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Clicking Sound on Regen Braking

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Notquiterite, Feb 17, 2017.

  1. ExMachina08

    ExMachina08 Junior Member

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    I made the call not to drop it off because at 10 AM they had a service backup until 5:00 PM. My sound isn't quite the same as all of the videos. Mine sounds like a break pad is lightly brushing the rotor only at low speed 10-15 mph light regen braking. The videos sound like bearing failure to me.
     
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  2. Erik Owens

    Erik Owens Member

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  3. axle2152

    axle2152 Active Member

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    I guess the question is how serious is the noise we're hearing? Are we talking imminent axle failure or just abnormal wear...?

    @ExMachina08 The noise does come and go. I can only say that the noise, for me, is more apparent after the car has been driven for a while and only when regenerative braking is taking place.

    I did confirm last night that the noise in my car does go away if I put it in neutral and then coming to a stop.
     
  4. Erik Owens

    Erik Owens Member

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    Axle. Axle. Axle. Damn. Ill say it again,...Axle.
     
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  5. RCO

    RCO Senior Member

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    Could it have been a small grit in a tyre tread, I wonder???? (n)
     
  6. ExMachina08

    ExMachina08 Junior Member

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    It was definitely directly related to braking. Only audible when light regen braking was applied. It's been about 2 weeks since I heard it last now. Didn't sound anything like the audio or video I've seen posted in this thread. I'll update if it comes back.
     
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  7. axle2152

    axle2152 Active Member

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    Pun not intended?

    So I took my Prius in which has the same symptoms as the video (somewhere in this thread, not going to look for it). I referenced the video on the appointment I made, made sure to mention that the noise goes away when the car is shifted to neutral. However, the mere fact that the car produces the clicking when braking...key word braking. So, short of filming your car and showing it to the techs they're going to suspect something with the brakes and not powertrail/ CV axle. Also have to realize they deal with a lot of people who bring their car in with the check engine light on and being told "it's an oxygen sensor I know it," or the gas cap is being loose. They're going to go after the more likely cause and the simple stuff first. That being said, the noise on mine isn't very loud, it is certainly not like the CV axle on this VW...



    However, while it is very obvious and loud on the VW the noise although quieter definitely similar at least to my ears...



    I don't think the wheel is going to pop off on mine or the prius in the video, but if you've got less than 60,000 miles get it fixed under warranty because it is a pretty expensive repair. Of course, you can always watch Scotty Kilmer because why not fix it yourself? :eek:

     
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  8. orenji

    orenji Senior Member

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    It's normal, it happens on many GEN 3's.
     
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  9. axle2152

    axle2152 Active Member

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    Normal, maybe...hopefully not. Mine only has 49,000 and started noticing the noise quite a ways back and thought, just like the techs, probably something in the brakes and nothing worry about. Just an expensive fix outside of warranty and given the low mileage it does make me wonder if this will be a reoccurring problem down the road.
     
  10. axle2152

    axle2152 Active Member

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    Just to follow up the dealer, Asheville Toyota, did replace the axle which did fix the noise being heard. Seems that the driver's side axle is the problem more so than the passenger, at least when browsing the forums for people who have had the same problem.

    Anyway, my advice if your Prius is starting to do this, record the noise on video. Show it to the techs, have them drive/ride in the car. Generally speaking the more info you provide the better. The key word that I feel someone should mention is that the noise goes away when you slow down in neutral, the noise only present when the car is in drive.

    That being said I hope the replacement axle lasts a lot longer and don't have trouble with the passenger side.
     
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  11. ExMachina08

    ExMachina08 Junior Member

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    Well the noise is officially back on my Prius. Similar to everyone else, its on the drivers side axle and its loudest on slow gentle right turns around 15 mph. Its not just limited to when braking now. I'm going to see if I can capture the sound on video before I take it in to the dealership
     
  12. ExMachina08

    ExMachina08 Junior Member

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    Took some time in a parking garage this morning to get a video of my noise. It's a lot easier to hear when you are braking on a light downhill at low speeds, but I was able to get a couple clips of it. Sorry for the wind noise, didn't think about it when I was taking the video.

     
  13. RCO

    RCO Senior Member

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    Hope it's nothing serious and can be fixed PDQ.
     
  14. ExMachina08

    ExMachina08 Junior Member

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    Its in the shop right now. Waiting for the prognosis, but I'm going to assume its the CV joint similar to what everyone else has been experiencing. Should have an update this evening on what they think is causing the issue.
     
  15. RCO

    RCO Senior Member

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    Keep us posted!
     
  16. ExMachina08

    ExMachina08 Junior Member

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    Latest update, they had to keep the car overnight after checking the brakes and dust cover for clearance. Just got a call and the technician contacted Toyota and they are recommending that the left front axle be replaced.

    tl;dr same CV/Axle issue described in the thread. Replacing
     
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  17. RCO

    RCO Senior Member

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    Well, that's fixed at no cost to you - other than the anxiety and inconvenience.
     
  18. goldfinger

    goldfinger Active Member

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    So if the axles click when regening they should click in reverse as well. You may have to drive faster than normal in reverse so don't crash.
     
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  19. ILuvMyPriusToo

    ILuvMyPriusToo Senior Member

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    Listen carefully for the gnikcilc!

    (that's clicking in reverse). :cool::);)
     
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  20. ExMachina08

    ExMachina08 Junior Member

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    I honestly think it had more to do with play in the CV joint. If you took a left it would seat itself again and be quiet, but if you took even a modest right turn it started clicking again until you take the next left.
     
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