🔧 Front Brake Pads - Replacement

Your Prius uses a hybrid brake system, so the front pad job is a little different from a basic gas car. The key is to safely retract the caliper, install the new pads, and then verify pedal feel before driving.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-2.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Use jack stands anytime the vehicle is lifted. Never rely on a floor jack alone.
• Do not press the brake pedal with the caliper removed.
• Keep hands clear of the brake rotor edges; they can be sharp.
• Hybrid brakes can feel different after service. Pump the pedal before moving the vehicle.
• Battery disconnect is not required for this job.
• Work on one side at a time.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated for vehicle weight)
• Wheel chocks
• 21mm socket
• 14mm socket
• Ratchet
• Torque wrench
• Brake caliper compression tool (specialty)
• Bungee cord or caliper hanger
• Flat blade screwdriver
• Wire brush
• Brake cleaner
• Gloves
• Safety glasses
• Shop towels

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front brake pad set - Qty: 1
• Brake pad hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Brake grease - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground.
• Set the parking brake.
• Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• If the car has been driven, let the brakes cool first.
• Clean parts work better and last longer.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen the front wheel nuts

• Use a 21mm socket to loosen the front wheel nuts slightly while the vehicle is still on the ground.
• Do not remove them yet.

Step 2: Raise and support the vehicle

• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift the front of the vehicle at the proper jacking point.
• Place jack stands (rated for vehicle weight) under the front support points.
• Lower the vehicle onto the stands and confirm it is stable.

Step 3: Remove the wheel

• Use the 21mm socket to remove the wheel nuts.
• Remove the wheel and set it aside flat.

Step 4: Remove the caliper

• Use a 14mm socket to remove the caliper slide bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket carefully.
• Support the caliper with a bungee cord or caliper hanger. Do not let it hang by the brake hose.

Step 5: Remove the old pads and hardware

• Slide the old brake pads out of the bracket.
• Remove the pad clips and hardware.
• Use a wire brush to clean rust and dirt from the bracket contact points.
• Spray the area with brake cleaner and wipe it dry.

Step 6: Retract the caliper piston

• Use a brake caliper compression tool (specialty) to push the piston back into the caliper slowly and evenly.
• Watch the brake fluid reservoir while doing this so it does not overflow.
• Push slowly to avoid seal damage.

Step 7: Install new hardware and pads

• Install the new pad clips from the brake pad hardware kit.
• Apply a thin layer of brake grease to the pad ears and contact points.
• Install the new front brake pads into the bracket.

Step 8: Reinstall the caliper

• Lower the caliper over the new pads.
• Use the 14mm socket to reinstall the slide bolts.
• Torque to 34 Nm (25 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Reinstall the wheel

• Put the wheel back on and thread the lug nuts by hand first.
• Lower the vehicle slightly so the tire touches the ground.
• Use the 21mm socket to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Torque to 103 Nm (76 ft-lbs).

Step 10: Repeat on the other side

• Replace the pads on the other front wheel the same way.
• Always replace pads in pairs.

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✅ After Repair

• Press the brake pedal several times until it feels firm.
• Check brake fluid level.
• Start the vehicle and confirm there are no warning lights.
• Test brakes at very low speed first.
• For the first 200 miles, avoid hard stops unless needed.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$450 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $60-$140 (parts only)

You Save: $190-$310 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.0-1.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.