Ratcheting clank from front left at 8-13 mph slow regen and slight turn right

I was about to ask whether the car had CVs.

 

Hoping to chime in on this subject and possibly get some insight/information about what steps I should take.

I have a 2008 Prius Base with Back-Up Camera and Smart Key system. Purchased new in 11/07, the car now has 112,000 miles on it. Unrelated, but including for ironic purposes - I started fearing that something would go wrong with our Ford Focus, so we traded it in towards the purchase of a 2011 Prius, and no more than a week after owning the 2011, I started hearing this exact same noise from my 2008.

It happens intermittently, and most prominently when braking in the 13-8 MPH range while steering to the right. I can replicate the sound if I go in a zig-zag pattern down my street. I had new tires put on the car around 95,000 miles, and had a 4 wheel alignment performed.

Original pads up front (6 mm remaining as of service at 108k). Had the drums cleaned/adjusted twice. Replaced the drive belt at last service (cracking).

The car still drives fine, currently getting 52 MPG.

On a separate note, I am also hearing a squeaking from the undercarriage while at very low speeds, for instance, while slowly accelerating into my garage.

I am not terribly alarmed by any of this, but I would like to keep the car in sound shape mechanically as I need it to last me at least until the 2011 Prius is paid off

Would it be a wise decision to go ahead and replace both CV joints, and if so, what is the typical cost of parts/labor?

Would it be worthwhile to have shocks/struts replaced as well?

I think I can count all the services I have had done outside of routine oil change/tire rotation on one or two hands..

Throttle body cleaning (once or twice)
PCV Valve (60k)
Drive Belt (108k)
Clean and adjust rear brakes (80k/included with 90k service (stupid me))

And that sums it up. Car was seeing an average of 27,500 miles per year, but that number will go down now as the 2011 becomes the primary vehicle and 2008 is now the "junk car." 2011 has 2100 miles in 21 days of ownership.

Thanks for any help!

 

I would defer the CV joint repair. There's some possibility that the problem is a wheel bearing. You can wait until the noise becomes more evident, thus making it easier to figure out what is wrong.

I would replace the front struts and rear shocks now, given your car's odometer reading. There is a high likelihood they are worn.

The "bounce" test is not useful on Prius or for that matter, most modern vehicles equipped with springs that require substantial effort to compress.

Substantial leaking fluid is evidence that the strut/shock is bad; however lack of fluid is not conclusive evidence that the part is good. The fluid is quite thin and will evaporate after a while in high ambient temps.

 

What would be the main benefit of replacing the struts and shocks? Ride quality? If it isn't a safety issue, I would more likely defer shocks/struts than the CV joints (which can be a safety issue).

If neither is a serious concern, I will defer both until something more serious comes up.

 

Improved ride quality is one benefit. Another benefit is that emergency stopping distance should be reduced if the struts and shocks are working correctly. A third benefit is that tire tread wear may be more even.

Once the noise gets to the point where it can be definitively determined that the problem is either a wheel bearing or a CV joint, then the failing part should be replaced. This will eventually become a safety issue.

 

My 2017 Prius makes some weird noise like a click at 13mph first time when it reaches that speed after starting the car.

Anyone know if this is normal?
Thanks
Suri

 

welcome!
is it the auto door locks?

 

Thanks Bisco!
No it is well after door lock...Even if I go really slow, I hear it exactly at 13mph. It never comes back until I stop and start the car back.

 

You might get better information if you post your question in the Gen 4 Forum given that your 2017 Prius is Gen 4.