BRAKES SQUEAKING

Every time I wash the car and it sits for a few days, next drive it’s noisy for the first block or two.

 

Yeah, I wrote too much
Here in Calif, my '17 does not have this noise/ squeak issue, even after a car wash, yet I brake hard LOL.
Yet, many of our co-members write about brake noise so, well, I wrote too much.

Perhaps, our co-members are correct that moisture/ winter/ snow is the issue and there is no cure.

I still recommend the 75 to 45 mph hard braking as a fix, for squeaky brake noises, even if temporary.

Have a great day everyone

 

I'm in the CO mtns. No squeaking from mine. Been thru plenty of snow/rain

 

It isn't the wetness directly, but moisture and lack of use for a spell.
The rotors are made of iron. They get wet, don't immediately dry, then sit unused for a bit, and you'll get surface rust. Which makes the brakes noisy and grabby until all that rust is polished off by the pads.

 

Yeah, that's not due to rust. Rust sounds like grinding. It is something else. Replace them and see what happens.

 

I'd try cleaning and relubing the caliber pins and tracks the pads slide on before changing parts with a noise like that.
Does the noise go away after a bit of driving? The pads and rotors themselves should dry off pretty quickly if there isn't water around to get back on them. If it lasts longer, that would point to the water getting elsewhere.

 

That's most definitely not normal. I would get that to the dealer ASAP and have them fix it.

 

ST...

I listened to the video... almost sounds like a meowing cat LOL.

My take the sound is harmonics, vibrations, not a grind.

It is only one wheel squeaking, yes?

I would offer:
1) Check the true-ness of the rotor.
2) Check the brake pad backing surfaces (piston to pad) for wear.
3) Lube your caliber pins and the pad edges where specified.
4) Do some hard braking.
That's your no cost repair.

Since you say the noise returns after 15-30 minutes of driving, I think you are too easy on the braking.
The pads are not even to the rotor causing a vibration.

So, what would cause a brake vibration noise?
Light braking on an uneven rotor is my number one guess.
The noise could be caused by pad-to-rotor vibration, pad-to-caliper piston vibration, a loose caliper, and/or a loose rotor come to my mind.

Your lowest cost repair would be:
As I believe your plan is; to replace the pads.
But I would also inspect for the need to replace that rotor too.

Your highest cost repair would be:
1) Replace the rotor.
2) Ensure the hub surface where the rotor mounts is level/pristine/ clean.
3) Replace the pads ... and replace the other side too (as a set).
4) "Blue Print" the pads.
5) Ensure your caliper mount/ torque is secure, clean, and correct.
6) Since my theory is harmonic vibration, check the caliper pistons for "levelness" and cleanliness.
7) Bleed your brake fluid to make sure there is no "compressing" air or debris in the line to that squeaky wheel.
8) Thoroughly clean all related components before assembly.
Without "being there" above labor has a goal to once and for all stop this noise and find the cause.

If not DIYing, I could see 4 hours shop time plus parts.
OEM rotors, pads, caliber, fluid, Techstream access, machine shop outsourcing, environment fees, and sales taxes.

In closing, many cars squeak their brakes and I still think many Prius owners are too "easy" on the brake pedal.
But I may be wrong in my theories, and you, in particular, may have a Prius mechanic problem.
It seems our co-members are "split" on pad moisture absorption, rotor rust, and/or environmental temperatures being a cause of a squeak or if a squeak is just a normality.
Do some hard braking remains my best advice

Yes, it is my fun to write, add to this thread and see if my internet-deducing mechanic skills can cure your issue.
At the very least, I am stirring the pot LOL.

Let us all know your findings and success

 

Not sure what the high cost would since OP has driven only 700 miles. A trip to the dealer would solve the problem since it's under warranty.

 

If your dealer heard that noise and said they can't do anything about, it most definitely is time to find another dealer who is more competent. You may want to try and bend the ear of the general manager of the dealership and have them listen. I would also send Toyota Corporate an email with the video of the noise. Pretty certain Toyota doesn't want one of their new cars driving around making that gawd-aweful sound.