croaking noise - prius 2009 parked when press on brake

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by ttmn, Feb 19, 2026 at 11:43 AM.

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  1. ttmn

    ttmn Junior Member

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    I am hearing croaking noise when the 2009 Prius (171k) in park only when I press on brake (when I start and stop the car) - sound much louder than the file below. I first thought, it might be rusty for not driving much, left outside cold, but I definitely heard it more often (only when parked and foot on brake)
    NO noise when driving and use the brake, it brakes fine. nothing is lighted up. It is currently at 5mm checked 2 weeks ago during an oil change.
    I have yet to replace the brake fluid (still original!) last check moisture it was still good in moisture, but could change if that could possible get rid of air pockets from the accumulator, which may temporarily or permanently solve the noise?
    I am just hoping it is not a failing actuator.
    any suggestion what I should do next?
    when starting the car (car parked outside and it is level)

    when car returned home parked

     
    #1 ttmn, Feb 19, 2026 at 11:43 AM
  2. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    I'd flush out the brake system ASAP and hit the brake pedal pivot points with WD40. It may just be a dry or rotting bushing.

    Good Luck
     
    #2 BiomedO1, Feb 19, 2026 at 12:03 PM
  3. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    This sound is the sound of a bad brake pump, which is part of the actuator.
     
    #3 JC91006, Feb 19, 2026 at 12:47 PM
  4. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Like stated above that's the pump acting up first thing I would do here is make sure the brakes are bled . If it doesn't stop then you're changing an actuator the whole assembly . Done a bunch of them. I've had this go on on an install of another brake actuator once bled properly it stopped . Shipped it never heard about it again . And believe me I would have
     
    #4 Tombukt2, Feb 19, 2026 at 1:09 PM
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