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cabin air and other questions about 2009 prius

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by joeuser, Mar 15, 2013.

  1. joeuser

    joeuser Prius Junkie

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    Hi all,

    Its been a while since I posted here. I've had a good run with my prius (knock on wood) and hoping to keep it that way.
    1. I have started hearing this sound in my car whenever the cabin air fan kicks in (without the A/C being turned on). Basically, i can hear more than just the fan. I checked the filter and it looked fine. it sounds as if there is something there that spins along with the fan and is touching the outer edges of whatever duct is in there. I tried narrowing down where the sound comes from and it seemed to me it is coming from under the glove compartment on the passenger side. I wish I could describe it any better way. What can I do to pinpoint what this is and how to get rid of this sound. I should also point out that I'm not very handy when it comes to whats where, but I can follow directions and see if i can do this by myself.

    2. When I took my car to the dealership's service station for the recall related services I was advised that the timing belt needs to be replaced. I have about 44000 miles on my car. I am in no way "rough" with the car so I'm trying to gauge if this is the correct interval for a timing belt change. Does this sound normal? Can someone tell me how to determine if the timing belt needs servicing?

    3. I was advised to change 2 tires at the last visit as well. Any recommendations? I'm still running stock rims. Should I change all at the same time? I always thought that whenever I change tires, I'll convert the rear brakes from drum to disc brakes. Wondering if this is an overkill but I'm trying to see if there if anyone has seen real-life benefit of having converted to all-disc brakes?

    Hope someone can chime in and provide valuable advice.

    Thanks.

    Edit: I also want to save money on the tires (plus alignment)/timing belt. The dealership quoted me about $550+ to have these things done. I started checking and I knew I was being ripped off. So I want to know what is a reasonable cost of these service?
     
    #1 joeuser, Mar 15, 2013
  2. gmcneil05

    gmcneil05 Member

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    Well to start with there in no timing belt. It is a chain and it should not have to be changed. They might be talking about the belt that drives the water pump for the engine but I don't think it should need to be changed already at only 44,000. I don't see any benefit in changing the rear brakes to disk. I don't know what to tell you on the A/C fan.
     
    #2 gmcneil05, Mar 15, 2013
    joeuser and xpcman like this.
  3. xpcman

    xpcman Senior Member

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    I can't see any reason to buy tires from the dealer. So you have 44k miles on the original tires? I only got 24K on my 2008 Prius. Yes it's generally best to change all 4 tires at the same time. Only, the dealer can do the alignment the correct way so as to get the steering wheel centered.

    I see no need to upgrade the rear brakes, rear drums work OK for a car driven in and around NYC. You might need disks all around if you were doing high speed runs down the Rocky Mountains.
     
    #3 xpcman, Mar 15, 2013
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  4. cyberpriusII

    cyberpriusII Prodigyplace says I'm Super Kris

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    Sorry, I have to call (maybe) BS. I cannot believe that "only the dealer" can do an alignment.
     
    #4 cyberpriusII, Mar 17, 2013
  5. Silver bullit

    Silver bullit Right Lane Cruiser

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    I think they are referring to the steering column recall. You might be thinking of the front end alignment. If it was me I would get all four tires replaced at the same time. :)
     
    #5 Silver bullit, Mar 17, 2013
  6. cyberpriusII

    cyberpriusII Prodigyplace says I'm Super Kris

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    Actually, I was thinking "wheels!"

    Good point!

    But, actually, any good mechanic should be able to align the steering also. The point being if the dealer screwed it up, they should align it free....
     
    #6 cyberpriusII, Mar 17, 2013
  7. cyberpriusII

    cyberpriusII Prodigyplace says I'm Super Kris

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    Guess I can't shut-up!

    Converting the rear brakes to disc? Why? If you have $$$ you don't want, I know many fine charitable outfits that need it. Heck, I could use it.

    I think Patrick Wong could probably address this with an intelligent answer, but that has never stopped me...why, why, why????

    If the car needed disc on rear, it would have them. Gosh....

    Tires...if the rear are still 25 percent or better, I would keep them, otherwise replace with the front. Many folks I know never rotate tires. The fronts wear out first so they replace the fronts only and then, down the line they replace the rears as needed....
     
    #7 cyberpriusII, Mar 17, 2013
  8. AzWxGuy

    AzWxGuy Weather Guy

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    When you have the cabin filter assembly pulled out, inspect the interior of the squirrel cage fan with suitable lighting and rotation with a finger or screwdriver. The fan resides right below the filter. Odd that debris could get in there past the filter element. I suppose it could also be a bearing on the blower motor. You would probably have to remove the whole motor and fan assembly to test it further. Hope there is a pine needle or part of a leaf stuck in there and easily removed.
     
    #8 AzWxGuy, Mar 17, 2013
  9. xpcman

    xpcman Senior Member

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    To quote Britprius
    When they replace the steering shaft they do not affect the alignment but they may need to carry out a zero point calibration to the power steering ECU. The power steering motor could be powering you into a steering angle that is not strait ahead.

    Read more: http://priuschat.com/threads/getting-the-waterpump-and-steering-column-recall-work-done-should-i-get-anything-else-done.119317/#ixzz2NofWwjI5

    The "zero point calibration" needs Toyota software and can't be done by the local Firestone outlet.
     
    #9 xpcman, Mar 17, 2013
  10. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    You know how to change the cabin filter so remove that filter and you can more clearly see and hear the fan.
    Its the fan right below the filter. Don't stick your hand in there while its running.

    Some reports of the fan motor bearing going bad over the years and starts to make a racket. Shut the ac/fan off and spin that fan by hand. See if its quiet. Have never had the fan out myself so don't know if you can oil that bearing assy. May just need a new fan.

    Loews sells a 3-1 oil in spout can made for electrical motor bearings. It works good as I used it one my home outside compressor fan.
     
    #10 edthefox5, Mar 17, 2013
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