Hi! I'm a non- mechanically inclined older woman and I recently started having trust issues with my dealer repair shop (everything from telling me air filters need replacing when they're less than a month old to refusing to give me a ball park for replacing fluid line on my front wipers because they've sprung a visual leak - yeah, I patched it myself.) The latest was telling me my rear brakes were less than 1 mm when eight months ago they were 5-6 mm. (Front still at 5-6). Any suggestions for somewhere else to look at my brakes? I've always used the dealer but this last year has been the last straw. I'm okay at changing air filters and wipers and things but not with something big.
You can look on Yelp for reviews of local mechanics in your area. Find one that close to you that you are comfortable with using. It's very hard to find a good honest mechanic, most are out to upsell and get the most money out of you as possible. It's a crappy industry
Head over to Pacific Northwest Hybrids Make an appointment first probably 20-30 miles from you. Off the 300th st. Exit Stanwood, WA 98292 (844) 769-4349
Might be they were talking about the front brakes? Do you have any documentation from them regarding rear brake shoe thickness? North American second gen Prius have drum brakes in the back. New shoe thickness is 4mm, and service limit is 1mm. Attached is the 2nd Repair Manual section on brakes; will be handy for any mechanic you go with.
Welcome to PriusChat!! How many miles on the vehicle, and where in WA 98270 are you near? (likely @PriusCamper can direct you to a proper mechanic) Most undercarriage shops (muffler / tire / brakes) will offer a free brake inspection, just shop the job around to see who is telling the truth etc. FYI : you're moderated until you've posted 5 times.
Prius brake service through independent mechanics "might" be risky: the brake system will occasionally pressurize (on 3rd gen this occurs just about every time you open the driver's door), and it can be disastrous if it happens while the brakes are opened up.
Thanks for the replies! I'm just over 180,000 on the 2004. The report shows front brakes at 5-6 and rear at less than 1 mm. I'll start going through Yelp and see if I can get a free brake inspection. I'm sorry to say I often have mechanics try to pad the repairs to "ideal" I think because of my age and lack of knowledge. Fortunately more knowledgeable people are usually willing to guide me so I never agree to repairs right away.
honestly, i wouldn't even bother. it's obvious that they are trying to scam you, and your brakes are fine.
