Prius brake pads

That's pretty low miles to be replacing brake pads unless previous owner was racing the prius. Most ppl can go close to 150k before replacing them. I went 140k after dealer said my brake was in need of new pads. That weekend, I took it apart and there was plenty of pads left. I went ahead and replaced the pads anyway since i already took them apart.

Why do they need to be resurface? Are there any visible grooves? pulsating pedal?

 

I really depends on your driving habit. My 2007 Gen-2 Prius, I sold it last year with 235K on it. But it is still on the original brake pads with 1/2 left.

 

Go with the first place

 

The rotor thickness runout specs, plus how to measure both, are in the attachment. If you get yourself a 0~25 mm micrometer, and a dial indicator with magnetic base, you can see for yourself if they are blowing smoke. Both those items will set you back maybe $50~60.

If time is short, I would just get them to replace the pads. Just for giggles ask them what thickness they measured on the rotors, and what the runout numbers were.

Or if you DIY the replacement, either front or rear pad sets through parts department would be about $100. Be careful with the rears though: it's very important to orient the caliper piston per the pic in the attachment.

And with either front or rear pad replacement: disconnect the negative battery cable before commencing, and when the brake is reasembled, press the brake pedal multiple multiple times, to ensure everything is well seated. Only then reconnect the battery. Take a short test drive, being very gentle on the brakes. Do not use the park brake at all. Upon return, press/release the parking brake several times, then raise the rear of car and verify the wheels spin relatively free with a push, will go one or two revolutions.

This statement is very likely true:

Rarely if ever have I found brake rotors out of spec; the dealerships way overdo the the resurfacing and/or replacement of rotors.

 

New pads should always go with new rotors or resurfaced rotors.

 

Those numbers are pretty steep. Do yourself a huge favor and take the time to learn how to perform basic maintenance items for your car. You will save a ton of money for your Prius and for all future vehicles to come.

To save the most money here, first measure the thickness of your rotors. The minimum thickness should be embossed somewhere on the rotor. If enough thickness, then find a shop/gas station that resurfaces rotors. Cheapest I know of in my area is $15/rotor. Then head to Oreilly or Autozone to get new pads. Shouldn't run you more than $60. Total cost $120.

 

Source?

If the rotors are glazed (shiny, glass-like surface), that can be fixed by hand with a couple minutes and 150 grit sandpaper. (Source: Ford 1984 Bronco II shop manual. They did not recommend a rotor lathe or replacement for any reason except the rotor condition requiring it.) Wet sanding seems to me to work best.

Rotor condition requiring a lathe or replacement would be deep scoring, pitting/deep rust, (edit: excessive runout), thickness limit. That kind of thing.

 

Toyota doesn't say that; just says to inspect rotor surface for scoring, check against thickness and runout specs. I've been changing pads for about 40 years on Hondas, never changed rotors. In one instance I should have: the rotor did get down to mininum thickness, and cracked. But if the rotor is well within specs, no reason to do that; it's just a dealership's tale.

 

Use this website to see service specials at your Toyota dealerships. Most dealers will match a competitors service special.
Toyota Service Coupons and Discounts | Toyota Owners

Here is a coupon for the front brake pads including labor for $90. It doesn’t include rotor resurfacing, but it still is a lot cheaper.
Local Toyota Service Specials | Toyota Owners

 

One thing with deals like that, they're either going to try to upsell you like crazy, or are going to go very fast, will not clean/lube components at all, will not relube the caliper pins. The pads up here are typically just over $100 CDN, and replacement shims maybe $15. So in the States maybe $80 for pads/shims. That's front or rear. There's no free lunch.

 

I would recommend when changing the brake pads to turn/cut the rotors or replace them. I’ve had experience just replacing the brake pads without work on the rotors that the pulsation from the rotors will come back. Changing out the brake pads without cutting the rotors (if minimum thickness is available) is just lazy work, or replacing them (if minimum thickness is beyond cutting). I’ve did that before and won’t be doing it ever again, so do it right the first time or you’ll end up redoing the process again.

As for changing out the brake pads and cutting the rotors for 500$, if you can DIY, you can save about 300$ since pads and rotors aren’t expensive parts, it’s more on the labor that they’re charging you. The labor cost is around 2-3 hrs so they’re charging you 100$ or 110$ per hr.

 

The pads have a noisemaker that you can hear when they need replacing. Ignore both shops

 

2/32" remaining depth might be slightly too much for the noise maker; it maybe commences around 1 mm. Just taking a look for yourself is always good, whichever way it slices.

 

If you’re so inclined

 

Changing the pads without deglazing and inspecting the rotors, including slapping a dial indicator on and checking the runout, I would agree is lazy work.

Unconditionally machining or replacing the rotors, to spare the small effort of inspecting them to see if they need it, I would submit is also lazy work, leading to unnecessary material removal, shortened life, premature replacement ... and (depending on what they're replaced with), a lot of Prii driving around on dime-store replacement rotors.

 

If you think that’s lazy work, theres of plenty of people here who never checks their engine oil sticks. What would you consider them then?

 

Essential supporters of the secondary Prius engine market.

 

Try visiting RepairPal.com. Put in your car, zip code, and what work you need, and it will give you an estimate of how much the work should cost in your area, so you can compare it to the shop. It can also recommend shops in your area based on reviews and their own certifications.