Clicking or ticking while slow braking and turning

[mobil13]

I have a 2004 Prius with 55K miles that I've put on since I purchased new in December 2003. Over the last month or so, the front brakes exhibit a "fast clicking" noise when I'm going 15 MPH or slower while braking AND turning.

If I don't turn the steering wheel, the vehicle is fine (and no noise occurs). However, when I turn the wheel while slowing to a stop under 15 MPH, the "fast clicking" or ticking occurs (the click frequency will slow down as the speed rotation of the wheel slows). It sounds almost like part of the ABS unit is clicking.

I've checked the brake pads (all fine) and the brake rotor dust shields (they are not touching the brake rotors). Has anyone else experienced this? And anyone know of the solution to fix it?

While it doesn't sound like somethings actually getting damaged, I am worried as it was not exhibiting this trait over the 2+ years that I've had the car.

Any thoughts would be appreciated - thanks!

[galaxee]

could be a CV joint... (or really unlikely, a wheel bearing) when you take it in to the shop you need to duplicate the noise, but if it's doing it all the time it shouldn't be a problem. make sure the tech hears it.

good luck, man- sorry this had to be your first post in over 2 years of membership

[p626808]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mobil13 @ May 8 2006, 08:47 PM) [snapback]251836[/snapback]</div>

I have a 2004 Prius with 55K miles that I've put on since I purchased new in December 2003. Over the last month or so, the front brakes exhibit a "fast clicking" noise when I'm going 15 MPH or slower while braking AND turning.

If I don't turn the steering wheel, the vehicle is fine (and no noise occurs). However, when I turn the wheel while slowing to a stop under 15 MPH, the "fast clicking" or ticking occurs (the click frequency will slow down as the speed rotation of the wheel slows). It sounds almost like part of the ABS unit is clicking.

I've checked the brake pads (all fine) and the brake rotor dust shields (they are not touching the brake rotors). Has anyone else experienced this? And anyone know of the solution to fix it?

While it doesn't sound like somethings actually getting damaged, I am worried as it was not exhibiting this trait over the 2+ years that I've had the car.

Any thoughts would be appreciated - thanks!
[/b]

Did you check the tire tread for anything?..
Had a screw in mine that sounded the same as you are descibing..

Scott

[jsorger]

Ever figure this out? I just noticed a similar noise (5 years old, 115k miles).
No visible nail or bolt in tire...

[Patrick Wong]

As Galaxee mentioned above, a bad CV joint in an axleshaft is the most likely reason for a clicking sound, especially when you are turning the vehicle. If the noise is consistent then it should be easy for your tech to diagnose and repair.

[jsorger]

Thanks, Patrick and Galaxee... Took it to the Toyota dealer (Magnusson's in Palo Alto,CA) today to have the tires rotated and asked the guy to inspect the CV boots, describing the problem. All 4 looked fine and there is no 'obvious' bearing problem. I don't know how one could tell a bearing problem by simply looking...

I was hoping that the tire rotation would resolve something. Noise is still there, though, and more reproducible. Drove it around alot tonight and it's not necessarily linked to braking. I have to be going slow (<15mph) and turning, only to the right and up or down a steep-ish hill (I live in the hills).

The service guy said that a Prius tech has to do a formal diagnosis, which costs $70.

May have to bite the bullet on this one. But $70 sounds steep to tell me that I have a $300 problem...

[Patrick Wong]

Originally Posted by jsorger

...The service guy said that a Prius tech has to do a formal diagnosis, which costs $70.

May have to bite the bullet on this one. But $70 sounds steep to tell me that I have a $300 problem...

The CV rubber boots may be fine, but the joints within may be worn out and causing the click noise. If you can jack up the front of the car, one corner at a time, then you can rotate one tire back and forth while the other tire is resting on the ground, and see if you can tell where the play and noise is coming from.

Usually the $70 will be applied to the cost of the repair if you agree to have the repair performed. My guess is that the repair cost will be more like $600 to have one axleshaft replaced.

[jsorger]

Thanks again, Patrick.

Yeah, one of the axles is shot. After 115k miles with no problems on the car, a CV joint failure is OK I guess. I have heard of them lasting 80k-150k on many other newer vehicles.

Dealer wanted $800 for something like this- it's going elsewhere (for $300).

[N3FOL]

Originally Posted by mobil13

I have a 2004 Prius with 55K miles that I've put on since I purchased new in December 2003. Over the last month or so, the front brakes exhibit a "fast clicking" noise when I'm going 15 MPH or slower while braking AND turning.

If I don't turn the steering wheel, the vehicle is fine (and no noise occurs). However, when I turn the wheel while slowing to a stop under 15 MPH, the "fast clicking" or ticking occurs (the click frequency will slow down as the speed rotation of the wheel slows). It sounds almost like part of the ABS unit is clicking.

I've checked the brake pads (all fine) and the brake rotor dust shields (they are not touching the brake rotors). Has anyone else experienced this? And anyone know of the solution to fix it?

While it doesn't sound like somethings actually getting damaged, I am worried as it was not exhibiting this trait over the 2+ years that I've had the car.

Any thoughts would be appreciated - thanks!

It could be a lot of possible things that is bad. The best way is to take a look underneathe and/or hold your front tire at the 12 and 6 o'clock and try to wiggle it...9 and 3 o'clock and try to move it...if there is some play....could be tie rod. CV boot can be easy to see...balljoint joint perhaps? It could be as minor as a rubbing issue...rubber panels loose?

If you are not comfortable going under your jacked up car, I recommend taking it to a professional mechanic. Good Luck.

[lefat1]

just replaced cv joint on right side of my camry, same noise, $180 complete job at tires+