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Why do the doors always slam shut and rattle the car even when you're trying not to slam them?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by guspasho, May 2, 2016.

  1. guspasho

    guspasho New Member

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    Ok, I'm not sure how to explain this, but I've noticed with some cars, you can slam the car doors real hard any something stops them from slamming and shaking everything. It seems that some seal or something in the door construction deals with that extra energy without giving you the impression you are slowly causing the car to fall apart. But not with the Prius. In fact, I have regular passengers who know my pet peeve and try not to slam the door and still have trouble *not* doing it.

    Does anyone know what the name for this effect is, why the Prius has this problem, what it is that other cars have done to prevent it, and if there is something I can do about it, like an after-market modification? Thanks in advance.
     
  2. Whiteyprius

    Whiteyprius Active Member

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    Does the door slam when all other doors & windows are closed? Pressure in a closed cabin should prevent this slamming issue.
     
  3. matt b.

    matt b. Member

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    I ride share and I am constantly asking my customers as soon as they open the door to please do not slam my door or to be gentle closing the door because overtime with all the slamming that they do because they don't care it's not their car it is awful and it is a pet peeve of mine as well I'd like more rubber around the doors or something that would prevent them from slamming the doors almost what seems to be on purpose
     
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  4. guspasho

    guspasho New Member

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    I believe I've noticed it when everything else is closed, but I'll have to get back to you for confirmation on that. However, to my recollection, the hatch does not have this problem, only the doors.
     
  5. matt b.

    matt b. Member

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    I know with my car there is no pressure that prevents the rear doors from slamming or even the passenger door so all three doors with up to 4 passengers sounds like a drum parade
    This is a result of a lighter than normal car
     
  6. matt b.

    matt b. Member

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    Inertia?
     
  7. matt b.

    matt b. Member

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    I discussed this issue with Toyota and they say it's no big deal I say BS
     
  8. matt b.

    matt b. Member

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    No matter what anyone else says I know that it's bad for the doors not just my ears
     
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    not sure how bad it is for the doors, i haven't seen any issues back to 2004.
    i find if i can shut my door before my wife, hers doesn't slam as hard.:cool:
    i have heard they added more rubber and insulation to gen 4, but have not witnessed in person.
     
  10. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Haven't noticed any big difference.
     
  11. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    It's the nature of cars, some do and some don't. I worked where we had a fleet of cars, all different brands and shapes, and they varied between identical models - just manufacturing tolerances. My own 2 door Corolla was better than the 4 door my father-in-law had. Then if I got into my friend's S Class Merc, doors closed with barely any noise. But I didn't mind - he paid 7 times as much, so I guess he deserved better.
     
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  12. Kenny94945

    Kenny94945 Active Member

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    See post 2.

    Doors close quickly/ hard because they are attracted to your magnetic personality? Joke.

    Seriously you could remove the door panels and install Dynomat or like product to "solid" up the sound of the door.
    While the panel is off inspect for rattles.
    Perhaps add rubber "bumpers" to the sill area where the bumpers will contacts the door...yet this may make the door even more difficult to close with a light touch.
    Lube your hinges and latch.
    Regarding post 2, some manufacturers have a one way air release value built into the car yet that would be a major modification, yet could be done.
    I have a '16 v and don't experience the need to really close the doors hard as you describe.

    Good luck.
     
  13. CoolPrius

    CoolPrius Active Member

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    The doors are so light and hollow but adding mass will make them feel like regular car doors. I did this over the weekend and the doors feel solid and great now.
     
  14. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

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    no, because there are vents in the rear (in every car). without those vents, doors would refuse to close.
     
  15. qdllc

    qdllc Senior Member

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    I've not noticed this issue in any vehicle I've owned. If there's a rattle from closing the door, something's loose or not well sealed.
     
  16. matt b.

    matt b. Member

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    I think I'm going to get some window insulation just the little black strips and find a couple of areas inside the doors and see if that doesn't do the trick . I'm looking for a cheap fix
     
  17. mmmodem

    mmmodem Senior Taste Tester

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    Don't try to overthink it. You stated it in your thread title. The rattle simply comes from vibration. The cause of which is insulation. The Prius and economy cars in general lack this because it costs money and weight.

    Think of a bank vault. The more mass you have on the door, the more substantial it will feel as you open and close it. Luxury cars also have thicker glass and thicker sheet metal. That's not something you retrofit easily on a Prius though.

    On some luxury cars, the also doors suck shut. You just have to put the door to within a certain distnce and it will seal shut. Again, no easily retrofit on a Prius.

    Dynamat the interior panels is about all you can do.
     
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