So I'm not mechanically inclined but my friend offered to change the rear brakes. I ordered some cheap pads/rotors kit off ebay. I decided to replace because I was getting grinding noise when I backed up occasionally and when I had my oiled changed they told me they were close to due. Anyway, the V clips on the OEM rear brake pads have holes for the clip to fit in, the new pads I got do not. It looks like these 2 clips exist to keep the pads away from the rotors when the brakes are not in use. How big a problem is it that I don't have them anymore? Also, we disconnected the 12v battery fully before doing the job... what's strange is when we hooked it back up and started the car, the car wouldn't engage in drive or reverse, just neutral. I turned it off/on a few times and fidgeted with it and then it came back and I drove the car. Car seems fine but I will need to drive it more. Looking for any insight if we did anything wrong.
welcome! your 12 v might be low. check the voltage with everything off, after the car sits for a few hours. or the connections might not be clean or tight, especially negative to body.
I seem to remember at a lecture during the 2GoB4 meeting here in the North East (Kimble's Farm, Sept 2014) being advised that even a simple operation such as bleeding the brakes, a relatively easy job (DIY on most vehicles), requires not only specific and accurate technical knowledge, but also specialised equipment if you're planning to do a brake-job on your Prius. (…just sayin' (…shrug!)) - Wil
I didn't know what we were doing is classified as bleeding the brakes. I thought that was something completely different. Thanks
Well, I think you need to look at my whole sentence in order to understand your italicised quote, so that you don't fall into the trap of taking it out of context… …just so that you're not confused… …and perhaps you will care to enlighten this ignoramus as to exactly how you might do a "simple" job of replacing rotors, pads without bleeding the brake system?
I've looked up 'bleeding the brakes' and it seems to involve a lot more. My friend pumped the brakes quite a bit after he replaced the pads and rotors (tire still off). Does this constitute bleeding, and more importantly, what do I need to do to rectify it?
Well, I'm wondering if we screwed up something with the ABS or the braking system in general. I guess I need to drive it more first. Seems fine now but I've read stories like this: Brake system failure after changing front pads | PriusChat And I get a little worried.
reading through that, it seems like you're fine unless you introduced air into the system. i would think you'd get some dash lites.
I've been replacing brake pads since the '80's, never bothered to bleed the brakes when pushing the pistons back. @woody23 Maybe you could drill holes in the new pads, for the V-springs? Also, I'd advise to chock the front wheels, raise the rear with parking brake released, and verify the rear wheels are turning relatively freely. A slight amount of drag is ok, but if it's dragging hard: during rear brake assembly it's imperative to ensure the pin in the back of the pads (they do have pins?) falls in between the spokes on the caliper piston face. And, that it stays there, after assembly. You want to assemble it right, and then push the brake pedal multiple times, make sure it's well seated, before doing anything else, including reconnection of the battery neg. cable. If the pads you bought don't have the aforementioned pins, I'd just throw in the towel, get Toyota spec pads, start afresh.
Thank you. You are talking about the clip on the actual brake pad? Like this? (not mine). Yes, my replacement pads have it.
The couple of things I'm thinking of: the anti-rattle springs, and their holes in pad edges, and the pins in the center/back of the pads. I've highlighted the springs in yellow, and the pins are flagged with red arrow: Another pic, the pins flagged with arrows (only the piston side pad actually needs the pin) and the anti-squeal pin hole loc's circled. These are pads/shims I purchased through dealership, for a bit over $100: I'll attach pdf from the Repair Manual on brakes.
I will have to check with my friend on the pins. I think they had those on there. The kit I got was stated by the seller to match or fit the 2010 Prius. The anti-squeal or V clips did not come with the new pads and no holes for them either. This could be why I am getting a small squealing sound when I back up. If the downside is they brakes wear out 25% quicker, I am okay with it as I paid $43 for the rotors and pads. And thank you very much for your help.
I can't see those V-shaped springs doing a lot. (Do hang on to them though.) You can assemble the pads/shims, place them in position on the rotor, then squeeze the springs in and pop into the holes on the pad, take your hand away, and the pads will hold in position till you're able to bring the caliper back and slip it over them. If the rotors look fine, and the rear brakes don't have heavy drag, you're ok. Crazy good price btw.
Did you happen to order yours from miatoyota on ebay (North Miami Toyota)? I picked up my front and rear set for $95 and am wondering now since I just noticed on the box that there is "Prius EU", though the part number is the 04466-47101. I'll take a photo and post. I replaced with the anti-squeal springs in between the pads and am thinking I'll take out if they make any noise. I'm also thinking these should be replaced for free since appears to me the wrong set was sent to the dealership by Toyota's Parts Supplier. I was thinking about drill a hole in also... since seems easy enough... though am like... uhm... Toyota Parts Supplier should know better.
Stopped into the Benton Harbor Toyota Dealership and the box is the same for the part number 04466-47101 and the holes for the anti-squeal springs aren't present in the new part number. The old part number that I guess has the holes or isn't an "EU" label is 04466-47100.