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Rattling noise from rear suspension

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by altdel, Oct 17, 2016.

  1. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Nuts shouldn't get loose like that. Usually they're a royal bear to break loose. My guess is they're using some compressible washer, or something in the material it's clamping is compressing, or flexing too much. Odd.
     
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  2. Coast Cruiser

    Coast Cruiser Senior Member

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    It's called... Cheap!
     
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  3. tucatz

    tucatz Active Member

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    My 2016 has the same rattling sound in the rear suspension. It's very annoying and somewhat concerning. I made a service appt with my local Toyota, and stopped by today to talk about the issue with a service advisor. I mentioned TSB 0144-16 (surprised all of them!). Looking at the bulletin, he wants replace the struts and top nuts!? Can anyone here on the forum tell me if this is really necessary? I want to fix the issue ASAP but not go overboard and tear apart a brand new car.
     
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  4. Coast Cruiser

    Coast Cruiser Senior Member

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    Typical dealer BS and rip off.
    My nuts don't rattle, thankfully. But others have had them simply replaced and the noise went away.
    Try another dealer.
     
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  5. tucatz

    tucatz Active Member

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    Sorry, but I don't think my local Toyota service dept. is trying to rip me off. I went in with a warranty issue, they looked up the TSB info I provided, and will repair my issue when I go back next week. They even offered to give me a loaner car. The thing is that the bulletin suggests replacing the loose nut and struts. He showed me the doc, (wish I asked for a copy) the service advisor is following Toyota procedure. Me being the Owner of this new vehicle I want to do what to necessary and only necessary to fix the problem and make my car safe to drive, no rattling noises.
     
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  6. ETP

    ETP 2021 Prime(Limit),Highlander HYB Plat,B52-D,G,F,H

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    Starting to notice some subdued rattling noise on initial start up when cold but not the amount of the Gen 3.

    Curious to say the least and I did kill the rattle snake.
     
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  7. ETP

    ETP 2021 Prime(Limit),Highlander HYB Plat,B52-D,G,F,H

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    Wish my nuts rattled.
     
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  8. Coast Cruiser

    Coast Cruiser Senior Member

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    Nobody else has gotten the struts replaced. Just the loose nuts.
     
  9. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    You mean nobody who reported here were told the struts were replaced.
    It is possible some dealers were trying to take a short cut, doing less work for the same money.
     
  10. Coast Cruiser

    Coast Cruiser Senior Member

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    I don't know PP, but this is the first time I've seen any mention of the struts needing to be replaced?
     
  11. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    True, but the dealer appeared to quote from the TSB. I do not think they would replace the struts if they did not think Toyota would pay them to dothat.
     
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  12. Coast Cruiser

    Coast Cruiser Senior Member

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    Agreed. The dealer will do as little as possible. Especially if they're not getting paid.
    But I sure hope we don't have bad defective struts! I can understand maybe a couple nuts being loose, but I hope we don't have bad struts, too.

    Is it just ME, or does anyone else also think these 2016 Prii's have quite a few bugs?
     
  13. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    At least my 2017 is OK.
     
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  14. Coast Cruiser

    Coast Cruiser Senior Member

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    I got the two recalls for my 2016. Parking brake and passenger seat airbag. And now the rear strut issue comes up. I'm pretty disappointed with all that.

    Some owners seem to think this is minor stuff, and pretty normal for a new car? But I think it stinks! I still believe the Toyota build quality has gone down the last several years. And quite a few new owners of the Prime seem to have several complaints and issues.

    (I miss my 1995 Camry :D not one problem whatsoever in 11 years with that car.)
     
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  15. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    Yeah. I had a 1996. We finally gave it to my brother-in-law who needed a car.
    He is proceeding to try & kill it. I understand he got it stuck in the snow and used a chain & tractor to drag it sideways :eek:
    Last I heard it is still roadworthy, though.
     
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  16. Coast Cruiser

    Coast Cruiser Senior Member

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    My parents had a 1984 that kept running until the cows came home! :D Never a problem, and just routine maintenance. They sold it to a college kid, it's still going strong.
     
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  17. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    I am *really* ancient!
    My first Toyota (in Canada) was a used 1969 Corolla 1200cc 2 speed automatic. When idling, the ends of the front bumper moved up & down from the vibration.

    I became a Toyota sandwich on the freeway in that one. Hint: When a police officer passes your drive shaft through the rear window, the car is toast.

    I understand the US did not get the automatic transmission for that year. Mine was like this only dark green.
    [​IMG]
     
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  18. RCO

    RCO Senior Member

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    Lots of nuts on the loose over here also!!! :eek:
     
  19. RCO

    RCO Senior Member

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    Had a later model called Toyota SR in 76. No B pillar and the glass in the rear quarters could wind right down leaving a clear space between windshield and rear pillar. No a/c, auto box, but a five speed stick shifter, but similar 1200cc engine with twin, twin-choke carbs. Another similarity between us;)
     
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  20. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    Both sides of my family have British heritage.