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Driving noise gets louder with speed

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Smalltownguy22, Oct 14, 2011.

  1. Smalltownguy22

    Smalltownguy22 New Member

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    Tempe, AZ
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    2005 Prius
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    I have a muffled roar that starts when I drive over 25mph. It only comes from the front right side. 2005 89k miles. About 2 weeks ago, when it started, it was quieter and I could barely hear it at 35mph. There is no vibration. I have had the unique benefit of having a set of new tires replaced last week. No improvement. Also of note, there is no alignment problem because the tires were wearing after 40k almost perfectly in all areas of tread.
    No accidents with this car. No recent collisions with curbs or any remarkable activities that started this problem. I strongly suspect the electric motor on the right side? If not perhaps the bearing or another portion of the drive train? Visually checked the CV joint boot, no signs of wear. Need some ideas for visual checks I can do myself before giving a mechanic my firstborn to get this fixed.
     
    #1 Smalltownguy22, Oct 14, 2011
  2. ursle

    ursle Gas miser

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    Sounds like a front right wheel bearing from here.
     
    #2 ursle, Oct 14, 2011
    2 people like this.
  3. Smalltownguy22

    Smalltownguy22 New Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
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    Just finished checking some "wheel bearing" online threads. Sounds the same, going to lift it at the mechanic to see if we can duplicate the symptoms.
     
    #3 Smalltownguy22, Oct 14, 2011
  4. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    This sounds like a wheel bearing failure. See if it meets the following questions. If so, it's most likely a wheel bearing.

    1) Is the noise proportional to wheel speed, not engine RPM?

    2) Does the noise persist if you shift into N while driving?

    3) Does the sound of the noise vary during aggressive turns? In other words, is it quieter turning fast in one direction?

    Tom
     
    #4 qbee42, Oct 14, 2011
    1 person likes this.
  5. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Yup thats a wheel bearing. Lost mine at very low mileage. The deciding factor is if you can change the sound with side load. While driving down empty road just turn left or right briskly like trying not to hit an obstacle. Make cabin quiet. Windows up no ac no radio_One direction will sound worse than the other. The opposite side you turn into which makes the noise is the side that needs a
    new wheel bearing.
     
    #5 edthefox5, Oct 15, 2011
    2 people like this.
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