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Clanking sound.

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by EvanB, Oct 20, 2014.

  1. EvanB

    EvanB Junior Member

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    Hello,

    On my 2014 pip. (4500 miles)

    I notice when I go over expansion joints on the freeway with my window open I can hear a bit of a clank sound. I do not hear it with the windows closed.

    Also it must be done at speed > 55mph.

    I do have a trailer hitch but it seems quite tight.

    Is this normal? Is it an issue I should bring up at the 5k service?
     
  2. Rebound

    Rebound Senior Member

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    It could be a stone in the tire tread
     
  3. GregP507

    GregP507 Senior Member

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    It could be a missing bushing somewhere in the undercarriage. If you don't get it fixed, it may wear through.
     
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i would climb under and give it a good look see. maybe the exhaust system or an under panel. better if you can get it up on a lift.
     
    Okinawa likes this.
  5. Tracksyde

    Tracksyde Member

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    I hear something like this when I "drive by Braille" (driving over the dots on the road). I always thought it was a heat shield or something like that. I dont recall when I first noticed it, but I would say its done it since it was new.

    I rarely hear it (since I dont drive by Braille that often and my window is rarely down) so I never thought to bring it up at a service appointment. And like you, I never hear it with the windows up. But I've been under the car a few times and never noticed anything that looked like it would make noise.

    It definitely wouldnt hurt to bring it up at a service appointment.
     
  6. Dex

    Dex Junior Member

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    Have you installed lowering springs recently? or modified the suspension in any way?
     
  7. CARspec

    CARspec Junior Member

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    It is your brake pads moving around in the fitment kits. There is a bulletin for older cars, new ones do it sometimes too. Both the shop 2011 and 2014 do it. NBD.

    Bulletin is T-SB-0136-11.
     
    SAronian likes this.
  8. LakeMichBoatGuy

    LakeMichBoatGuy Junior Member

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    Michigan roads are not in the best shape, so I hear this sound all the time from our 2013 pip base. Clanking seems like a good description. It's a solid, predictable sound; not wild or worrisome. We have one "good" hybrid tech at a nearby Toyota dealer, and he said his personal non-pip does the same thing...although he has never mentioned any cause. The brake pads moving around seems like a good explanation. It's that kind of sound.
     
  9. css28

    css28 Senior Member

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    +1
     
    rxlawdude likes this.