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Rear brake replacement on 04 Prius? Can I do it myself?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Jason H, Aug 12, 2017.

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  1. Jason H

    Jason H New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2017
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    Location:
    Lehigh Valley PA
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Hello everyone! I recently inherited an 04 Prius from my dad with 294k miles. It's still running great and has never had a major repair needed.

    However, when I took it in to get an oil change/tire rotation, the rear brakes were measured at 5/32. Seems strange because the rotors were resurfaced and the rear brakes were done in Dec 2016.

    So I need to do a little investigating tomorrow, i.e. take the wheel off and measure for myself. In the meantime I am trying to find replacement pads/rotors online to purchase (if needed) and I cannot find rear brake pads for the life of me.

    Is this a repair I should be doing myself? I found this video -
    - It seems no different than most of the other cars I've done brake pads on.

    Where can I find the parts? Help!

    Thanks!
     
    #1 Jason H, Aug 12, 2017
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Don't believe anything the oil change people tell you, it's all a way for you to spend money with them. You should have a trusted mechanic do this type of work, not hungry oil change people that want your money
     
    #2 JC91006, Aug 12, 2017
  3. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Location:
    Green Valley, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    A 2004 Prius in North America has rear brake drums and shoes. That is why you cannot find pads. Also new shoes have a thickness of 4 mm and the minimum is 1 mm.

    4 mm = 0.16 inch
    5/32" = 0.16 inch

    So I don't see a problem here.
     
    #3 Patrick Wong, Aug 12, 2017
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  4. Jason H

    Jason H New Member

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    Aug 12, 2017
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    Location:
    Lehigh Valley PA
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
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    N/A
    This is my trusted mechanic. They didn't say I should have my brakes checked/replaced, I just noticed on the report they gave me afterwards that it showed 5/32. As a new owner, I was unaware that my car actually has drum and shoes. Thanks to the other member who replied, I now understand and know I don't have a problem.
     
    #4 Jason H, Aug 12, 2017
  5. Jason H

    Jason H New Member

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    Location:
    Lehigh Valley PA
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
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    N/A
    This is great news! Thank you very much!
     
    #5 Jason H, Aug 12, 2017
  6. makbg1

    makbg1 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 1, 2017
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    Location:
    LA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    III
    I can say rockauto.com has a decent quality or carquest.com . I have purchased from both breaks for my cars and other parts as well.
     
    #6 makbg1, Feb 16, 2019
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