🔧 Front Brake Pads - Replacement

This job replaces the front brake pads and restores proper stopping performance. On your Prius C, the front brakes are standard hydraulic disc brakes, but you still need to work carefully around the hybrid system and brake hardware.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Park on a flat surface, shift to Park, and set the parking brake before lifting.
• Chock the rear wheels so the car cannot roll.
• Do not press the brake pedal with a caliper removed.
• Use jack stands; never rely on a floor jack alone.
• Keep fingers clear of the caliper and rotor edges. They can cut badly.
• No battery disconnect is required for this repair.
• If the brake pedal feels soft after reassembly, stop and recheck the job before driving.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• 21mm socket
• 14mm socket
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• C-clamp
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Bungee cord or caliper hanger
• Wire brush
• Brake cleaner
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves

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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 cleaner - Qty: 1 can

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📋 Before You Begin

• Work on one side at a time so the other side can guide reassembly.
• Use the parking brake and wheel chocks before lifting.
• Have the new pads, hardware, and tools laid out before you start.
• Brake cleaner dries fast.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen the front wheel lug nuts

• Use a 21mm socket and breaker bar to break the lug nuts loose 1/4 turn while the tire is still on the ground.
• Do not remove them yet.

Step 2: Lift and secure the vehicle

• Use the floor jack to lift the front of the car at the proper jacking point.
• Set the car securely on jack stands.
• Remove the wheel with the 21mm socket.

Step 3: Remove the caliper

• Use a 14mm socket to remove the caliper slide bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket carefully.
• Hang the caliper with a bungee cord or caliper hanger so the hose is not stretched.

Step 4: Remove the old brake pads

• Slide the old pads out of the bracket.
• Remove the pad clips and hardware if they are worn or rusty.
• Use a flat-blade screwdriver if the pads are stuck.

Step 5: Inspect and clean the bracket

• Use a wire brush to clean rust from the pad lands and clip areas.
• Spray the area with brake cleaner and let it dry.
• Install the new pad hardware from the kit.

Step 6: Retract the caliper piston

• Use a C-clamp to slowly push the caliper piston back into the bore.
• Watch the brake fluid reservoir under the hood so it does not overflow.
• Push the piston in slowly and evenly.

Step 7: Install the new pads

• Place the new pads into the cleaned bracket.
• Make sure the wear indicators are positioned the same way as the originals.
• The pads should slide smoothly without force.

Step 8: Reinstall the caliper

• Lower the caliper over the new pads.
• Use a 14mm socket to install the slide bolts.
• Torque to 33 Nm (24 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Reinstall the wheel

• Put the wheel back on and start the lug nuts by hand.
• Lower the vehicle enough so the tire just touches the ground.
• Use a 21mm socket to snug 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 opposite front wheel the same way.
• Always replace front pads in pairs.

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✅ After Repair

• Press the brake pedal slowly several times until it feels firm.
• Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir.
• Start the car and verify the brake warning lights stay off.
• Test the brakes at very low speed in a safe area first.
• Break in the new pads with several gentle stops, not hard braking.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $220-$420 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $160-$280 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.0 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.