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Speedometer cable noise?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by crstars, Oct 12, 2010.

  1. crstars

    crstars New Member

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    My '07 Prius has started making what I would call "speedometer cable noise." It also sounds a bit like brake grinding. It is quite loud in the cabin but not easy to find. It happens about twice for each turn of the wheel. It is loudest while the car is coasting, or moving forward very slowly. It goes away for the most part when accelerating even just a little bit or when applying a little brake (even when the real brakes should not be activated). I have put both front wheels up on stands and turned them by hand, no noise. I then started the car and let the wheels drive forward, backwards and coast down in neutral. No noise!

    Here is the question, does the '07 have a REAL speedometer cable and if so where does it hook up on the underside. If it uses a solid state sensor then what else might be causing the noise.
     
    #1 crstars, Oct 12, 2010
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Green Valley, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
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    There is no mechanical speedometer cable, so you can rule that out immediately.

    I am wondering whether you have a wheel bearing problem. How about raising the rear of the car and spinning the rear wheels.

    Does the sound occur while you are making a turn? If so then perhaps you can get someone else to drive the car in a tight circle while you remain outside the car. See if you can figure out which side the sound is coming from and whether the sound is from the front or rear wheel. Good luck.
     
    #2 Patrick Wong, Oct 12, 2010
  3. crstars

    crstars New Member

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    Thanks for ruling out the spedo cable. That's pretty much what I thought. It sure sounds like it's from the front but I will try the back wheels, then update.
     
    #3 crstars, Oct 12, 2010
  4. crstars

    crstars New Member

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    Jacked up each rear wheel and gave it a spin. No bearing noise, no brake shoe rub. wheels spin equally free. Front rotors are scratch free on both sides so I am ruling out break problems since it stops ok.

    Car has only 55k miles. Problem only seems to occur while weight is on all tires.

    Need Ideas.

    RM
     
    #4 crstars, Oct 12, 2010
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