2012 v 5 - Just bought it 3 days ago. We also own a 2007 Base Prius and a 98 Camry. I found that the snow tires from the Camry are a perfect fit for my new car. Exciting news. Engaged the brake, jacked it up, switched the tires. Lowered it, topped off the tires with air. Ready for a test drive. The car didn't want to move. I dragged it out into the alley. Big mistake. The parking brake is stuck engaged. Took half an hour and the help of neighbors to get it back into the garage. So, I am a confident DIY mechanic. What do I do?
Previous owner likely never used it, cable seized? Try capillarying some WD40 upstream from the brake end?
The v has drum parking brakes built into the rear disk rotors. Assuming the cabin parking brake pedal is released and up, I would jack up the rear end and attempt to pull or disconnect the cable on each wheel. If that is not possible and the cable has some slack, you will have to pull the rotors to access the drum parking brakes.
So... good news and I feel stupid. It was the rims of the snow tires tightened up against the caliper that was causing the issue. When they were torqued, they were tight enough to prevent the wheel from turning. They are 15" steel rims, with 205/65/R15 tires. Even though the tire size is acceptable, the rims are too small in the center. Switched back to the all weather radials on the back. No more issue. The brakes are actually nice and clean. I removed one caliper to check the pads. Lots of wear left. It's not an issue on the front for some reason. I am guessing the caliper is a little smaller. So, I have front snows, but not rear. I may try some spacers on the back to see if I can get it to work on the 15" rims. Thanks for the replies!
How does it drive with just front snow tires? I suspect you may be satisfied, because that is the position for snow traction devices if I'm not mistaken...
It's fine, though I haven't had to drive in anything deep yet. The tires on the back are all weather and plenty of tread.
I just reread the manual on this, it says all four for snow tires but front only for snow chains. Don’t want to lead you astray my apologies. Regarding the spacers I’d get the smallest you can find 5 mm?
Yeah I'm using older-style 15" Corolla rims not problems, but that's on 3rd gen Prius hatchback. Are there stock Prius v rims in 15"?? Addendum: no, stock is 16".
Mine came with 17". I do have 15" snows on a Gen 2. They're fine. The tire size is ok: 205/65 R15. It's just the generic rims don't work on the back. The front is fine. I think the calipers are lower profile. I'm sure spacers will work fine. We sold the Camry today for $1.
