Popping sound coming from strut area

jbondman871 · 11-14-2009, 01:37 PM

I have an 01 prius and have noticed a popping noise coming from the passenger side in the strut area. I thought it might be the strut, but is not affecting my driving. I just got new tires and had them check the struts. They said they are fine, one was leaking a little, but not much. What else could be making this noise?

Patrick Wong · 11-14-2009, 05:10 PM

1. The strut. Lack of a fluid leak does not mean that the strut is good. Unfortunately there's no accurate way to assess the strut is good without removing the coil spring and manually compressing the strut, comparing to a new part. The difference in road feel between good vs. bad struts is not that great.
2. Worn front stabilizer bar bushings.
3. Loose suspension hardware.
4. A loose object, maybe in the glove box or cowl area?

patsparks · 11-14-2009, 06:23 PM

The nut holding the top of the strut into the mount might be loose.

bedrock8x · 11-14-2009, 06:26 PM

Does it make the noise when it goes over a bump or crack?
If so, it could be the strut mount.

11-14-2009, 01:37 PM	#1
jbondman871 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Elizabethton, TN Posts: 19 My Car: 2001 Prius Model: I Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Popping sound coming from strut area I have an 01 prius and have noticed a popping noise coming from the passenger side in the strut area. I thought it might be the strut, but is not affecting my driving. I just got new tires and had them check the struts. They said they are fine, one was leaking a little, but not much. What else could be making this noise?

11-14-2009, 05:10 PM	#2
Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Green Valley, AZ Posts: 4,969 My Car: 2007 Prius Model: N/A Package: #4 Thanks: 57 Thanked 521 Times in 419 Posts Friends: 46	Re: Popping sound coming from strut area 1. The strut. Lack of a fluid leak does not mean that the strut is good. Unfortunately there's no accurate way to assess the strut is good without removing the coil spring and manually compressing the strut, comparing to a new part. The difference in road feel between good vs. bad struts is not that great. 2. Worn front stabilizer bar bushings. 3. Loose suspension hardware. 4. A loose object, maybe in the glove box or cowl area?

11-14-2009, 06:23 PM	#3
patsparks An Aussie perspective Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Adelaide South Australia Posts: 9,957 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: N/A Package: Base Thanks: 203 Thanked 272 Times in 211 Posts Friends: 36	Re: Popping sound coming from strut area The nut holding the top of the strut into the mount might be loose.

11-14-2009, 06:26 PM	#4
bedrock8x Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: California Posts: 657 My Car: Other Hybrid Model: Package: N/A Thanks: 4 Thanked 18 Times in 15 Posts Friends: 2	Re: Popping sound coming from strut area Does it make the noise when it goes over a bump or crack? If so, it could be the strut mount.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Rattling sound from the rear left door area	ggemelos	Gen II Prius Main Forum	5	11-03-2007 01:04 AM
Strange Sound Coming From Under Dash?	warcat507	Gen II Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting	8	06-19-2007 02:30 AM
Strange sound coming from under the dash	willowthedog	Gen II Prius Main Forum	2	05-30-2007 06:10 AM
sound coming from car/transmission? when accelerating	htram516	Gen II Prius Technical Discussion	1	02-06-2007 07:42 PM
Squeak Coming From the Left Rear Area	Tideland Prius	Gen II Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting	7	01-01-2005 10:00 PM