replacing the original brake pads on a 2010 Prius after 96K

How much did they charge for the work performed?

 

where was the rust on the rotors? we did pads on both of ours at 160k ..same rotors at 212k and 205k

 

sounds premature

 

96k definitely seems early... Hmm

 

If you suspect a correlation between the brake work and drop in mpg, chock the front, raise the rear, and see if the wheels are spinning semi-freely. With a good push they should continue to rotate at least one revolution. If they're dragging they likely screwed up the rear caliper piston orientation.

 

chances are the pins have been seized

 

Right after a brake job? Dealership mechanics are fairly competent, have the repair manual info, the Toyota spec pin lube.

OTOH, the rear caliper piston orientation is a little sneaky; it's mentioned in the Repair Manual, but it's pretty subtle statement.

I don't think the Repair Manual does it justice: it says to orient the piston a certain way, full stop. In fact you need to orient it thus, ensure it stays thus during the reasembly, really pressure up the brake pedal to get the piston solidly seated thus (avoid using parking brake), then even test drive, then apply/release the parking brake several times, raise the rear and then check for excessive drag.

In short, it's a finicky design, easily screwed up.

 

be careful not using much a/c, your battery life depends on it.

 

I had a drop in MPG a few years ago....it was two things:
Seized caliper
Worn hub

I replaced both myself.

 

Got to say I would be leery of a brake job on a Prius. They would have to show me in the flesh it was bad and then I may think about it and get a second opinion/drink two quarts of whisky/forget about it/then trade it. Have not had brakes done on any Prius or a brake flush. I am with Jimi on this one. Would be tempted to do it myself without a brake flush. Brakes would be easier than an oil change as I have no way to get under my Prius. Rotors, pads, and calipers could be easy except for the parking brake part.

Or trade it. Too easy to screw up a brake flush and brake job on this car.

Prius is the finest car ever made as well the highest quality/dependability, but it is also one of the most complicated ever made.
Dealers are there to sell you stuff that you usually don't need. There are exceptions of course.

BTW/they love to let the air out of your tires so you have premature tread separation and wear. Caught them doing 24PSI twice. AHs

 

Some real help BTW!!!!! Nice job.

Part of your MPG problem is those Micky Mouse tires. I have moved on and will never go back. Keep the Yokohama mama updates coming ( I like the looks of those and the Pirelli).

42 PSI is what I have used for years as I had the quit 50PSI do to stability on pot hole roads.

Also 52MPG for rough jerky driving is about right at 39-42 PSI.

 

My right great toe pin has seized