2004 Toyota Prius: solving creaky front brakes

[MetroMPG]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oshrDcLzvms

(^ My 2004 Prius - since sold)

Friction braking issue: The amount of creaking is proportional to how hard I press the brake pedal.

I disassembled the brakes and found that there was a layer of corrosion on the anti-rattle / anti-squeal shims:





(For illustration only: I recall my 2004 had only 1 shim per pad, not 2 as shown.)

I used a grinder with a wire wheel to clean the shims to bare metal, greased both sides liberally and re-installed.

After reassembly, NO MORE CREAKING. My guess is the creaking noise was the sound of the corrosion compacting.

[mattrod]

Cleaning the shims and applying grease can help solve the creaking noise sometimes.

[TexasCotton]

FYI and For What its Worth

The Gen2 Prius uses a specific OEM Toyota Brake Lube/Grease for the front brakes..

The Permatex 24110 Ultra Disc Brake Lube (green color) will create issues on Gen2 front brakes ...just my personal experience