ABS actuator - does it need immediate replacement?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by brka-brkb, Jun 7, 2025 at 11:11 AM.

  1. brka-brkb

    brka-brkb New Member

    Joined:
    Wednesday
    2
    0
    0
    Location:
    Washington, DC
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Hello!

    My 2009 Prius with 192K miles started making the dreaded "turkey call" noise, which I'm told is due to a struggling ABS brake actuator.

    This obviously could/would be a safety issue, except my car doesn't (yet) display any warning lights and this noise only happens *after* I come to a full stop, and only when I step on the brake FULL force, as far down as it would go. And there is no brake fluid leakage, either.

    Would you say that at least for now, my car is safe to drive? I do plan on being responsible and address the issue when more serious signs emerge.

    Thanks!
     
    #1 brka-brkb, Jun 7, 2025 at 11:11 AM
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    112,004
    50,969
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    you're fine, and it could be a long time before it needs replacing, no way to know.

    even if it goes out, you still have manual braking, but be prepared to put all your weight behind it.
     
    #2 bisco, Jun 8, 2025 at 2:37 PM
  3. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2020
    11,949
    2,109
    0
    Location:
    Durham NC
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    I drove with a failed brake actuator for a year and a half long stop distance but no problem we just have to remember. All that honking I would bleed brakes
     
    #3 Tombukt2, Jun 8, 2025 at 2:44 PM
  4. PriuSocal

    PriuSocal Member

    Joined:
    Mar 23, 2023
    139
    26
    0
    Location:
    SoCal
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I purchased my 2nd gen from someone who had this issue and was being quoted $3500 at the "STEAL”er. He drove it for 6 months as is (stiff brake pedal) and I drove it from 125 miles home as is PLUS, drove it for another 500 miles until I eventually replaced the actuator. If you can i’d say replace it as it's def a safety issue and depending on wether your family rides in it or not, its not that hard a job to not tackle it and depending where you are…you can find the actuator fairly cheap or buy a whole car with another issue for about the cost of a repair on this. If you’re close to @Tombukt2 ask him, he appears to get find them all the time (whole cars)
     
    #4 PriuSocal, Jun 9, 2025 at 5:29 PM
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)