New, 2005 owner. (no questions, so far)

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Danny3xd, Dec 15, 2015.

Page 3 of 4
  1. Andyprius1

    Andyprius1 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2013
    2,327
    859
    1
    Location:
    Cool CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    There used to be all sorts of posts on the brakes on Gen II. WHAT HAPPENED?
     
    #41 Andyprius1, Feb 21, 2017
    Danny3xd likes this.
  2. Danny3xd

    Danny3xd Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 13, 2015
    238
    149
    0
    Location:
    CT. U.S.
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    II
    do not know, Andy. Takes some digging to find much on gen II rear drums. A good deal on how to make em into disks. But as far as I know, these shoes are original after (now) 260,000 miles. I'm not gonna argue or upgrade that bit of incredible success.

    It is out there and here but certainly not prevalent.

    I find this comforting. But almost everything you Google about Gen II's, the first couple of suggested links are to priuschat.com

    Man! That thing is awesome. Really made the old girl look like new. Well worth the $ and I highly recommend it or any like it.
     
    #42 Danny3xd, Feb 21, 2017
    Andyprius1 likes this.
  3. Andyprius1

    Andyprius1 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2013
    2,327
    859
    1
    Location:
    Cool CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    Normally, when it's tight, you just have to push the shoes in more into the piston. Could be they need some cleaning and lube at the mechanical portions. Home Depot has a good product called blaster, a penetrating lubricant. Iv done them on other cars, but none of my Prii.
     
    #43 Andyprius1, Feb 21, 2017
    Danny3xd likes this.
  4. Danny3xd

    Danny3xd Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 13, 2015
    238
    149
    0
    Location:
    CT. U.S.
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Awesome, Andy. Gonna try that, TY. Think I was tired and a lil intimidated given the horror stories of failed attempts at DIY'ing.

    A buddy just called who is an actual mechanic and said he would give me a hand. He just did the rear brakes on his son's 2007 and he said it was an easy job. So fingers crossed and looking forward to winning. ( I got really POed and frustrated)

    Seriously, it's drum brakes. Not supposed to be that hard. I say shaking my head at myself.

    A buddy of mine helped me with the (now saga) rear brake shoes. We did nothing different and started with the side I tried to get the shoes on. Not a bit of trouble. The drum slipped on like nothing and just as preaty as you please. Get to the untouched side and same problem. Drum will not go over new shoes. Before I could stop hime, he quick bled the line! LoL. I am thinking "all good. I have AAA for the flat-bed tow to the dealer and have a virgin credit card for the repairs...

    Mess with it for awhile and great joy! Drum slides on. So I hop in to see what Christmas tree my dash board is going to resemble. The only new light to turn on is the "READY" light. It has not been illuminated since day one. And now it is on. (was gonna ask you fine folks when I gothome this morning, what it meant. But looked it up this morning)

    Drive the car aroundtheparking lot a ewtimesandeverything is fine. Infact, it is braking smoother! (I sandedthe drums/de-ridged) Aside from the worrisome "ready" light, all seems well.

    I Uber/Lyft for 12 hrs and the thing gets better MPG!!!!

    I am no wrench but we some how swapped the brake shoes, bled the brakes ad fixed a preexisting problem that Istill have no clue about! LOL

    Just to dang funny. All with out the dealer and Das Super Computer.

    Oh Andy! You were right and pushing em together helped big time. Thanks again!
     
    #44 Danny3xd, Feb 21, 2017
  5. Danny3xd

    Danny3xd Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 13, 2015
    238
    149
    0
    Location:
    CT. U.S.
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Still getting better and great MPG after brake job. Really do not know.

    Was odd. All along I have been getting btter MPG on the hw than city.

    Even my car is eccentric.
     
    #45 Danny3xd, Mar 6, 2017
  6. Andyprius1

    Andyprius1 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2013
    2,327
    859
    1
    Location:
    Cool CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    Watch your pedal level, that it remains high and brakes not spongy, keep brake reservoir full. Bleeding brakes on a Prius is not recommended because it requires a special machine that only the dealer has. Maybe you got lucky.
     
    #46 Andyprius1, Mar 24, 2017
  7. Danny3xd

    Danny3xd Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 13, 2015
    238
    149
    0
    Location:
    CT. U.S.
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Yes Sir-ie buddy. Still have smoother braking, better MPG and proper dash lights. (the ready light now lights)

    do not know but all's well and even better than pre-brake job.
     
    #47 Danny3xd, Mar 24, 2017
  8. Montgomery

    Montgomery Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2015
    2,254
    2,241
    2
    Location:
    Orange County, CA
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Don't forget that the brake job includes lubing the long bolts that allow the caliber to move. If the caliber loses its ability to move, it can affect gas mileage.
     
    #48 Montgomery, Mar 24, 2017
    Andyprius1 and Danny3xd like this.
  9. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 14, 2012
    8,021
    4,061
    0
    Location:
    Wellington, New Zealand
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Not true, there is no "special machine". What you are thinking of is the dealer diagnostic software called Techstream. This has a procedures section for doing such things as bleeding the brakes.

    Brakes can be serviced without Techstream, as long as you follow all the precautionary safety procedures, one of which is removing the 12 V supply to the car before starting.

    There are many posts on how to do it without Techstream.
     
    #49 dolj, Mar 24, 2017
    Andyprius1 likes this.
  10. Danny3xd

    Danny3xd Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 13, 2015
    238
    149
    0
    Location:
    CT. U.S.
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I am honestly beginning to wonder.

    I have not changed the aluminum washer in the last 3 oil changes,or disconnected the battery doing the rear brake job.

    And when I did the brake job, there was lots of meat left even though the super computer said it was necessary. And just how does a washer go bad?

    Not in anyway advice but I am gonna start or continue to follow wrench rules and avoid dealership advices.
     
    #50 Danny3xd, Apr 14, 2017
    Andyprius1 likes this.
  11. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 14, 2012
    8,021
    4,061
    0
    Location:
    Wellington, New Zealand
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    It is a crush washer that is designed to flatten when tightened to the correct torque. You can probably reuse it several times, but eventually when it is crushed flat it looses its ability to seal. Just replace it when you think you need to, but at $1.00 each, its not going to break the bank to replace it every time.
     
    #51 dolj, Apr 15, 2017
    Montgomery, Danny3xd and valde3 like this.
  12. Andyprius1

    Andyprius1 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2013
    2,327
    859
    1
    Location:
    Cool CA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    AGree with, I never changed washer on my 2005.
     
    #52 Andyprius1, Apr 15, 2017
    Danny3xd likes this.
  13. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 14, 2012
    8,021
    4,061
    0
    Location:
    Wellington, New Zealand
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Out of interest, what super computer? And what did it say that lead you to believe the brake pads needed replacing?
     
    #53 dolj, Apr 15, 2017
  14. Danny3xd

    Danny3xd Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 13, 2015
    238
    149
    0
    Location:
    CT. U.S.
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    II
    It was a printout at a dealership. The diagram with the drivetrain flagged the rear brakes as having less than a MM of meat on the shoes. I didn't measure and one spot on them was close to that by eye. I requested a sort of safety check. If I can find it, I'll will post a picture. But there and consistently with auto parts places with readers, the ABS read as needing maint.




    Really good point. I only tried to buy one, once and that store would only sell me it with plug/bolt. So a grand 2$ some thing but ya still make a valid point. Can you suggest where you can buy just the washer?
     
    #54 Danny3xd, Apr 16, 2017
  15. Danny3xd

    Danny3xd Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 13, 2015
    238
    149
    0
    Location:
    CT. U.S.
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Honestly, Andy an' I do not know. But never had a car that it was recommended replacing the plug washer. Aside from being a closeted tree hugger, bunny lover, seems wasteful.

    I in no way mean any disrespect to anyone doing it as suggested. And for Goods sake! you no do wut I does do. But I hand tighten until it's as tight as finger tight can be. Then I crank it probably until it's not to close to stripping threads.

    Just what I do and I hope no one thinks of this as advice. I greatly value the advice and information you folks have so kindly taken the time to offer.
     
    #55 Danny3xd, Apr 16, 2017
  16. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 14, 2012
    8,021
    4,061
    0
    Location:
    Wellington, New Zealand
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Toyota parts counter. They sell it to me together with the filter. It is part no 90430-12031. Or, for a bit cheaper you can buy 20 for $15.50 from Daytona Toyota on Amazing Marketplace. I saw another ad with the same for $12.00 for 20.
     
    #56 dolj, Apr 16, 2017
    Last edited: Apr 16, 2017
    Danny3xd likes this.
  17. Danny3xd

    Danny3xd Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 13, 2015
    238
    149
    0
    Location:
    CT. U.S.
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Thanks Dolj. Very cool.
     
    #57 Danny3xd, Apr 16, 2017
  18. Montgomery

    Montgomery Senior Member

    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2015
    2,254
    2,241
    2
    Location:
    Orange County, CA
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    There are special drain plug adaptors that one can buy where you litterally just flip open the plug and re-plug it.
    [​IMG]
     
    #58 Montgomery, Apr 16, 2017
    Danny3xd likes this.
  19. Danny3xd

    Danny3xd Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 13, 2015
    238
    149
    0
    Location:
    CT. U.S.
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    II
    That is purty cool, Montgomery! Thanks for posting

    Har! Sadly, I thought of smuggling opportunities and my younger years.

    wut? snork

    -----------------------------------------


    Sort of related. My partner and best Bud Carol asked if I would change her oil or if I had time to take her PT Cruiser for an oil change. I said it would be fun if she and I did it together so she could do it next time.. She is great at stuff like turning wrenches and/or tech stuff. She got all excited. She was raised in a conservative, traditional kind of home and girl folk don't really do things like oil changes.

    But was a blast! And she did awesome. (I knew she would)

    When we got done, she asked or mentioned "that's it?" More to herself.

    It was just a really fun 20 minutes with my best Bud.
     
    #59 Danny3xd, Apr 16, 2017
  20. TerryM

    TerryM Member

    Joined:
    May 31, 2016
    46
    43
    0
    Location:
    West Central Illinois
    Vehicle:
    2021 Prius Prime
    Model:
    XLE
    Don't have paperwork in front of me, but when I got my oil filter from the parts counter they offered buy 3 get one free. He threw the washers in for free. Total was under $15. Works out to under $3.75 after tax for OEM filter and washer. Great deal in my book.
     
    #60 TerryM, Apr 23, 2017
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)
Page 3 of 4