your prayers! Try him, you WILL like it. (No, I am not his father!)
     
    #4 el Crucero, Aug 14, 2015
    nicoj36, sfv41901 and orenji like this.
  5. nicoj36

    nicoj36 Active Member

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    Bump. Anyone?
     
    #5 nicoj36, Aug 15, 2015
  6. ursle

    ursle Gas miser

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    Bump, bump

    Err, read your thread

    When it comes to brakes, if you're not sure, don't
     
    #6 ursle, Aug 15, 2015
  7. el Crucero

    el Crucero Senior Member

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    Nico, read your private message from SFV!
     
    #7 el Crucero, Aug 15, 2015
  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    Also: check with the dealership, see how much they're asking for this service. Seriously, this is one item I like to leave to the pros.
     
    #8 Mendel Leisk, Aug 16, 2015
    Den49 likes this.
  9. Den49

    Den49 Member

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    Brake flushing is the one service I no longer do myself because it requires an expensive scan tool to do it correctly. However, if the cost of the scan tool was reasonable and it was easy to use I certainly would do it again myself. It would be appreciated if someone created a video on "How to do a Prius Brake Fluid Flush with the Mini VCI". Not sure if and how well the Mini VCI actually works.

    My last BG brake fluid flush at the Toyota dealer was in June 2015 and cost $155.83. Before that it was $129.08 in June 2011. It is not an inexpensive service but worth it in my opinion to maintain brake performance and avoid very costly brake system repairs.
     
    #9 Den49, Aug 16, 2015
  10. nicoj36

    nicoj36 Active Member

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    Im not like you who isnt willing to learn.
     
    #10 nicoj36, Aug 16, 2015
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i'm not understanding, sfv offered his help in post #3, do you not like his avatar?
     
    #11 bisco, Aug 16, 2015
  12. nicoj36

    nicoj36 Active Member

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    No.



    I mean, he isnt able to, he doesnt have the brake bleed program in his software.
     
    #12 nicoj36, Aug 16, 2015
  13. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    ah, thanks for letting us know!(y)
     
    #13 bisco, Aug 16, 2015
  14. el Crucero

    el Crucero Senior Member

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    Then it looks like you will have to invest in the equipment suggested by Patrick and follow the instructions in the video or take it to a service center and have them do it for you.
     
    #14 el Crucero, Aug 16, 2015
  15. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    how many miles on her?
     
    #15 bisco, Aug 16, 2015
  16. nicoj36

    nicoj36 Active Member

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    Bump
     
    #16 nicoj36, Aug 30, 2015
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