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Chassis Noise

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by frodoz737, May 14, 2011.

  1. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Took my 2010 with 10,250 miles to the Dealer yesterday because there is an uncomfortable "tinny" rattle heard under the car when driven over sharp bumps and dips (rough road). Almost like a loose brake shield. At oil change I made mention of this and a missing fastener and nut clip was thought responsible. This time I had a test drive with the mechanic and we verified it was on both sides having done several passes on the same road hazard. After a period of trouble shooting in the shop, a decision was made on the front struts, but none in stock. Brought it back this morning for the replacements and was found not to be the problem. My Service Dept is very competent, however this is one of those noises you can duplicate on the road, but not easily in the shop. Awaiting "Toyota Technical" on Monday. Was given a free rental (with toll tags :eek:) and they asked to keep the car until it's fixed. Was also told everything is covered under warranty. Have had no accidents or run overs, and the car is in perfect condition otherwise. It is not the oil door.

    Anyone with similar past symptoms, or knowledge of, who would like to share while I wait?
     
    #1 frodoz737, May 14, 2011
  2. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    Nope.
    Except for the "tinny" part, I'd suspect an underside panel.
    The 'good' news is that your dealer is dealing with it unnder warranty.

    Let us know how it shakes out...and
    Good Luck!
     
    #2 ETC(SS), May 14, 2011
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    probably some loose change under the seats.
     
    #3 bisco, May 14, 2011
  4. 2011v

    2011v Member

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    I too have heard this click or clack when hitting a bad patch of road at speed (30 or above). Happens on both sides and is very momentary otherwise the suspension is tight with no irregular sounds. Does not seem to happen as a result of full strut extension. Now that you have ruled out the struts I bet its something simple. I thought of jacking the front end up to try and replicate the sound.

    Most wouldn't even notice this, Im sure it took a ride along with the tech by you to validate this.


    I would love to also hear of your resolution.
     
    #4 2011v, May 15, 2011
  5. GSW

    GSW PRIUS POWER

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    Most likely its the brake calipers. They need a shim to stop the rattle. Good luck!
     
    #5 GSW, May 15, 2011
  6. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    The sound is like a loose dust shield at the brake rotor or a heat shield against the exhaust, on conventional cars. Definitely metal on metal. They are taking this seriously. Gave me a Corola S as a loaner. I miss my Stereo.
     
    #6 frodoz737, May 15, 2011
  7. EthanC

    EthanC Junior Member

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    GSW,
    Do you know what kind of shim they used? Where I can find it? I am trying to triage this myself.

    Thanks
     
    #7 EthanC, May 16, 2011
  8. rrolff

    rrolff Prius Surgeon

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    I wish this would become a bigger topic - all Gen IIIs I have driven have the same issue. The brake pads are loose - so when you drive over various rough surfaces, they chatter - and do it quite loudly (IMHO).

    It's easy to duplicate - drive over those 'bots dots' with your windows down. Our neighborhood has these dots over a crosswalk. It's crazy loud (it also doesn't help that the sound bounces off the curb)...

    That's your rattle....
     
    #8 rrolff, May 16, 2011
  9. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Follow up...noise gone. They fixed it!

    Since front struts were no help, Front Caliper Pins were next target, but none in stock at time. Was told if this didn't do it, we "may" have to wait for a TSB. Order was placed and I decided to bring it back at 15K service to try again, as I stay pretty busy. This is not a saftey issue, just annoying as hell.

    This is description on invoice:

    FRONT BRAKE PINS. SOP PARTS HERE
    PLAY IN SLIDE PINS AND HOLDERS
    REPLACED PINS AND HOLDERS PER TECH LINE XXXXXX X X.X

    PARTS
    1 47721-47050 MOUNTING, DISC BR WARRANTY
    1 47722-47060 MOUNTING. DISC BR WARRANTY
    2 47715-52190 PIN, CYLINDER SLI WARRANTY
    2 47715-12A10 PIN, CYLINDER SLI WARRANTY


    Parts and labor were free. There is no T.S.B. issued for this to my knowledge. They are just a good Dealership with a good Service Department taking care of a business.

    Yes Mam, no Sir, thank you, please. Patience and Courtesy sometimes still works in this crazy world we live in.

    I repeat, it's fixed. :cool:
     
    #9 frodoz737, Jul 16, 2011
  10. katiesdad7

    katiesdad7 Member

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    Yep, that's exactly what they did for mine also. But it took 2 visits to get it right. The fist time they said the noise was "normal"
     
    #10 katiesdad7, Jul 17, 2011
  11. ucsmfu

    ucsmfu Senior Member

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    does the sound, sound like a metal rattling sound that comes front the front steering wheel ?
     
    #11 ucsmfu, Feb 9, 2013
  12. css28

    css28 Senior Member

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    It's covered by T-SB-0136-11, which was issued September 12, 2011. Its introduction reads "Some 2010 - 2011 model year Prius vehicles may exhibit front brake rattle when driving over Botts' dots (raised pavement markers) or rough surfaces. Use the following procedure to address this condition."

    The title of the service bulletin is "Front Brake Rattle Over Bumps".
     
    #12 css28, Feb 9, 2013
  13. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Issued September 12, 2011 and my Dealer fixed FREE July 2011. Pat Lobb Toyota of McKinney still does it right. (y)
     
    #13 frodoz737, Feb 9, 2013
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