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2010 Prius Rear Brakes Locked up

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by aperry1971, Feb 3, 2024.

  1. aperry1971

    aperry1971 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 2, 2013
    50
    17
    0
    Location:
    mass
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    has 239933 miles.... Changed the rear brakes in November 2023

    Yesterday the rear brakes locked up (Fronts are fine). NO CODES... I freed them up enough to drive home by hitting the caliper with a hammer...

    This is what I have done so far:
    1.When I disconnect the battery it freed up a little bit but not much (Check by turning the tire by hand)
    2.Emergency brake is working properly
    3.Remove the calipers:
    Slide pins are free moving
    I retracted the calipers pistons with no problem they are not locked

    I have no idea, I believe it is electrical but with no codes, I have no idea what to look at next. I was going to change the calipers but when the pistons retracted freely I doubt it is the calipers.
    Thanks In Advance for the Help!
     
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk EGR Fanatic

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    56,673
    39,222
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    How do the pads look, any evidence of beveled wear? Do rotors have even wear, or conversely, any zone that looks rusty, untouched, in particular on inside face?

    Are you aware of the need to orient caliper piston face so that it’s like an X, not a cross? Check my signature for rear brake drag info, on a phone turn it landscape to see signature.
     
  3. aperry1971

    aperry1971 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 2, 2013
    50
    17
    0
    Location:
    mass
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Pads look fine, rotors are fine.... Yes I am aware of the orientation of the X and that is correct...
     
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
  4. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2021
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    Location:
    SacTown, Ca
    Vehicle:
    2021 Prius Prime
    Model:
    LE
    It's most likely your parking brake hanging up if you don't have duel braking system (pads & drum). The replacement pads are probably slightly thicker than OEM specs.. when the parking brakes actuate they will sometimes get stuck - until the pads wear down to max. OEM spec. thickness. That happened on my old Honda prelude. It hung-up twice, took it apart both times, couldn't find anything, then went away for good, this also happened after I replaced the rear pads. I did readjust the rear brake cable, all the way to the ends of it's adjustment just to make sure. Readjusted a year later for better grip on hills, no issues.

    Hope this helps....