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Front End Rattle

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by veggiecar, Mar 14, 2015.

  1. veggiecar

    veggiecar Junior Member

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    2012 Prius
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    I have had this problem for a little while. When I would go over bumps I would get a rattling sound coming from the front end. Not necessarily big bumps. A lightly wash board road would do it bad. Tonight at a stop light I lightly moved the steering wheel from one side to the other. Maybe only an inch or so. Going in each direction I heard a knock or dull click. I got under the car and tried moving the tie rods. They seemed pretty tight. Any thoughts? I just want to be prepared when I take it to the dealer for repair. Thanks so much ...
     
    #1 veggiecar, Mar 14, 2015
  2. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    If the car in question is the 2005, mileage info and vehicle history helps. I would first take it to a "reputable" front end shop for a free eval and have them show/duplicate any findings. Even good Toyota Dealerships usually charge a buck just to look at it...and you don't need a "hybrid expert" or "Toyota Only" mechanic at higher Dealer rates to fix common steering/suspension issues...if that is indeed the case.
     
    #2 frodoz737, Mar 15, 2015
  3. veggiecar

    veggiecar Junior Member

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    I am sorry. The car is a 2013 with 75,000 miles.
     
    #3 veggiecar, Mar 15, 2015
    Fostel likes this.
  4. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Include brakes to comprehensive eval, but my advice remains as those items are still off warranty. Make them show you though.
     
    #4 frodoz737, Mar 15, 2015
  5. David Wells

    David Wells Junior Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    FWIW, my 2011 had a rattle in the center, front while slowly diving over gravel or speed bumps. Sounded like a rock or something was bouncing on top the plastic underpan. So it just returned from the dealership with a new "45221-12330 Extension, Steering" and "45260-12710 Shaft Assbly, Steering" Not entirely sure what those are, but it no longer rattles. Initial bill was $723.26, but the extended warranty covered it, save the $100 deductible.
     
    #5 David Wells, Jul 15, 2015
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