01 brake master cylinder help?

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by Str8pile, Jul 21, 2025 at 10:19 PM.

  1. Str8pile

    Str8pile New Member

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    Okay first time posting but need to see if anyone has advice or a solution. 2001 prius 195k on it. No codes relating to abs. No brake line leaks nor leaks at the wheels. Car bleeds off brakes at stoplights. I have diagnosed it as a bad master cylinder is that a correct diagnosis? That being said master cylinders for Gen 1s are discontinued and I dont see any aftermarket solutions. Does anyone know of a retro fit or should I do the "rebuild kit" that has a new piston seal and retainer (my worry there is a possible worn cylinder) or is my best bet to find one at a junkyard or a full blown parts car. Thanks in advance.
     
  2. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    You talking about the part that pedal connects to ? I believe that's a somewhat normal hydraulic 3/4 bore type master cylinder. If so very rebuild able.. but usually leak downs are in accumulator.
     
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  3. Str8pile

    Str8pile New Member

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    How would I go about checking and or verifying which component is the issue? Rather than throw parts at it that are expensive and discontinued?
     
  4. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Can you give any more detail on exactly what happens at stoplights, and how you went about your diagnosis that it's the M/C?

    If you're right, you're in luck, in that gen 1 had an inexpensive M/C rebuild kit available, which later gens did not.