Hello: I have to replace my passenger front brake caliper due to it hanging up. I have no problem doing the job, but is bleeding out the air in the new caliper the same as in a regular car, just pump it, release the bleed screw, repeat? or is it different on the gen 1 prius? Thank you, Scott
1) Make sure you do not allow air to get into the system upstream from the brake wheel cylinder, as it may be difficult to get air out of the brake actuator assembly. 2) Disconnect the 12V battery negative cable before you start work. This ensures that the skid control ECU does not decide to power up the actuator pump, sending hydraulic fluid to the caliper when you do not intend that to happen. 3) Follow your normal process to replace the caliper. After you have replaced the caliper, then reconnect the 12V battery. 4) Make the Prius IG-ON so the dashboard warning lights appear. 5) Have a helper very gently depress the brake pedal slightly (no need to pump the pedal) as you open the bleed screw with a vinyl tube leading to a glass jar or other suitable fluid container. You will find that a very steady stream of brake fluid will come out. Then close the bleed screw and have the helper release the pedal. 6) Make sure you keep the brake fluid reservoir full as you are bleeding brake fluid, so that you do not allow air to enter the system (see #1 above).
DOT 3 brake fluid is needed. Yes, there is no need to make the Prius READY unless you want the engine to run and create CO for you to breathe in as you are working on the car. Of course, the 12V battery is under heavy load when the Prius is IG-ON, so time is of the essence when you are bleeding the brake lines.
Did the job as you specified, that is slick, very easy, I love the brake pump. wheel no longer sticks. can move it freely after releasing pedal.
