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“Ding” when brake pedal is released

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by Rere1967, Aug 17, 2023.

  1. Rere1967

    Rere1967 Junior Member

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    My 2008 Touring has about 145,000 miles on it. For about a year, when the brake pedal is depressed and I take my foot off, there is a soft “ding” like the sound of a triangle being struck with a metal rod. I’ve had it in to the mechanic a few times with no resolution, but this last time they said they hear the sound and think it’s related to my rear brakes wearing unevenly. I don’t doubt they need to be replaced, but since the sound was there when my brakes were deemed to be fine, I am suspicious. Any ideas?
     
    #1 Rere1967, Aug 17, 2023
  2. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Would you say the ding sounds like it's behind you?
     
    #2 ChapmanF, Aug 17, 2023
  3. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Describing strange sounds your car is making is far and away the hardest diagnosis mechanics have to deal with... First step is confirming the so-called "ding" is coming from the rear brakes. Have someone drive your car down an empty street while you walk along side it next to the rear wheels and see if you can hear it there.
     
    #3 PriusCamper, Aug 17, 2023
  4. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    I personally like to keep all my ding sounds in front of me... But maybe that's not important to know?
     
    #4 PriusCamper, Aug 17, 2023
  5. Rere1967

    Rere1967 Junior Member

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    No, not really. It sounds like it’s coming from the floor, actually. I haven’t listened to it from outside the vehicle though. I will ask my husband to assist.
     
    #5 Rere1967, Aug 17, 2023
  6. Rere1967

    Rere1967 Junior Member

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    Thank you. I will try that.
     
    #6 Rere1967, Aug 17, 2023
  7. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Also look under the driver's side dash and inspect the brake pedal movement. Seems like the most likely place...
     
    #7 PriusCamper, Aug 17, 2023
  8. Rere1967

    Rere1967 Junior Member

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    Generally, they’re just in my head, but somehow this time is different. :)
     
    #8 Rere1967, Aug 17, 2023
  9. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    I'd rather have that than door dings...
     
    #9 PriusCamper, Aug 17, 2023
  10. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Sure, but if you have to face backward in the car to do that, other drivers get nervous.
     
    #10 ChapmanF, Aug 17, 2023
  11. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    In one of the generation 2s that I have. When I put my foot on the brake and then let my foot off the brake I can hear the rear squeal like something's not lubricated like when the pressure is let off the wheel cylinder the pivot points on the shoes are rubbing there's no more lubrication It's consistent with me hitting the pedal and letting off every time I let off there's a squeak squeak squeak and that's that I haven't taken the time to pull the backs apart it's time for new drums and shoes and a hardware kitten all that I probably do it in the fall and that will stop that.
     
    #11 Tombukt2, Aug 17, 2023
  12. pasadena_commut

    pasadena_commut Senior Member

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    My first guess...

    Could be the brake pressure switch piston or lever (not sure which is used on this car) is sticking. When the OP releases the pedal there is a brief delay before it unsticks, then the end smacks into the brake pedal mechanism like the clapper on a bell and "ding".

    If this is it the OP can probably observe it by looking upward towards the brake pedal mechanism and engaging it by hand, with a rapid release. Also, if the brake is released very slowly it will either not ding, or not ding as loudly, as the "throw" of the piston/lever will be reduced.

    Also, check all the bolts holding the brake pedal mechanism in place. If it got a little wonky the pedal itself might bind coming back up, and then release with a ding when it comes free.
     
    #12 pasadena_commut, Aug 19, 2023
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