Creaking sound from rear suspension on 06

[Sarge]

Hey guys,

Wondering if anyone else has experienced this or may have an idea for a solution... I've already asked the dealership on two occasions (before warranty expired) to investigate and they "don't hear anything".

Anyway, I am getting this irritating creaking sound coming from the rear of the car, for about a year now. It started as a small creak when the car was rocked, such as when you put the shifter in Park on an incline and release the brake. It has gradually grown more consistent, often simply sitting in the car makes a creak, or driving low speed with a window open. Driving in a parking garage is much worse, with the echo.

Of course, it's particularly irritating (embarrassing) with a hybrid, since that is all you hear when rolling at low speed!

The car currently has 95K KM (~60K miles), but this has been ongoing since about 50K KM. Suspension otherwise seems fine, it's just an irritating noise that sounds like some joint needs lubrication.

I plan to have a different dealer/garage have a look at it next time I get my oil changed, which will be very soon....

Has anyone else experienced this or have any suggestions?

[clayton4115]

lol i too am getting this sound, clunking sound, but on my front left wheel when i go over big bumps, i dont have a prius though, a petrol honda civic sedan

[edthefox5]

This is simple. Does it make noise when you push up & down on the back of the car?

If yes: Bad shocks.

If no:

Is it making noise when you cruise through the garage?

If yes: Its not the suspension. Suspension does not make noise going down the road unless its being used as in turns bumps etc OR unless its really really corroded under there and the slightest movement makes it creak. Whats it look like under there? I think its the drum brakes. BTW, I believe the drums use the standard tensioners found in most cars. They are adjusted & tension by backing up and applying the brakes.

There's not much going on back there. 2 shocks...brakes... 2 hubs spinning.

BTW, this car requires the hold down springs replaced in the drums when the rear shoes are replaced as over time they heat up and lose tension and then a shoe starts dragging which I suspect is whats happening. If able jack up rear of the car and spin a rear wheel by hand with the brake off. See what it sounds like. Also with the wheel still on & off the ground shove a long 2x4 board under the bottom of the wheel there and pry up & down using a block like a seesaw on the wheel quickly actuating the suspension. Up & down real quick. You'll find it.

Is someone who drives this car a 2 footed driver? Always riding the brake?
You might just need a brake job all around. How do the front pads look?

BTW, I periodically get under the whole car and spray down the entire suspension and all moving parts with spray grease. Not crazy just moving parts. Everywhere there's a joint or seal or a moving part. Except by the front brake pad area. I also spray silicon on the CV joint rubber boots too. Lose a boot and you lose a CV joint. It really helps cut down on corrosion under there. A greasy part will protect against water/rust. Plus you get a look at the bottom of the car. Look carefully for any leaks or corrosion.Or damaged /bent metal up front near skid plate.

Cause Wife drives it sometimes too........Don't ask.

[edthefox5]

Oh I forgot. Parking brake alignment spec's:

2001-2003-------5 to 8 clicks to engage
2004-and later---6 to 9 clicks to engage

Check that because if the parking brake is mis-adjusted it might cause a shoe to drag when released.

[sdtundra]

I have this creaking noise also. Mine is a 2008, with 6200 miles. Everytime i park in my driveway and get out i hear it, and everytime i get back in i hear it. It seems to only do it when on an angle.

[Patrick Wong]

Originally Posted by sdtundra

... Everytime i park in my driveway and get out i hear it, and everytime i get back in i hear it. It seems to only do it when on an angle.

In this particular case, my guess is that the parking brake is causing the noise. Try parking without setting the parking brake, and see if you hear the noise.

If not, then try engaging the parking brake with your full weight (depress the parking brake pedal as hard as you can), and see if you hear the noise.

If not, then perhaps the problem is that the parking brake was engaged partially, so that it could slip as weight shifts around.

[sdtundra]

Originally Posted by Patrick Wong

In this particular case, my guess is that the parking brake is causing the noise. Try parking without setting the parking brake, and see if you hear the noise.

If not, then try engaging the parking brake with your full weight (depress the parking brake pedal as hard as you can), and see if you hear the noise.

If not, then perhaps the problem is that the parking brake was engaged partially, so that it could slip as weight shifts around.

Thank you, I will try that tonight

[rrunner102]

I have this creaking noise also. Mine is a 2008, with 6200 miles. Everytime i park in my driveway and get out i hear it, and everytime i get back in i hear it. It seems to only do it when on an angle.

Ditto
2008,7500 miles
I have never used parking brake. It makes that noise when I come to a complete stop in garage or when I brake on an incline. it lasts for 2 secs max. I was wondering if toyota is using inferior shocks since I had this issue from day one.

[Sarge]

Originally Posted by edthefox5

If yes: Its not the suspension. Suspension does not make noise going down the road unless its being used as in turns bumps etc OR unless its really really corroded under there and the slightest movement makes it creak. Whats it look like under there? I think its the drum brakes. BTW, I believe the drums use the standard tensioners found in most cars. They are adjusted & tension by backing up and applying the brakes.

Hi edthefox,

First, thanks for the detailed reply, it is much appreciated!

How you explain it, I have a feeling you are probably right on the money. First, my wife doesn't drive, I am the only driver, and I do NOT drive with two feet nor am I heavy-footed (driving a Prius and all ).

The sound is definitely very present as I "cruise" in the garage, and that is in fact when it is most noticeable. Sometimes sitting in the car or getting out will make a small creak as well (thus the reasoning for thinking it was suspension-related), but your brake shoe explanation seems to make more sense.

The car currently has 97K KM on it, I had the brakes cleaned once by the dealer in January at 72K. The noise started before that, but has become more pronounced in recent months.

I do have a jack and will try lifting the car up as suggested, and will report back on the results...

Thanks again.

[edthefox5]

Your very welcome. Noises in my car drive me nuts too. Post on results.