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Which one is the correct and convenient way to replace brake fluid

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by htcmember, Jun 23, 2024 at 2:21 PM.

  1. htcmember

    htcmember Junior Member

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    Hi Everyone,

    Which one is the correct and convenient way to replace brake fluid on these scenarios?

    1. Put the key away/unflug 12v battery and do it as below video from The Car Care Nutz:


    Or

    2. Follow TSB from Toyota on it as NutzAboutBolts video?


    I personally think the #2 is not really convenient because we need another friend/person help to depress the brake pedal several times in that scenario. Pls share your inputs and experiences on it. I plan to change it during next week because my fluid is under poor condition now.

    TIA and have a nice Sunday
     
  2. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    How do you know your fluid is in poor condition now how do you know it wasn't import condition 7 months ago what does that mean It's black in color and so on and so forth never seen this in a Prius even worn out brake fluid will still be pretty much clear The seals and all in the brake system in the Prius don't break down from the fluid so it doesn't turn black generally speaking. You can measure pH of glycol fluid and things like that and see whatever it is you want to see provided it hasn't taken on too much moisture it should be fine but whatever it is you want to do It will just drip out of all four wheel cylinders one at a time drip drip drip literally until there's nothing else behind it take a long time but you can do that could use a vacuum gun or squeezer to pull on each fitting one at a time whatever I've done it all kinds of ways there's no real super fast way to do it with this setup
     
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Not sure what TSB (Technical Service Bulletin), but the Repair Manual has a with and without Techstream method. @NutzAboutBolts roughly follows the latter, albeit in a different order than recommended by Toyota.

    I basically followed the @NutzAboutBolts method, except sticking to Toyota order. A couple of times now. More info in link in my signature. If you’re on a phone turn it landscape to see signatures.
     
  4. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    This method only works if your 12v battery has been flugged.