Front Brake pad replacement

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by donzoh1, Sep 3, 2025 at 8:43 AM.

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  1. donzoh1

    donzoh1 Active Member

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    On my 2013, I am doing front pads and rotors. I disconnected the 12v before starting. Now, I'm ready to compress the caliber pistons but wondering about what to do next. If I just compress the pistons. I will force dirty fluid back through the system which I've heard can mess up the actuator. If I open the bleed screw, air might get in and then require system bleeding, including Techstream which I dont currently have. Any suggestions are appreciated.
     
    #1 donzoh1, Sep 3, 2025 at 8:43 AM
  2. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    compress them
     
    #2 rjparker, Sep 3, 2025 at 8:51 AM
  3. bat4255

    bat4255 2017 Prius v #2 and 2008 Gen II #2

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    3rd post with the same title
     
    #3 bat4255, Sep 3, 2025 at 8:59 AM
  4. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Indeed, yuck.

    I start by attaching some clear tubing to the bleed screw, looped upward (over a spring coil or something nearby) and then down. I start with some brake fluid in the clear tubing, so if anything flows inward when I crack the screw open, it will be brake fluid and not air.

    Generally, there isn't much inward flow. The piston is just sitting there, then you crack the bleeder open and start pushing the piston, which makes outward flow. Then close the bleeder again before removing the compression tool.
     
    #4 ChapmanF, Sep 3, 2025 at 10:30 AM
    Mr. F and donzoh1 like this.
  5. donzoh1

    donzoh1 Active Member

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    I would assume that if possible, it is best to have some pressure on the caliper as the bleed screw is cracked open. I like the idea of clear tubing with an upward loop.
     
    #5 donzoh1, Sep 3, 2025 at 12:53 PM
  6. donzoh1

    donzoh1 Active Member

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    If puston boots are in good shape, can the pistons just be pushed back in or should the boots be removed and then the pistons cleaned first?
     
    #6 donzoh1, Sep 4, 2025 at 7:58 AM
  7. Paul Gregory

    Paul Gregory Senior Member

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    I don't know for sure, but I think the Prius brake pads are a bit undersized compared to conventional vehicles. Owing to the fact that regenerative braking is used. I've read a few reviews descrying that Prius brakes wear out prematurely. Mine lasted 50,000 miles on my Gen 3.

    I think it has more to do with your driving style.
     
    #7 Paul Gregory, Sep 4, 2025 at 8:40 AM
  8. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    This is the one and only thread now? Appears to be.

    Your concern is debris in brake fluid being pushed back up the lines, clogging/fouling something. Myself the only time I open the bleed screws is during a brake fluid replacement. For brake pad replacement I just push the pistons back, bleed screws untouched, and never had a problem. FWIW I do a brake fluid replacement roughly tri-yearly as well. Toyota USA is silent regarding brake fluid replacement, Toyota Canada currently says every 48k kms (~30k miles) or 3 years, whichever comes first.
     
    #8 Mendel Leisk, Sep 4, 2025 at 8:57 AM
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