'07 PriusScraping/Spinning noisefrom dash area

[dublinerma]

I bought a new '07Prius four months ago. Over the past 6 weeks I notice a reoccurring "spinning"scraping noise coming from the area of the dashboard. It mostly reoccurs when slowing to a stop, or accelerating out of a stop. It happens with the a/c on, or off. It happens only at speeds below 30 mph (but usually sub 10 mph.) I took it to the dealer, we went out for a ride and sure enough they could hear the irritating noise occurring. The checked it out for about an hour, but could find nothing "wrong", could not explain why it occurs, and basically gave me a "live with it" line. They don't know if it's normal, abnormal, could offer no explanation. Can anyone shed any light on this problem? Thanks

[rsrobn]

Hi MAPrius,

What your describing may be the brake booster pump.
See if the sound happens when you pump the brakes (you should hear it approximately every 4th pump).

My 07 was very quiet when I first got it. After 500-600 miles it got louder (which doesn't seem to be a problem).

Rob.

[Bill Merchant]

Welcome to PriusChat, MA Prius. Another thing that happens at low speed and is brake related is the mechanical brakes actually engage. Regenerative braking slows you to about 7 mph and then the physical brakes take over. There are lots of reports of shuddering and brake noise that goes away. Since the front disk brakes do so little work, it's not unusual for them to rust. When you scrape the rust off you get noise and vibration, particularly noticeable with open windows.

You can take your new Prius to any Toyota dealer for warranty work like this. Maybe a different dealer will have smarter techs.

[richard schumacher]

Has it been a lot rainier there recently? To test the rusty brakes theory you might try braking harder than you usually do a few consecutive times and see whether the noise changes.

[farrellcsun]

Hi everyone. I know this post is late, but I just found this thread. Not sure what the cause is, but I also hear this EXACT noise and just noticed it recently at 7,900 miles. I have an 07 Prius as well. I thought it was the CD changer spinning or something (but the stereo was turned off). It's not the same "whirring" sound you usually hear from the brakes, and yes i only hear it when coming to a stop or just stopped.

Anyways, i'll keep an eye on this thread in case anyone comes up with anything. Thanks! -Farrell

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(MA Prius @ Jul 11 2007, 10:59 AM) [snapback]476851[/snapback]</div>

I bought a new '07Prius four months ago. Over the past 6 weeks I notice a reoccurring "spinning"scraping noise coming from the area of the dashboard. It mostly reoccurs when slowing to a stop, or accelerating out of a stop. It happens with the a/c on, or off. It happens only at speeds below 30 mph (but usually sub 10 mph.) I took it to the dealer, we went out for a ride and sure enough they could hear the irritating noise occurring. The checked it out for about an hour, but could find nothing "wrong", could not explain why it occurs, and basically gave me a "live with it" line. They don't know if it's normal, abnormal, could offer no explanation. Can anyone shed any light on this problem? Thanks
[/b]

[freddyfoxx]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(MA Prius @ Jul 11 2007, 10:59 AM) [snapback]476851[/snapback]</div>

I bought a new '07Prius four months ago. Over the past 6 weeks I notice a reoccurring "spinning"scraping noise coming from the area of the dashboard. It mostly reoccurs when slowing to a stop, or accelerating out of a stop. It happens with the a/c on, or off. It happens only at speeds below 30 mph (but usually sub 10 mph.) I took it to the dealer, we went out for a ride and sure enough they could hear the irritating noise occurring. The checked it out for about an hour, but could find nothing "wrong", could not explain why it occurs, and basically gave me a "live with it" line. They don't know if it's normal, abnormal, could offer no explanation. Can anyone shed any light on this problem? Thanks
[/b]

I have the same noise. It's like a door creaking/opening noise (like in a horror movie). Mine only happens when the AC is on (fresh air or recirculate mode). I can only hear it when car is stopped or very low speed. Mine started at 3K miles and I have 3600 miles. I plan to take it into dealership for oil change and have them check it out. i am afraid that they will give me "live with it" comment as well.