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Squeals like a pig

Discussion in 'Prius v Main Forum' started by zylona, Jan 15, 2012.

  1. zylona

    zylona Junior Member

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    Our Prius v squeals like a pig! The sound is best described as the rear brakes rubbing. Does it sporadically but is sure to do it when the temperature is lower (below 35 degrees). Stops after a about 300' of wheel turning distance. Took it to the selling dealer who could actually reproduce the problem but says they can do nothing about it. According to the service manager and Toyota regional service manager, it is rust being worn off the calipers/brake discs. This is just something we will have to live with. They can't back off the brake adjustment because then we would have to pump the brakes to apply them??? The car is embarrassing because it is loud and everyone who hears it looks, stares and/or points. Once again according to the service manager, ours is not the only one doing it as he has another on the lot (new) that is also doing it. A little disappointed to have to deal/live with this.
     
  2. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    As I am not technically inclined, I can not help address the issue other than to say that I highly doubt that there's rust on your brakes and nothing can be done about it.

    I suggest you call the Toyota Customer Experience Center and discuss the situation with them. Contact information: Toyota Help
     
  3. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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  4. Cactus Hybrid

    Cactus Hybrid Member

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    That is not the kind of VPNS (vehicle proximity notification system) one should live with..Contact Toyota!


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  5. RRxing

    RRxing Senior Member

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    There's the slight possibility that the wheel film used to protect the brake rotors from rusting prior to delivery was damaged during shipping or while stored at the dealer. In any case, the dealer should have detected it and fixed the problem during the pre-delivery inspection.
     
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    perhaps your fan belt is slipping.
     
  7. Dark_matter_doesn't

    Dark_matter_doesn't Prius Tinkerer

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    I've had both front and rear brakes "fixed" for low-speed squealing by my local dealer. It's BS that yours won't address the problem. Call Toyota corporate and file a complaint.
     
  8. seilerts

    seilerts Battery Curmudgeon

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    It is not an adjustment issue. It is usually a hardware issue. There are already TSBs for front and rear hardware on Gen III. It might also help to simply take the brakes apart, lubricate the slide pins, adjust the parking brake, and put it all back together. Insist that the dealer remedy this, even if it means that they have a technician get on the technical support hotline. Calling the Customer Experience number is also a good idea. The more people that complain about this, the more likely that Toyota will figure out what the problems are with the V and issue a TSB. Currently, there are NO TSBs specific to the V.
     
  9. tesser

    tesser 1st time Prius owner

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    I am also getting a low squeal that seems to sound when I first drive the car when it is cold. Seems to come from the rear of the car, so I assumed it is the brakes. I hear it when coming out of a braking, as I accelerate, as when doing a 3-point turn out of the driveway.

    I don't hear it again after that.
     
  10. toyofixer

    toyofixer Toyota Tech

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    This is the third thread I have seen about this in the v section. Mine did it for the first 2000 miles and now it is at 3000 and I havent heard the noise in a while. I used to hear it every time I drove it from cold. I am sure Toyota knows about this. If the region rep was at the dealer for the issue the tech hotline was involved. You have to call them first before the rep will get involved. The next time I see the region rep for my dealership I will ask him. How many miles are on the OP's car?
     
  11. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    +1
    Dovetailing into that theme - I'd let the Experience Center know you're looking into Delaware Lemon Laws. Nothing like having to light a fire under folks - just to get them to do the right thing.

    .
     
  12. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    The squeal takes a while to develop. But once it comes it will stay, usually for the rear. My dealer replaced the rear pads per the bulletin to cure the reverse squeak, but the rears will still squeal a bit when coming to a normal stop. It is normal to have some brake noise and it is harmless.

    MB860 ?
     
  13. zylona

    zylona Junior Member

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    The car has 4500 (approx.) on it. Does it more when the ambient outside temperature is cooler/cold which made me thing something is expanding beyond normal specs and allowing some friction (rubbing). I don't buy the "rust" explanation. The appointment for the V was specifically set up by the dealership so Toyota's regional personnel could be there as my initial complaint ended in the dealership's service manager submitting the issue to Toyota. After waiting nearly a month, I did file a complaint directly with Toyota. Today, Toyota contacted me via email to see how the service worked out. I told them. I have no idea what Toyota will do from here. From the posts here, I am not the only V owner to be experiencing this so it is not a phenominon particular to me. Disturbing to know that a dealership that has Toyota awards for service plastered all over the walls expects someone to live with this irritating, embarrassing for me and Toyota issue.
     
  14. zylona

    zylona Junior Member

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    Does not do it when brakes are applied. This is when coasting (no brakes) at start up. Definite rubbing noise from brakes. Confirmed by dealer and regional rep. Solution: live with it.
     
  15. zylona

    zylona Junior Member

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    The V is headed to the dealership for the 3rd time for this problem tomorrow. It will be evaluated once again while there for its 5K scheduled maintenance. My feeling is that they will acknowledge the squealing and once again tell me there is nothing that will correct it. I have notified Toyota of my displeasure with the situation and mentioned Delaware's Lemon Laws although I don't think they really apply to this particular problem. The service manager has told me it is an annoyance but poses no safety problem nor will it result in premature wear any parts. Not sure how he knows that since I would think that brake pads are not designed to scrub rust off brake disks and then perform as designed. We'll see how it goes........
     
  16. whtmtn

    whtmtn Whtmtn

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    Have about 1100 miles on the car and have the same issue when first backing out of the garage and turning down the driveway. Dealer indicated that it was from slight rusting on the brakes. Sounds more like a rubbing noise but will see if it continues. Temps have been in the mid to high 30's.
     
  17. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    I have to wonder if rust and brake squeal isn't simply the nature of the beast? Depending on climate conditions and perhaps driving style.

    I've never owned a garage. All my vehicle over decades have been parked outside in the wet Pacific NW enviroment. And I've never had brake squeal.

    It's seems to me? The Prius brake system is a hybrid in of itself. It's not one singular brake system working in one singular way. It's a hybrid regenerative system, working to slow the vehicle and recapture energy, and it's a standard braking system both designed to work in a "hybrid" synergy.

    And I've read posts of the peripheral advantages to this system. Longer Brake Pad Life. Longer Brake/Rotor life in general, in comparison to standard brake systems.

    Perhaps this squealing is simply a peripheral dis-advantage? A condition that can manifest under certain circumstance BECAUSE the brakes don't operate as a standard braking system does continually?

    But it seems strange that the dealership/service center seems to believe nothing can be done. Prius aren't sold off the lot with squealing brakes, and even if it is rust build up, rust can be removed. Perhaps the absence wouldn't last long, but it seems to me it could be addressed and removed at least temporarily.

    If it is permanent and unfixable then I think you are forced to define it as a design flaw.

    My Aunt way back in the 70's had a Volkswagen Bug, inwhich the Brakes sound like a huge truck every time she stopped. I remember her taking it to be serviced and the techinician telling her they could clean out the brakes and it would help, but in 4-6 weeks the symptom was simply going to return.

    She learned to not care.

    1970-2012? I don't know if that level of performance is acceptable. Especially on a vehicle like The Prius.
     
  18. pjay

    pjay New Member

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    Is it possible that this issue falls under "reasons not to buy any vehicle in its first year of production"?
     
  19. bronwyn

    bronwyn New Member

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    According to my friend who use to work at Lexus, this problem is "normal" and occurs on some lexus hybrids as well. I am also getting the noise first thing in the morning and it's super annoying!
     
  20. Flyman

    Flyman Junior Member

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    Wth! Normal and live with it? If that problem develops in ours and our Dealer tells me that, I'll be on the phone to Toyota in a heartbeat and would probably look into the Lemon Law. My sister made Government Motors take a Blazer back under the law. It would definately be my last Toyota.