Brake job on Prius C 2012

first of all:
you may not need new pads. it is very unusual for a prius to need pads at 70k, especially in cali.

secondly, it is odd that they are claiming all are at 3mm. most dealers just eyeball, and don't measure.
then, the next time they check them, they tell you something completely different.

thirdly, 3mm may not be low enough to require new pads.

fourthly: get another opinion, and have them show you the pads.

fifthly, are you having any issues with your brakes? they have wear indicators that make loud screeching sounds when worn down too far.

six; if you do need pads, any mechanic can do it, as long as they are savvy enough to read the on line service manual, and follow the precautions.

seventy: there are no shoes on the c, stay away from that shop.

eighth, proceed with caution, and all the best!

 

Prius c does have drum brakes on the rear. FWIW, 3mm remaining on drum brake shoes is a lot better than 3 mm on disc brake pads. That makes me suspicious too: maybe time for a second opinion.

You DO have to be cautious doing brakes on Prius: I would recommend to disconnect negative cable from 12 volt battery before any disassembly, and when the brakes are done, before reconnecting the battery cable: pump the brake pedal multiple times to take up any excess travel.

 

Somebody ought to make a post of all the most dishonest things Toyota car stealerships tell unwitting customers... Why is there so much corruption and bald-face lying when it comes to doing basic maintenance at a dealership? Aren't there any consequences for them for so much theft on such a massive scale?

 

yeah if the 3mm is to be believed, get your front brakes done soon and wait 9-12 months before doing the rears. 3mm is a long time on drum shoes, it's not very long on discs.

 

why drums, cost? i thought everything after 2009 had discs.

 

It still saves a few bucks per car, and below a certain weight it's a perfectly useful brake. Our Accent has rear drums as well. Last time it needed a brake job I did it at home with mail order parts. $12 for everything.

 

is the 2018 drums?

 

Having a hard time finding info; Toyota seems to be dumbing down the online specs and brochures. I'd bet yes, but it'd be nice to find something definitive.

OP could have a look at his, lol.

 

who?

 

This 3rd party site says rears are drums:

2018 Toyota Prius C Specs: Four Specifications

Pretty sure: it's an econo car. Nothing wrong with rear drums too, they're very dependable, long-lasting. Makes parking brake mechanism very simple too.

 

i had no issues with my 2004 and 2008, why do you think they changed them?

 

Yep.

 

Sorry my earlier post wasn't timely enough to close the loop- yes, I'm confirming that the 2018 they sold me has drums.

 

i wonder if they use oems parts, or just the cost of living related to both areas.

can you go back and forth with no restriction?

 

And if the repairs go wrong... That's what the extra money you're paying in labor for US compared to Mexico... Perhaps the easiest solution is to find someone close to home who does mobile vehicle repair. The labor rates will be as low as in Mexico, with similar risks if things go wrong.