Right-rear tire locks and skids during braking

Hello,
I bought a used 2005 Prius in early February, and have driven about 7,000 miles so far.

Yesterday, I noticed an issue with the braking. When the traditional brakes (non-regenerative) kick in when approaching a full-stop the right-rear tire completely locks up, and skids. The weather has been wet the past two days, but the issue is severe enough that the resulting vibrations feel like they may tear the car apart.

There are no warning lights aside from the skid light, so I assume there'll be no code for a mechanic to easily identify this problem.

Has anyone had any experience with a problem of this nature? I'm worried if it's not easy to pin down, this may be a huge expense, and if so, I'll have to hold off awhile, and find some other mode of transportation.

Thanks!

 

The tires are all matching, and were put on when I bought the car 7,000 mi ago.

I could only seem to get it into neutral by putting it into reverse, accelerating to a pretty quick speed, then shifting to what would B if I was in D. I couldn't get there any other way... Never needed it!


In neutral the problem is not as bad, just a squealing, and significantly more braking pressure from the right rear wheel. Of course, I could only get to a certain speed in reverse before shifting to neutral.

This confuses me though, because I have been able to nurse through the 3 mile drive to work today by using exclusively regenerative braking, as there's no issue. However thats obviously not very safe for a long haul. The original problem only manifests when coming to a complete stop, or slamming on the brakes.

 

I don't know when the brakes were last replaced. I have a carfax that was up-to-date when I purchased the car, and it appears to have been primarily dealer-serviced. The brakes were "checked" at 110k. All the other service appears to have been routine maintenance and checks at regular intervals. There are a few "vehicle serviced" so who knows if they were replaced then.

Its definitely something I'll have to check out. I do have a question. I'm a musician, not a car guy… if the brakes needed replaced, wouldn't the stopping power be less? It seems to me, knowing little-to-nothing about it, that it would be some sort of electrical malfunction in whatever communicates the brake-pedal press to the wheels. That's why I didn't just take it right to my mechanic… I was worried it'd be something he hasn't dealt with, since he rarely sees a hybrid. But I could be overthinking it...

Thanks all for your help so far.

 

I'll take it to him first, and give him the benefit of the doubt. He's always been good to us, and he'll give an honest opinion about whether it's something he can track down and/or do. If not, I'll take to the dealer. Thanks for your help! I'm glad it may be simpler than I thought. It was a little startling since it occurred so suddenly, and didn't just gradually get worse. Thanks again!

 

Well gee… that explains a lot. I got so frustrated, I even checked the manual, and there's no mention of that… Thanks for the tip, that's good to know!