I want to DIY a complete brake fluid flush

I think you're right that he would have done it differently if not for the seized bleeder, so "decided it was fine" is probably overstating the case. He found that it would be possible to push the piston back anyway, which would push the old fluid backward through SLRFL or SLRFR, respectively. But those are also two of the small valves in there that, if they get a contaminant that stops them sealing completely, will lead to incessant pump running and require replacing the actuator. I would be inclined not to shove old stuff backwards through them if I could avoid it.

His problem was that the rubber cap had never been on that bleeder. How are yours? The rubber caps work wonders, and the bleeders should be perfectly easy to open if the caps have been there all along. Be sure to put them back when you are done, or the bleeders will get very stuck for next time. Because they have passages drilled through them, if the caps are left off they conduct salt water down to the base of the threads and seize up from the inside as well as out.

Well, you're kind of in control of how much leaves the car. Just keep an eye on that reservoir and make sure you don't let any air get sucked in, or it's go back to start.

If your aim is to change as much fluid as you can, I think you'd want to stock up on fluid and venture into them all.

This looks like the winning move to me.

 

Have you checked how much dealership would charge?

 

By virtue of a hard learned lesson......I will ALWAYS open the bleeder when pushing a piston back into it's cylinder. There are too many close tolerance components in modern brake systems to risk a contaminant becoming lodged, especially in any of the ABS components. This happened on our 2003 Santa Fe and nearly caused a very violent crash.

 

Just replaced the front brake pads on our 2006 we got 2 months ago. Not sure if they are original at 152K mi but maybe so based what I’ve read about Prius. pads were down to 1mm. I just pushed the pistons back without opening the bleeder screws.

For flushing the system I read a lot and decided to change even though many experts say not to unless you have issues. Mine was boarder line yellow-brown color. The new fluid is golden clear. Like the OP, I also wondered which process to perform: 1-Usual, 2-Actuator or 3-Master Cylinder/Stroke Simulator. The steps outlined in the manual is not great so here is what I decided to do.

Suck up the old fluid in reservoir then added new to max.
Perform 2-Actuator bleeding (since this seems to include 1 and 3).

During this process Techstream steps were different from the manual so I just followed the screen instead. I’m using V16.20.023. When bleeding from the FL , the color was dark yellow at first then turned foamy white like mixed with air (maybe there was air in the system?). Then foamy stuff turned golden. Other corners bled dark yellow then turned golden, no air. This took about 3 bottles of 12 oz. so I decided to use the last bottle to perform the Usual, all lines.

Cleared all DTC and test drove. Everything seems to be working well.

 

When you flush the 07 prius brake fluid, is it recommended that I use the one they sell in the dealer or can I use a prestone dot3 synthetic? Looks like the picture below..
c/o @Patrick Wong
Thanks...

 

The Owner’s Manual (PDF) specifies, on pages 401 and 433, “SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 brake fluid.” Those are generic specifications for an industry-standard product, and I wouldn’t hesitate to use a third-party fluid, such as the one you mentioned, if it’s cheaper or easier to find than Toyota’s, which is sold in the U.S. as part number 00475-1BF03 for a 12 fl. oz. bottle.

 

Yeah two of the Toyota DOT3 bottles set me back something like $15 CDN, readily available at dealership parts department.

 

Here is the procedure I used. Super simple and works great. And, it doesn't require TechStream.
Just be sure to follow his instructions EXACTLY for hybrids. In other words put the key far away from the car and don't open the driver's door at any time during the procedure.

 

In regards to the prestone dot3 synthetic brake fluid that I mentioned on my previous posting for I want to replace my brake fluids. I was a bit skeptical of using other products besides factory specified especially in transmission fluid or coolant. I went ahead and called the Toyota dealer that I always buy almost anything for my 07 prius. ..and I was asking them if its gonna harm if I use a different fluid like a prestone dot 3 synthetic to flush my entire system. I just don't wanna blow-up especially the booster by putting a non-toyota fluid. They said its not like the coolant or the transmission fluid they specifically recommend. As long as its a dot 3 or even dot 4 and its a reputable brake fluid company, that would be fine. That's what they just told me.
My question is, does anyone have a long time use of aftermarket brake fluid in your prius and didn't have any problem with your braking system?
I'm talking about "long term" not like I just put it yesterday and everything is running fine... Thanks,,,
c/o @Patrick Wong

 

I think your dealership’s guidance is right; owners manual says DOT3, that’s all.

but again: dealership’s Toyota DOT3 is cheap, so…

 

I really think you're overthinking it. Why would you doubt the dealer's advice?

 

I use ATE SL6 DOT4 fluid because DOT4 fluid is required for my European vehicles.