need some maintenance opinions, please

they should have stuck with rear drums like gen 2. you hardly ever read about rear brake problems. who needs rear discs? it's a prius!

 

PC has rear drums.

 

Does the opening the driver door actually apply hydraulic pressure to the calipers? I always thought it was just priming the brake booster, which I think of as a vacuum-assist mechanism like that on ICE cars, but primed using an electric pump.

 

I've only a fuzzy idea of what's happening, but there have been reports here, of pistons being pushed out, when the driver's door was opened, and whatever's going on activated.

It is a bit irritating dealing with the aftermath of a battery disconnect. Apart from lost memories, I've noticed an odd revving up, the first couple of startups afterwards, like the car needs to recalibrate something. But I think that's preferable to the possible problems, if the system activates.

Some DIY'rs I believe have left the 12 volt connected, and have just been careful not to open the drivers door, and for sure do not start the car till your completely done and have done brake pedal pushes, take up any excess travel.

 

Should add: if you leave the battery connected, you REALLY want to fool-proof the driver's door, prevent absentminded opening.

@NutzAboutBolts IIRC taped it shut, with coloured tape.

 

They should know their stuff. Maybe ask if they work on Prius brakes? While hooked up to a polygraph...

 

But only if your drivers door is not opened.