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Brake pad and rotor replacement help

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by mrblue6, Aug 11, 2023.

  1. mrblue6

    mrblue6 New Member

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    Hi guys,
    Just recently purchased my first car, 2009 prius. Apologies if I sound dumb lol. I did read the other posts about this, but looking for some clarification.

    Got an oil change the other day and the mechanics said that my brake pads are wearing down (apparently 3mm), which after some research, seems to need replacing. But I also see people saying Prius' are fine on 3mm?
    I'm unsure of whether I need to do the rotors as well?
    I can't particulary feel anything wrong with the brakes, except maybe it takes longer to stop than it used to.

    I'm looking to do it myself, the youtube tutorials look easy enough.

    But I'm struggling with what brake pads and rotors to buy:
    The standard pads are: P/N: 04465-47050 (approx $72 online from Toyota)
    The standard rotors are: P/N 43512-47030 (Approx $56 online from Toyota)

    I saw this post on here that there are 2 or 3 different brake pads for my Prius.
    The 04465-AZ122 is apparently a sorta after-market part but is used by toyota as genuine?
    These ones are like $36 per set but seem more obscure (ie. theres not pics and less places have them)

    So my questions are:
    1. Does 3mm need replacing? If not, when should I be replacing?
    2. How do I tell if the brake rotor needs replacing?
    3. If replacing pads, which ones should I get, the $36 or $72? and why?
    4. Where is the best place to get them? Ebay? Toyota dealership? oemgenuineparts?
    5. Are rear and front rotors and pads the same?

    Thanks
     
    #1 mrblue6, Aug 11, 2023
    Last edited: Aug 11, 2023
  2. mrblue6

    mrblue6 New Member

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    Another question as well sorry.
    Do I even need to do OEM for Brake pads? Any suggestions for non-OEM pads?
    I'd think for rotors, probably better to use OEM.
     
  3. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    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.
     
  4. JohnPrius3005

    JohnPrius3005 Active Member

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    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.
     
  5. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    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.
     
    dolj and JohnPrius3005 like this.
  6. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    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.
     
  7. ski.dive

    ski.dive Active Member

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    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
     
  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Book Cover Judge

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    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.
     

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    #8 Mendel Leisk, Aug 13, 2023
    Last edited: Aug 13, 2023
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  9. gboss

    gboss Member

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    I'm surprised you aren't using the Toyota recommended lube for piston seals, boots, and slide pins (08887-01206) - the red, lithium soap based glycol grease. Is Sil-Glyde just as good?
     
    #9 gboss, Oct 5, 2024
    Last edited: Oct 5, 2024
  10. douglasjre

    douglasjre Senior Member

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    They're fine. Akibono makes their pads. Get the middle priced set (semietallic) since ceramic will outlive the car. Cut rotors. But it's not due yet. Rears will wear out first
     
  11. highmilesgarage

    highmilesgarage Active Member

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    any "el cheapo" brake pads and rotors will do. It's not a BMW/Mercedes/Porsche where you need a decent brake to stop the car. Bad thing about cheap brake pads is that they generate a lot of carbon on the wheels.. gotwith ceramic. The front brakes use regen brake and doesn't use the pneumatic all the time (unless you have a heavy foot) Usually it's the rears that needs frequent replacement and can't be visually inspected easily (and shops missed to add these in the list)
     
  12. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Book Cover Judge

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    No problems with it (say rubber swelling), and seems effective.
     
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  13. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    It is a silicone, and the Toyota recommended grease is a glycol, and there are threads here with links to written Toyota docs explicitly reaffirming they want the glycol grease there and not a silicone.

    I have no idea why that's Toyota's position, and only think it's worth being informed about. Clearly, Mendel hasn't noticed any trouble with the silicone.
     
  14. gboss

    gboss Member

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    I did some research and it looks like they just want us to avoid grease with petroleum based products, which would destroy rubber/plastic, and also have something that works at high heat (both glycol and silicon will…silicon having a bit of a higher temp rating at 392 degrees F vs. glycols max of 350 degrees. F). Probably fine with Sil-Gylde.
     
  15. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    You quoted me there, but left out the "there are threads here with links to" part. Which is to say, you can find written material here from Toyota discouraging the use of a silicone. While I remember reading that, it was a while ago, and I am sorry that I cannot search up those links at the moment.

    I do not remember that they contained any explanation of why not a silicone. Just the recommendation.