lost front brakes completely

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(The Annoying One @ Nov 8 2007, 04:57 PM) [snapback]536899[/snapback]</div>

Boy I'm glad I didn't ask any advice of you or Godiva.

Yikes!

 

that is some story!
piston popping out!
yikes...


BTW, does anyone have a picture of how prius braking system components look like?

i am interested in how brake pedal connects to master cylinder, is it mechanical connection?
what is the failsafe mechanism that keeps your brake system operational in case fly by wire breaking system goes south?

or, is the fly by wire all we got -- no mechanical backup?

 

No, it's mechanically backed up with a more or less normal hydraulic braking system. Yes, you can still stop if all electronics or batteries die. All cars are like this, AFAIK.

 

It's not really by-wire as I understand. Its mechanical with an electronic assist. I know its probably much more complicated than that, but thats the basic take-away as I understand it. Same goes for steering. I believe only the throttle is truly by-wire.

BTW, was a little disappointed by peoples attitudes on this post. I can understand the strong encouragement to have the system bled by the dealer, but I fail to see how devolving into name calling helps the situation any.

Glad you got things sorted out statultra. I'm guessing most of us who work on our own vehicles have found ourselves in similarly embarrassing situations. When I was 17 I had a bum caliper on my car (20 y/o 1973 Saab Sonett III), and was all proud of myself that I figured out how to replace it myself and bleed the system. It was my first real car project, as my dad was not a car guy per sea. Of course I had forgotten to torque the bolts, and about 500 miles later it ripped itself clean off. On the other hand I've had mechanics and dealers screw things up before too.

Rob

 

thanks,

i was hoping that this is the case.
someone mentioned that prius braking system is totaly fly by wire with electrical/electronic backup. that sounds too unreliable to me.

 

thanks for the feedback on brake system.
that makes sense.

and, yes, name calling is totally unnecessary and not very cool.
we all had some screw-up’s, didn't we?

my most costly screw up was that i put wrong oil in a Rolce Royce braking and hydraulic leveling system. old RR used brake fluid, new RR used mineral oil and those 2 do not mix together.

so, I learned that when you put mineral oil in old brake-fluid only system all of the seals in hydraulic system swell and brakes begin to drag and wheels may begin to smoke a bit.

it only took $ 5k to learn that one.
luckily insurance company paid for it.

 

Wow, a 2 stroke Saab. I love 2 strokes. Seriously, all I had was 2 stroke motorcycles. I have only seen pictures of the Sonnett. Must have been a cool car for a 17 yr old.

 

I have attached a photo from the shop manual. You will not various solenoid valves that can close, depending on the situation

There are various Failure Modes that close solenoid valves and allow the front disk brakes to work. There is also backup power for the brake assist if needed

In a previous post to this thread, I attached the official Toyota brake bleeding procedure. I will caution - again - that a DIY cannot properly or safely bleed the Prius brakes. You need the dealership diagnostic computer or scantool to do this procedure