This is more of an FYI, and maybe not super helpful since I didn't take any photos. My '22 with about 30K miles started making some nasty screeching noises about a month ago when the parking brake engaged. Similar to this RAV4:


I was about to take it to the dealer since I'm still under warranty. It sounded like it could cause some damage over time. However, as mentioned on the video description, cleaning and lubricating the contacts between the brake pads and caliper/piston seems to be the fix. I also removed the motor assembly and sprayed some silicone lubricant around the fitting between the motor unit and caliper in case something down there was making the noise.

Anyways, not an incredibly hard DIY. And any opportunity to save a trip to the dealer is a win in my book. Only one side (rear driver) was making the noise but with as much salt and snow we dealt with last winter here in Utah, I wouldn't be surprised if the other side starts making noise soon.

 

My 2020 ES300h makes that identical noise. Last year I started noticing it and didn't know if it had done that from the start. When I carried car in for software update everyone there said it was normal and there cars do it also. Can others here confirm whether there car is quite or makes the same noise.

 

Very interesting! I have that same noise, and I always thought it was the fake electrical sound of the hybrid shutting off abruptly.

 

Nothing to worry about.

 

If the noise is like this
and lubricating does not work
change the brake caliper.

 

Yeah, the noises came back a few months after lubricating. I just got used to it after a while. I just refer to it as a feature that reminds the driver or bystanders of the ocean. Or "Flipper" for those old enough to remember that show.

 

What part of the country are you in?
Is it exposed to road salt/snow?

 

I'm in Utah. So yes, plenty of salt and snow.

 

In this case you need to put some grease inside the piston, where the shaft rotates.

 

I'll give that a try.