Brake pad and rotor replacement help

No for Corollas and Prius and whatnot aftermarket rotors be like in the 24 to $35 a pop range even for the rear drums unless they've gone up or something these things are made in all kinds of countries for rotors and drums it's not like it used to be as long as they're stored properly and handled and shipped properly not too much of an issue I've had real good luck with a couple of suppliers on eBay which also sell on Amazon they're coated rotors and drums. So it takesthem a long time to rust. The pads for $36 or no problem I spend right around that for the fronts I'm using some burgundy colored logo things from Wagner I think which is a reputable brake company these are ceric blended something another. No need to get too crazy and too worried about it The main thing is to probably just get it done You got to be careful doing the brakes on the Prius You're either need to pull relays out or put the remote far away from the car and things like that You need to review the procedure a few times before you attempt it It's not hard at all.

 

Check Rock Auto to find the brake pads that fit your car. Then look for those same brake pads on Amazon (if you have Prime free shipping). I drive like an old lady so I only replace my brake pads when they are totally worn out, and i get the cheapest ones. I never replace rotors. With a 2009 car - 14 years old - there are many expensive items you should save your money for. Changing brake pads is easy. Disconnect the 12 v bat for sure. And you'll need some kind of tool to depress the brake pistons to get the new pads in. You can make something, or buy a tool. If you want to do this for practice, go ahead. Keep the old brake pads if they still have some pad left. As long as you disconnect the 12 v bat this one of the few jobs on a Prius which is like working on a normal car. Good luck.

 

Leave them alone. The Toyota spec, in the TOYOTA REAIR MANUAL is 1mm. Yes, one mm. They start brand new at about 10mm, so even 3mm is still 30% remaining, which is likely good for years to come.

 

If there isn't lots of rust on the rotor faces (shiny area where the brake pads press against), then leave the brakes alone.

3mm is getting marginal for some cars or SUVs - especially if the owner does city driving and won't bring the car back in for another 12 months.

A Prius uses the hybrid system for regenerative braking - using the car's motion to charge the HV battery. The normal hydraulic friction brakes last much longer than typical. You can go down to the 1mm minimum if you have the brakes inspected regularly.

If/when you do brakes:

Get a copy of the factory service manual and read everything about the procedure - make sure you understand ALL of it. Mistakes can have serious (& expensive) consequences.

Know how to safely raise and support the car. Use a torque wrench to tighten all fasteners to spec.

Get the best parts you can afford, and check as soon as possible that they are correct. Cheap parts can "work ok", but may not have the same lifespan as higher quality parts.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

Just replace the PADS=Buy them on AMAZON
I just did mine, it took less than an hour
PADS were less than $30
No need to do the rear brake PADS-Just do the front ones

Lots of YOUTUBE VIDEOS on changing the pads on your PRIUS

 

If I had pads in my hands, and they were at 3 mm, I'd opt to replace. For pads I'd go for the pricier Toyota option, and replace the shims and end clips as well.

There are proprietory greases spec'd by Toyota for use with brakes. I've used the following on a variety of cars, with no problems:

On faying surfaces between pad backs, shims and points of contact on caliper: Permatex Silver Anti-Seize Compound (silvery paste)

For rubber boots and caliper slide pins: Sil-Glyde Brake Lubricant (looks like Petroleum Jelly)

How do the rotors look? Unless they're seriously corroded, I wouldn't assume they need replacement. There's info in the attached on how to check them, requires a micrometer and a dial indicator with magnetic base. Both of those items are around $30~40..

Consider getting the brake fluid changed as well. Might be best to leave that to the dealership, with 2nd gen.

You know Toyota USA recommends a tri-yearly or 30K brake inspection?

Check with dealership service department too, see what they'd charge for front brake inspection with pad replacement, both with and without rotor replacement, dependent on their condition.