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Gen 3 brake booster assembly replacement

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by Eric Allen, Oct 1, 2024.

  1. Eric Allen

    Eric Allen New Member

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    I have a 2010 prius w 130,000 m and a brake booster pump running every 10 sec. I have owned this car for 11 years and had no problems until now. I still have no warning lights. I plan to change the brake booster/actuator as my first step, and I am trying to use BAM AUTO for the part(s), but only if their OEC claim means genuine Toyota parts. As a new member, I have some questions.
    1. Would you advise me to steer clear of BAM Auto?
    2. Can I use techstream and complete bleeding procedures without a scanner?
    3. If I go forward w the Techstream plan what dongle and cord would you recommend I buy?
    4. At some point I would like to buy a scanner. Do you have a recommendation?
    Thanks, in advance for any advice!
     
  2. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

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    I checked Bam vs some online Toyota dealers and found at least one slightly less at a Toyota dealer.

    I would shop local dealers online and look for a similar price with local pickup to save the inflated shipping costs.

    You also want the brake booster part number verified against your vin. There are two or more part numbers for the same year hatchback.

    Techstream should be the gold standard scanner with a good hardwired interface and a laptop but some have reported brake booster setup success with the now discontinued Autel AP200.
     
  3. Eric Allen

    Eric Allen New Member

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    Thanks for your thoughts on this project! I am trying to make this a fun thing to do in retirement, but it’s wearing me out just to think about it, haha. Your thoughts on the Techstream and the Autel AP200 (I looked but couldn’t find one) are on the same page as mine. I looked harder at BAM reviews and decided to NOT to go in that direction. A friend found a Toyota dealer close by that has good prices but I haven’t pulled the trigger yet. I am questioning my thinking about replacing just the booster. Maybe I should do the pump n accumulator while I’m at it. Might be even MORE fun. Definitely more money.
     
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    YouTube how-to:



    Have you considered handing the whole thing over to a dealership, or competent independent shop. Wouldn’t hurt to at least get some quotes.
     
  5. Eric Allen

    Eric Allen New Member

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    Of course, I considered it (and got my closest dealer to price it ($3,500) but I found a great online price for the parts -Ourisman Toyota in Richmond VA- with an online menu that seems way better than anything Toyota.com, or my local Toyota parts departments offered ( the Asayama site you sent me was interesting, but not well- priced for this work). I ordered the Booster assembly and pump/accumulator assembly this morning ( about $1200 w shipping)and intend to purchase Techstream for 2 days $90 (I really want no part of pirated software) and the Tactrix open port dongle (it’s unclear to me if this will return good results, but it seems highly possible). I was a blue-collared “wrench turner” all my life and have a techie friend who will help w the bleeding. I expect to have some setbacks and frustration and ultimate happiness with successful completion. The potential savings are substantial. Thank you so much for the support that you have offered to so many of us, and let me know any additional thoughts you might have. I am committed to going forward, but really need some help trying to figure out, how best, to connect to Techstream. I have written to Tactrix, asking for their assurance that their product will work. If it fails I will scoot up to the dealer or get the mongoose
     
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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    I'm clueless about Techstream, but you're in the right place here. :)
     
  7. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

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  8. Frontporch

    Frontporch Member

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    Any progress update?