Brake pad replacement at 10,000 miles?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(naterprius @ Oct 3 2006, 04:26 PM) [snapback]327505[/snapback]</div>

Gosh, you guys in Colorado must really have an odd deal. The standard Toyota warranty is 36/36,000 months/miles. The "Prius Owner's Warranty Information" booklet (blue cover) that came with my car shows the various basic/powertrain/hybrid coverage periods. None seem to be 12/12000.

However, on page 11 (2006 booklet), the items excluded are covered. They include "brake pads/linings".

Now I agree that any decent dealer would not hassle you over a defect in the car that caused the brake pads to wear out so early and with the Prius this is probably the only way that could happen. However, if pads vs. linings was mixed up by either the service writer or thread originator, you can fry your rear linings very quickly by driving even a short distance with the emergency brake left on. We had a thread about that not too long ago.

I expect that the Prius would be relatively forgiving to a two-footed driver who kept the brakes applied with their left foot while driving with the right. Would only regeneration be happening above 8 mph or so? I don't know. I do know that a neighbor with Detroit iron did have to pay for her brakes after a short few thousand miles because that was the way she drove.

That is why I think the key here to having the brake pads or linings covered would be finding a fault that caused it to happen. If the dealer just replaces the linings (with or without a charge), I expect it will happen again in 10K miles.

- Tom

 

If the front brake pads wore down with that low miliage, check for rubbing and check the condition of the rotors for pitting or rust (which could cause premature wear on pads...dealer should have mentioned if rotors were an issue). Rust buildup happens on the braking surfaces if the car sits for a long period of time.

 

I changed the front brake pads at 150,000 miles. They had 90% remaining but i'd bought the new pads so i changed them.

 

We're at 52,000 miles & got the loud screeching sound - sensors? Can the Prius brake pads be serviced by a regular brake shop? Do computers need to be hooked up to the Prius to "talk"? (I was told that by one shop.) Thanks for any advice!

 

It's possible to replace the pads if you know what you're doing, but anything that requires bleeding the brakes requires the Toyota scan tool.

 

Hi Blu-too,

Double check its not a stone between the brake pad and the rotor. It does happen. In which case, you may only need a screwdriver to pry the stone out.

 

As a good safety habit, one should always set the emergency brake. Agree with others, sounds like a scam.

 

Thanks alanh, the brake shop guy probably was thinking about bleeding the brakes and not simply changing the pads. The estimate was close to $300!

 

Hey donee, when I looked at the rotor, from what I could see, the surface appeared smooth and it seemed like the space between the pad/caliper? was small. Will have to look for any stones as you suggested. Toyota dealer quoted $260 to do brake pads & rotors. Thanks for the help!

 

I just took my 2005 to the dealer for rear brake drums/shoes. Total bill was $467, but that's not bad at 145k miles, I guess. Front pads have plenty of wear left....hopefully until 250k on the front pads.

 

Well, I just ran an estimate through repairpal.com and it came up with a range of $364 - $497 for drum & shoe replacement in San Diego.

 

I have a chance to buy a 2005 Prius in pristine shape but it has 71000 on it with the origional brakes. There have been no brake problems with the car. Should I be concerned about the mileage on the brakes?

 

Probably not. The worst thing is you might have to replace the pads soon, but unless the previous owner was a maniac they could easily last another 50,000 miles.

Avoid potential grief. Pay a Prius technician to thoroughly inspect the car before you buy it.

 

Find a new dealer........

 

i paid 350 for front pads/rotor turning on my 02 at 137K miles, original pads