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Sound while driving

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by robl45, Apr 29, 2018.

  1. robl45

    robl45 Member

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    I seem to have some sound while driving, kind of seems like tire noise but is vibrating a little as well. it appears to be noticeable from 45mph on up. I took a video but I don't think you can really hear anything. It doesn't appear to be the sound of a bad wheel bearing. Any ideas on what it could be?
     
    #1 robl45, Apr 29, 2018
  2. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Some questions;):
    • How old are your tires?
    • Have they been checked for imbalance recently?
    • How many miles on your Prius?
    • Why can’t it be a wheel bearing?
    Keep us posted (y).
     
    #2 Raytheeagle, Apr 29, 2018
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  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    how many miles on the car and the tires?

    does the sound change if you rotate them?

    does the sound change with speed?

    does the sound change when turning?
     
    #3 bisco, Apr 29, 2018
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  4. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Didn’t mean to steal your thunder ;).
     
    #4 Raytheeagle, Apr 29, 2018
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  5. robl45

    robl45 Member

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    150000 about. I have not tried to rotate them, I will need new tires shortly so I am getting them replaced soon. No it does not seem to change while turning. Nor does it really seem to change with the speed. I mean it gets a little more pronounced when I'm going 80 versus 45 but not too much different.
     
    #5 robl45, Apr 29, 2018
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    no prob, great minds and small minds sometimes think alike.:oops:
     
    #6 bisco, Apr 29, 2018
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  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    how long have you owned her, and how long has it been happening?

    has it gotten worse?

    i think you need to eliminate the tyres first.
     
    #7 bisco, Apr 29, 2018
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  8. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    How are your brakes? Last time they were inspected? Could it be the sqweeler for low pads?
     
    #8 Raytheeagle, Apr 29, 2018
  9. robl45

    robl45 Member

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    I've owned a year and a half. Just noticed yesterday
     
    #9 robl45, Apr 29, 2018
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  10. robl45

    robl45 Member

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    So you guys think it could just be the tires? I was just worried about wheel bearing or something, but it definitely is not making any weird noises when I turn the wheel or anything.
     
    #10 robl45, Apr 29, 2018
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  11. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    I’m not sure about that ;).

    In post #2 I asked why it can’t be:whistle:.

    An inspection of the wheel and associated components will help determine the next steps :).

    Keep us posted (y).
     
    #11 Raytheeagle, Apr 29, 2018
  12. Lucifer

    Lucifer Senior Member

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    A bad wheel bearing would begin around 40mph and at certain speeds be very loud, a vibration would also vary a bit with speeds, is it the steering wheel (front wheel) or do you feel it in your seat(rear wheel), now consider a bad tire and wheel bearing.
    A tire making noise should be visually evident, separated tread, loose tread, etc.
     
    #12 Lucifer, Apr 29, 2018
  13. padroo

    padroo Senior Member

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    Try lifting the front of the car with both front wheels off of the ground and see if you can hear it that way. It will eliminate the front tires and the rest of the drivetraine. Do it safely. It really works great when the engine is off and everything is spinning by the electric motor.
     
    #13 padroo, Apr 29, 2018
  14. robl45

    robl45 Member

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    It appears to be around 40 or so. I just feel a faint vibration and a whirring noise. It appears like it is coming from one of the back wheels. It is not loud per say, more like a windnoise type of noise that stays relatively constant but the vibration starts to increase a bit as the miles per hour go up.
     
    #14 robl45, Apr 29, 2018
  15. padroo

    padroo Senior Member

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    After a long fast drive check your wheel bearings for temperature by carefully feeling the back side of the hub.
    One of those temperature guns would be best.
     
    #15 padroo, Apr 29, 2018
  16. robl45

    robl45 Member

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    Don't have one of those. I drive 55 miles each way. I don't think i"ve ever heard it before. The tires aren't in the best shape for sure, I just don't want a wheel bearing going out on me while on the highway.
     
    #16 robl45, Apr 29, 2018
  17. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    they usually get very noisy before they go.
     
    #17 bisco, Apr 29, 2018
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