Brake Fluid Replacement?
 

Hi guys, I know there's been some discussion about the brake fluid replacement. There's some discussion on priuschat about this too.

In Canada there's no interval stated for my 07 TCH. However, when you pull up the 3rd gen prius' they suggest brake fluid changes every 64,000 km. I asked the guys at the toyota parts/service desk today and they suggest the same interval on our TCHs.

Any reason why I should/shouldn't do a brake fluid replacement? I have the techstream software so bleeding shouldn't be an issue.

Thoughts?

http://www.toyota.ca/cgi-bin/WebObje...nguage=English

Re: Brake Fluid Replacement?
 

Go for it. As far as you have proper bleeding protocol and Techstream to do so.
Personally - I am at 113 000 MILES and brake fluid is crisp clear and brakes work great. Why bother then? Less I touch it...

Re: Brake Fluid Replacement?
 

Go for it. You have the equipment and if you have the knowledge, it will not be too bad.

Re: Brake Fluid Replacement?
 

Brake fluid adsorbs water with time. If you live in a humid environment, the fluid needs to be changed more often. It is a matter of time, not usage for the brake fluid. Once the water concentration gets too high, then the fluid risks boiling and the resultant steam in the lines makes the braking "soft" as the gas is compressible, and then it can be dangerous. It can be tested, but not by sight or smell.

My newest all electric car has the brake fluid change at 24 month intervals, and that is its ONLY scheduled maintenance whatsoever! Other cars often tie it to mileage just for convenience since nearly all other scheduled maintenance is mileage based.

Re: Brake Fluid Replacement?
 

Thanks guys. I'll probably do this in the near future. I found this video on youtube which outlines the procedure quite nicely for a prius c.

Re: Brake Fluid Replacement?
 

I had entire Techstream step by step posted here while back.

Re: Brake Fluid Replacement?
 

Yeah, I saw your post it seemed a bit daunting. This video made the job seem like something I can tackle. I'll have my toyota tech on call in case things go wrong. Planning on taking my winter tires off, and will do this procedure then (hopefully this weekend).

Re: Brake Fluid Replacement?
 

Of course. I had them posted for 07 TCH and Techstream. You want to follow ones for Prius and G-Scan - fine with me.

Re: Brake Fluid Replacement?
 

Job complete. Pretty straight forward. In all honesty I feel no difference between old and new fluid. Old fluid came out looking like motor oil, new fluid is clear. Hardest part of job was determining the level in the reservoir.