Bleeding brakes from 2012 Prius with pneumatic bleeder

You don't need this.
Brake bleeding is done by the Prius itself. It re-pressurizes the system with a slight pressure leak.

 

I’ve done a couple of brake fluid replacements so far, using the non-Techstream method (proscribed in Repair Manual). My tools were very rudimentary, no external vacuum used, apart from a baster to initially extract/replace reservoir fluid.

when doing brakes, specifically when retracting caliper pistons for new pads, I’ve never opened bleed screws, and never had subsequent problems. Brake fluid replacement is worthwhile, but I would leave it for another day, and be careful to do it by the book.

there’s links in my signature, one for brake fluid change, the other about rear brake drag; both have relevant info. (On a phone turn it landscape to see signatures).

 

Guess I’m saying you don’t have to use suction. OTOH NutzAboutBolts did, in their video.

 

Yes, you can use a vacuum pump. And if you open the bleeder screw while you screw the
pucks back in the fluid likely go out the bleeder screw... path of least resistance...

 

I would save the brake fluid for another day, and do it by the book. Bleeding the rear brakes is a walk-in-the-park by the proper method: if you've got someone pressing the brake pedal the rears will continuously pump out fluid, without suction, just a tube pushed over the bleed screw, crack it open, run it to something to catch it. Do close the bleed screw BEFORE assistant releases brake pedal.

Again, I've been changing brake pads for decades, never touched the bleed screws at the same time.

There's a link in my signature on rear brakes: you want to be careful with the caliper piston orientation, and ensure it doesn't have a chance to rotate, till you've firmed up the brake pedal. Then take a short drive and test. More info in the link.

 

??? Seriously?
It's a very simple thing to do.
Get all 4 wheels off the ground on jacks stands, then remove the wheels. It makes it a lot
easier and faster.
Suck out as much of the fluid from the reservoir. Open one of the rear bleeder screws, well,
after you've connected the hose with the one way check valve, then open the front door.
The motor will come on and pressurize the brakes, after about 5 seconds close the valve.
Check the reservoir, fill as needed. Repeat, this time just touch the brake pedal until it starts
pumping brake fluid. Reapeat until the fliud is clear. Close the valve, repeat on the other side.
Do not let the reservoir go dry!
For the fronts, you just do them manual like any other car.

Shouldn't take any long than a hour for the complete job.

 

Yes, but why do it on the same day you’ve dealt with a four-corner brake job; pace yourself?

 

In theory, yeah. Just did mine - lug nuts were way over-torqued from tire shop (had to hop on each lug to loosen) and then discovered two stripped bleeder bolts on my rear brakes. Good times.