Brake Fluid Change - Vacuum vs Invalid Mode

Discussion in 'Prius v Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by piefa0, Dec 31, 2024 at 12:21 PM.

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  1. piefa0

    piefa0 Junior Member

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    I'm looking to change the brake fluid on a 2015 Prius (61,500 miles). The car was purchased last year and, as far as I can tell, has not had the brake fluid changed.

    Researching YouTube University I found two methods.

    1. NutzaboutBolts 2 person (invalid mode)



    2. The Car Care Nut via a Vacuum Pump with 12v battery disconnected.



    Plenty of comments here exist on #1 NutsAboutBolts but not #2 on the Vacuum pump method.

    Has anyone used method #2 and if so, what were the results and lessons learned?

    Many Thanks!
     
    #1 piefa0, Dec 31, 2024 at 12:21 PM
  2. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Should be able to get away with either, as long as you're really just doing fluid replacement, there is no air in the system now, and you make absolutely sure never to take your eyes off the reservoir and let it low enough to slurp any air in.

    It can be prudent to at least have a scan tool on hand that is able to kick off the actuator bleed sequence, just in case a mistake happens and any air gets in.
     
    #2 ChapmanF, Dec 31, 2024 at 12:39 PM
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Witness Leader

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    I've used invalid mode, without vaccum assist, and otherwise followed the nuts about bolts video, apart from the order: repair manual says to "start with right/front, and go around counterclockwise". I'm paraphrasing, it takes them four verbose paragraphs to say that, but that's the gist. More info in a link in my signature (on a phone turn it landscape to see signatures).
     
    #3 Mendel Leisk, Dec 31, 2024 at 2:17 PM
  4. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Third method, like the vacuum method, except the brake reservoir is pressurized. Often with a reservoir attached with fresh brake fluid, ensuring that the reservoir doesn't run out of fluid.

    SM-G781V ?
     
    #4 xliderider, Dec 31, 2024 at 2:59 PM
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