Brake Bleeding Question

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by likemyprius221, Jul 13, 2026 at 12:58 AM.

  1. likemyprius221

    likemyprius221 New Member

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    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I'm new to this forum. I'm grateful that there's a place to go where I can get accurate information about my car!

    What I'm attempting to figure out is whether or not I can bleed air out of my brake hydraulic system without a scanner. I have a 2011 Prius Two.

    Here's the background with my brake problem:
    I had a brake fluid leak at the left rear wheel, I lost a lot of fluid and I'm sure got air into the system.
    I repaired the leak and now I would like to bleed the air out of the system.

    I'm hoping to gain insight as to whether or not it is helpful to disconnect my 12v battery and bleed my system with a pressure bleeder connected to the fluid reservoir. Or apply 1-2 inches of foot travel to the brake pedal with the battery still connected, but the car off, and then opening the bleeder valve on each wheel to bleed the brakes.

    Any information on how to get the air out of the brake hydraulic system without a scanner would be much appreciated.
     
    #1 likemyprius221, Jul 13, 2026 at 12:58 AM
  2. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
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    If you are sure you got air in only at the caliper and left rear brake line, it's not unreasonable to try bleeding with some old-school method to get that air out.

    If there's any chance you got air inside the underhood components, it is much more clever to just get one of the suitable scan tools, to follow the prescribed procedure, than to dream up some clever way not to.
     
    #2 ChapmanF, Jul 13, 2026 at 11:45 AM
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    Yes you can. There's a link in my signature regarding DIY brake fluid change, using the "Non-Techstream" method described in the Toyota Repair Manual. (on a phone turn it landscape to see signatures). I've done ours a couple of times, raised all four corners (safely), removed wheels, rolled down all windows, wife helped, pushing brake pedal when required.
     
    #3 Mendel Leisk, Jul 13, 2026 at 11:49 AM
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