Brake pads rattling in caliper housing....

This is a known issue. (at least for many on this board) So far, I have yet to come across an official fix from Toyota. It took 3 attempts at my dealer to admit they did something to my neighbor's Prius to reduce the rattle. They apparently bend the pad retainer springs to reduce the clatter that occurs when driving over rough pavement, or Botts dots.
I can reproduce this in EVERY 2010 Prius I have driven, Every one! Yet the dealer "can't reproduce it." It's a simple test: drive over Botts dots (lane divider dots) with your window down and then apply the brakes. Guaranteed the "clatter" will go away upon brake application. Simple.
Toyota's position is that "..it isn't a safety issue." It might not be, but having a sound like that come from your suspension is ridiculous.

 

This is news to me.......we have two Prii and never had this happen.

 

Interesting info. Shortly after 5k oil change I noticed this, so at 10k service I brought it to their attention. Found missing fasteners and sent me on my way. Sound remained and I came back 150 miles later, and this time had mechanic in car to duplicate. Front struts were ordered and installed next day. They took all of 3 hours then told me no help. Front caliper bolt were next targeted and ordered. They used remote mics to isolate. Going to allow them to put them in, but might let them know what you said. Mechanic did verify that even the new car on the lot made the same noise as you described. As the roads around my dealership are very good, we also used the botts and verified on both sides. It also sounded in the front and rear to me. Will see what happens. Thanks.

 

I had the same problem. They lubricated the slide pins on the calipers and the noise went away. But it did take them 2 visits till they fixed it.

 

Me 2. My 2011 is driving me crazy with chattering/rattleling in the front over bumpy surfaces. Only noticeable when windows are open. Will have dealer look at when I take it in for the 5k checkup (currently have 4k)

 

When your driving with opened windows you´re probably driving slow and mainly electric only, your Prius wants to let pedestrians know that you are there so they don´t hit you ;-)


iPhone ?
Zdenok

 

It normally starts to rattle if a shim or two is left out! These spring shims are very important for keeping them from rattling? Maybe they were left out during assembly? Hal

 

FYI, a new TSB covering this issue:

http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...ing/97917-tsb-front-brake-caliper-rattle.html

It specifically mentions Botts dots!!!

 

I had this same problem a couple years ago on a used 91 Cadillac Allante. My regular mechanic couldn't diagnose the problem. My then-new son-in-law, a mechanic, and I diagnosed the problem by me repeatedly driving across a bump in our street while he stood at the curb and listened. He used some type of brake adhesive to solve the problem. I've since sold the car and the son-in-law turned out to be a better mechanic than husband and ended up in jail. But that's another story...

 

I'm getting some of the front brake rattling too, but then again, the roads around here are like minefields.

 

Minefields aren't required, just Botts' dots.

 

Mine took two dealer visits a few weeks ago. The first "fix" failed, the second succeeded, but I'll keep this bulletin in mind if/when the front brake noise returns.

 

Good news everyone!!! Or at least those who are having the rattling problems with their brakes. Like others have posted on here Toyota issued a TSB (Toyota Service Bulletin) for this problem. When I took my Gen III Prius to Phil Bachman Toyota yesterday for my 5000 mile service, I informed them again that my brakes were still making the rattling noise and I also told them that Toyota had issued a TSB and they need to fix the problem with my car.

The service manage found the TSB and had the technician check my brakes out and she agreed that all 4 wheels needed the fix. I am assuming it is shims or something. They did however have to order the parts and I my beloved black beauty will be fixed and rattle free. :cheer2:

 

Thank you seilerts! I believe I started this thread over a year ago with absolutely no response from my Toyota dealership. Appreciate your posting this!

 

Well I had my brakes fixed yesterday. With the exception of some really rough bumps because of road construction, my driving experience was as it should be. Quiet. I am so glad that Toyota finally ordered the TSB and recognised that there was a problem and fixed it before they were made to issue a recall. :cheer2:

 

I believe that I have this same issue. I'm going to get it taken care of ASAP.
Funny thing is that I may have had the same issue on my previous car as well (VW Passat). Now I can pass along this info to the guy who bought it as another area to explore to chase down that noise.
Thanks PriusChat people!

 

Is the manufacturing plant info on the car somewhere?

 

@El Dobro: Locate the highest sticker inside the driver’s door frame – it is black with white lettering. In the upper right corner of the sticker, you will find the manufacture date of your car in the format of MM/YY.

Also, just above the bar code in that sticker is the VIN #. Look at digit # 11 and it should have one of three possible values:

0 = made in Tsutsumi plant line # 1
1 = made in Tsutsumi plant line # 2
5 = made in Fugimatsu plant.