1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

2008 transmission bearings

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by gig-girl, Oct 13, 2014.

  1. gig-girl

    gig-girl New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2014
    2
    1
    0
    Location:
    Wakefield, MA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    My car has 132,000 miles on it. It has had regular scheduled maintenance at a non-dealer, and all recall fixes. Recently, I noticed a faint growling sound while on a long highway drive. It persisted and may have gotten slightly louder over the course of about 300 miles.
    The initial diagnosis by my mechanic, during a test drive, was wheel bearings. When I took it in for the work, they did further diagnosis on the lift, and said it was not wheel bearings but the sound was from the transmission. No way to repair, only to replace.
    I've since done lots of research, and have not found this to be a common problem. Lots of chatter about transaxle fluid, though. I'll have to check with mechanic if this has ever been replaced; I doubt it, since it's not supposed to need it.
    I had not planned to replace this car until 2016, but a $5,000 transmission job doesn't seem to make sense with 132,000 miles. Do I really have bad bearings? Could it be that the transaxle fluid should be replaced? Is this dangerous to drive? Could it seize up on the road?
     
    #1 gig-girl, Oct 13, 2014
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2013
    16,470
    8,384
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I would first check the tires and the exhaust system for the mystery noise.

    I would also change the transaxle fluid, but highly doubt that's the reason for the noise
     
    #2 JC91006, Oct 13, 2014
  3. Okinawa

    Okinawa Senior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2013
    1,333
    317
    0
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    How many miles do you have on your tires?
     
    #3 Okinawa, Oct 13, 2014
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,959
    49,073
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    shop around, find someone who will put in a used tranny. probably 2k altogether.
     
    #4 bisco, Oct 13, 2014
  5. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

    Joined:
    May 13, 2012
    2,170
    746
    0
    Location:
    Delaware
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Premium
    get another mechanic to check the tires for cupping and recheck the wheel bearings before you go for the trans. and I would change the trans fluid even if its not the trans making the noise.
     
    #5 69shovlhed, Oct 13, 2014
    Okinawa likes this.
  6. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2008
    18,200
    6,464
    0
    Location:
    Green Valley, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I suggest that you replace the transaxle ATF now because it may help and will not hurt.

    If the noise remains faint, then I would continue to drive the car as-is. You'll get lots of warning with regards to the noise getting worse before you need to take any action.

    As previously suggested, if the noise gets much worse and you decide that the transaxle is at risk of failing, it would be reasonable to install a used transaxle. This might cost you $2K including labor.
     
    #6 Patrick Wong, Oct 13, 2014
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)