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Front end loud highway noise

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by comatoes, Feb 26, 2013.

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  1. comatoes

    comatoes #GreenLife

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    My 2007 Prius has been making a loud vibrating noise which I especially hear at highway speeds. I sometimes here it when I'm going lower speeds too. It seems to occur more when I'm turning the wheel a little bit to the right. If I turn the wheel a little bit to the left the noise goes away. Sometimes it's louder. I can't pinpoint if it is coming from the left or right side.

    I also wanted to add that I just got it aligned and they said they did some minor adjustments but it is within their limits for alignment.

    Thank you for your help!

    Added: To add onto the discussion, I've also noticed when breaking downhill if the road is wet, sometimes it skids a little and the traction control light comes on.
     
    #1 comatoes, Feb 26, 2013
  2. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Sounds like CV joint or wheel bearing, but maybe the folks doing the alignment left something loose. Get it checked.
     
    #2 frodoz737, Feb 26, 2013
  3. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

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    Yep, frodoz has it. Wheel bearing or CV joint.
     
    #3 usnavystgc, Feb 26, 2013
  4. SteveLee

    SteveLee Active Member

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    It seems to me the obvious place to start would be the wheel bearings, assuming the wheels have been balanced lately.
     
    #4 SteveLee, Feb 26, 2013
  5. comatoes

    comatoes #GreenLife

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    It started before I had it aligned, I'm sure it's unrelated.
     
    #5 comatoes, Feb 26, 2013
  6. comatoes

    comatoes #GreenLife

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    These are new tires I bought about 10,000 miles ago. I've never had the wheels balanced. Do you think that would solve this problem?
     
    #6 comatoes, Feb 26, 2013
  7. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Based on what you said about the noise and turning, no. Go get your vehicle check, seriously.
     
    #7 frodoz737, Feb 26, 2013
  8. comatoes

    comatoes #GreenLife

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    To add onto the discussion, I've also noticed when breaking downhill if the road is wet, sometimes it skids a little and the traction control light comes on.
     
    #8 comatoes, Feb 26, 2013
  9. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    You should be at the Dealership now. These are all safety issues.
     
    #9 frodoz737, Feb 26, 2013
  10. maestro8

    maestro8 Nouveau Member

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    Sounds like your front right wheel bearing needs replacement. Should be about $100 in parts and one hour labor... don't let them soak you for any more.

    The Prius's traction control is very touchy. Mine goes off when I leave the parking lot at work, and hit a little gravel on the transition between the lot and road. Don't worry about it... worry about your driving. If you're setting VSC off while on wet roads, you're driving too fast!
     
    #10 maestro8, Feb 26, 2013
  11. comatoes

    comatoes #GreenLife

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    If that price is true, that would be wonderful. I've called around to 3 local Toyota dealerships and I asked them to price a left front wheel bearing ($500-$799) and cv joint ($1050). I really hope it isn't that bad. I might go get my tires balanced before to make sure that isn't just the problem.
     
    #11 comatoes, Feb 26, 2013
  12. ursle

    ursle Gas miser

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    Bearing likely, do both wheels, and remember it then needs an alignment, CV joint can be checked, traction control may be reacting to the recent work done, loose grease.
     
    #12 ursle, Feb 26, 2013
  13. comatoes

    comatoes #GreenLife

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    Do you save by doing both bearings? Is it 2 different operations, 1 for each side?

    Traction control has been coming on in rain since I've owned it. It's typically when I'm coming in hot to a stop sign or if I'm slowing downhill to a stop.
     
    #13 comatoes, Feb 26, 2013
  14. maestro8

    maestro8 Nouveau Member

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    Nope. No reason to do both. Ain't broke, don't fix it. You're right about the order of operations.

    Sounds about right. Unless you've got red and blue flashing lights on top of your car, there's no reason to drive like that. Slow down!
     
    #14 maestro8, Feb 26, 2013
    usnavystgc likes this.
  15. comatoes

    comatoes #GreenLife

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    It's typically when I'm in an area where I'm unfamiliar.
     
    #15 comatoes, Feb 26, 2013
  16. maestro8

    maestro8 Nouveau Member

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    You drive faster in an unfamiliar area? Does your mother know you do this?
     
    #16 maestro8, Feb 26, 2013
  17. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    We can speculate all day long, but it means nothing. Based on what you say the premis is your car probably has a few miles on it and needs work. Go get it looked at and find out what is wrong. IF it is a wheel bearing or half-shaft, change the other side as well. IF one side is going out, the other is sure to follow soon. The problem will not go away and will only get worse. Then it becomes everyone our problem. Sorry to sound preachy, but you did ask.
     
    #17 frodoz737, Feb 26, 2013
  18. maestro8

    maestro8 Nouveau Member

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    Soon: anywhere between the next 100 and 100,000 miles.
     
    #18 maestro8, Feb 26, 2013
  19. comatoes

    comatoes #GreenLife

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    Thanks for the info. The reason I asked is so I can find out as much information about the problem so I can go to the dealer and not get screwed out of a lot of money.
     
    #19 comatoes, Feb 26, 2013
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  20. comatoes

    comatoes #GreenLife

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    I drive slow everywhere. My passengers complain but it's just music to my ears.
     
    #20 comatoes, Feb 26, 2013
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