Junkyard brake actuator problems

I am not going to question the mechanic's process.

However, have you tried autobeyours.com as a source of used Prius parts.

 

I'm in the process of replacing my ABS actuator on my new-to-me 2006 Prius. The ABS actuator was defective when I bought, diagnosed by a Toyota dealer when the previous owner took it in.

Something I discovered is that there are TWO different ABS actuators... it depends on the vehicle's date of production, but the general gist is 2004-2005 take one type of ABS actuator, and 2006-2009 take another one. I recently found a great deal on brand genuine Toyota OEM ABS actuator from a private seller online. Going by the part number, it's the one that is supposed to fit my car. It's not yet installed. I have an appointment at a Toyota dealer in a couple of weeks to get it installed. One dealer would not put it in because they did not sell it, but another Toyota dealer is ok with it. It's brand new in the box, and the dealer is putting it in, so it "should" go well. I hope.

So, I'd say call a Toyota dealer (either a local one, or one of the ones that sell Toyota parts online) and give them your VIN and they should be able to tell you the part number. There might be an "old" and a "new" part number, get both. It's possible the problem is that the junkyard ABS actuator is for the wrong year, even though it's from a second gen Prius.

I'm hoping my brand new ABS actuator works, because I doubt the person I bought it from will reimburse me. It's the correct part number and does not show any signs of damage, and considering a Toyota dealer will be putting it in, I'm hopeful all will go well. I considered getting a used part, but was worried if it was a dud, I'd be stuck paying labor twice, or more, or that it would not last very long. Then again, it could last quite a while. Good luck, hope it works out for you!

 

I forgot to mention. You may already know this, but in case you don't, or for the benefit of others, apparently you need the special Toyota Techstream software to bleed the brakes after the ABS actuator is installed. Independent shops can get this, and I think DIYers can also get it in some form. It doesn't sound like bleeding the brakes is the issue with yours, but I thought I'd put that out there in case anyone didn't know.

I don't know what the chances of getting two in a row that are defective, but it's possible. That's one of the reasons I chose to get a brand new one. Luckily I found a private seller who had it for several hundreds of dollars less than the dealer. Not sure how often that will happen, but if you can get a jobber price or employee discount on a new one, I'd do it, and forget about used ones. Even at $50/hr it will add up if you need to pay to get the job done three times.

BTW, does your car make clicking and whining/droning noises after you shut off the car? I'm wondering if that's the ABS actuator still spinning. Since I bought my Prius with the ABS actuator already in need of replacement, I don't know what it's supposed to be like when it's in good working order.