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2011 Prius: Rumbling sound! Is it a wheel bearing or the auto trans

Discussion in 'PriusChat Website Questions' started by Chris de Niese, Mar 3, 2019.

  1. Chris de Niese

    Chris de Niese Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Hi Folks, newbie seeking help:

    Since yesterday, I hear a rumbling sound when driving.

    It reminds me of personally changing the occasional wheel bearing in the 1960’s cars. I’ve never had to do it since but this sound is reminiscent of the 60’s cars.

    While driving I shifted to N and the sound is still there.

    Used to be that in stick shifts, rumbling when cruising in N pointed to a wheel bearing.

    I’m just not sure because I have a sneaky feeling it may even be the auto trans? My wife made the mistake of continuing to rev when the car couldn’t handle the snow/ice on our driveway a few times.

    Any suggestions would be appreciated.
     
    #1 Chris de Niese, Mar 3, 2019
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    i doubt its the tranny. how many miles on her? most likely a bearing, tire or velocity joint
     
    #2 bisco, Mar 3, 2019
  3. padroo

    padroo Senior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Chesterton, Indiana Another third world country.
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Raise both front wheels off the ground and let the car at idle. You can stop one of the wheels from rotating by letting your foot drag against the sidewall of the tire stopping the wheel, do the same thing on the other side.
    It only runs at about six miles an hour.
     
    #3 padroo, Mar 3, 2019
  4. Chris de Niese

    Chris de Niese Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Thanks....it’s done 160k trouble-free miles except for the EGR warranty repair. BTW, the shuddering is back when the car is very cold.....same EGR problem.

    I complained to Toyota cust Serv and they’ve formally noted my complaint in case they need to repeat the warranty fix if more complaints come in.

    Padroo, thanks for the suggestion. Sounds good, I’ll do it as soon as I buy some stands for each side..
     
    #4 Chris de Niese, Mar 4, 2019
    bisco likes this.
  5. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    2019 Prius Prime
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    Prime Plus
    I’d clean the whole Egr circuit ;).

    The valve only gets one of the components :cool:.

    Plenty more opportunity there to be examined (y).
     
    #5 Raytheeagle, Mar 4, 2019
    bisco, Chris de Niese, SFO and 1 other person like this.
  6. Chris de Niese

    Chris de Niese Junior Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    III
    Yeah! Thanks
     
    #6 Chris de Niese, Mar 5, 2019
    Raytheeagle likes this.
  7. Chris de Niese

    Chris de Niese Junior Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    III
    It was the rear passenger side bearing. Thanks for the advice....
     
    #7 Chris de Niese, Mar 10, 2019
  8. padroo

    padroo Senior Member

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    2016 Prius
    Model:
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    How did you determine what it was, what was your procedure?
     
    #8 padroo, Mar 11, 2019
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