My daughter is still driving her 01, my wife drives an 07, looking at an 05 that needs the ABS control module actuator assembly replaced. They are asking $2600. I didnt even realize you cant really bleed the brakes, not sure if my daughters 01 pads have been replaced? So looking on line and found a site that says they used their simple reverse bleed tool to bleed the brakes on a 01 prius, and a Ford Focus hybrid. Phoenix systems sell reverse bleed tools. If You search reverse bleed prius you will find the write up along with pics. I am not advertising for them but if this works would be a money saver! Brake fluid should be flushed periodically! Any takes on this working after replacing the ABS actuator?
The only bleeding that's particularly complicated is if you've replaced the underhood components (or been careless and let them suck air from an empty reservoir when bleeding wheel lines). Ordinary wheel line bleeding was easy for Gen 1 ... hobbit did a write-up for Gen 2, wasn't very complicated there either. That was without Techstream; of course if you do have it, you can just follow the prompts.... Hobbit's write-up also ended with some surprising notes on the rate of deterioration of the fluid. -Chap
Not sure about the gen1, but for the gen2 I would procure a mini-vci cable and use techstream for any bleeding or flushing work. I've used the mightyvac version of that tool (if they are the same) for brake bleeding before with mixed results, but never on a prius. Does it work or is it better, wouldn't know. Or if you are just bleeding the rear brakes on a gen2, you can pick up a 'prius rock' as per hobbit.
I have used the mityvac hand held vacuum pump on all toyota hybrids i have worked on. It sure works perfect! Problem is, one has to be careful not to allow air suck in to the brake system, through the brake reservoir. Pls when carrying out any of these procedures, ensure the brake reservoir cap is properly cleaned up using a toilet tissue, before opening the cover. The handheld pump evacuates all air bubles from the system, when you command the rear brakes to function intermittently, using a tech stream software. While bleeding the front, you ensure the #2ABS motor relays are removed, you disable the rear electric powered callipers. You pretty much bleed the front brakes as none hybrid cars are bled. PS: These pictures were for a hybrid highlander, and a none hybrid Camry.