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2016 - Strut Nut - Technical Bulletin

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by TLCESQ, Oct 21, 2016.

  1. TLCESQ

    TLCESQ Member

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    Recently developed obnoxious knocking sound inside vehicle. Could not determine cause. Spent 2 hours in dealer service; they couldn't identify cause of noise. Even dismantled entire back interior down to steel.
    Took it back for more investigation and they found a new Tech Bulletin identifying issue whetr the nuts securing the struts back out over time due to vibration, causing the struts to rattle. Seems to be an issue with many (200+ incidents so far). So, if your 2016 starts to rattle, this may be the cause. Quick fix with updated nuts and I'm back to a very quiet ride.
     
  2. goldfinger

    goldfinger Active Member

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    I might have this. I've noticed an occasional clunk from the rear suspension. You wouldn't know the bulletin number would you?
     
  3. Gen 2 Tom

    Gen 2 Tom Active Member

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    When you here symptoms of a bad disease, you swear you have it. I know I heard a clunk back there the other day.
     
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  4. krmcg

    krmcg Lowered Blizzard Pearl Beauty

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    Plus 1
     
  5. TLCESQ

    TLCESQ Member

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    This wasn't a one-time or random sound. It happened quite frequently at low speeds, even on smooth surfaces. Only relief was at highway speeds.

    Unfortunately, do not know #. Check with dealer?
     
  6. randomwalk101

    randomwalk101 DYI'er

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  7. Gen 2 Tom

    Gen 2 Tom Active Member

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    Any one know if that nut is tightened from the cabin side, or under the car? I would like to take a look at mine.
     
  8. randomwalk101

    randomwalk101 DYI'er

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  9. Gen 2 Tom

    Gen 2 Tom Active Member

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    Anyone find it yet? Take a picture?
     
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  10. Archimedes

    Archimedes Junior Member

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    I typed in the number but nothing came up relating to Prius

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
  11. jasmine1979

    jasmine1979 New Member

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    Just had our first strut replaced at 15000 miles and now the second one at 23000...So far not very impressed with the 2016 prius.....
     
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  12. Gen 2 Tom

    Gen 2 Tom Active Member

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    Strut replaced, or the nut tightened?
     
  13. frankemtp1

    frankemtp1 Junior Member

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    I had the same problem and it took two trips to figure it out. In order to hear the issue drive with windows closed and fan and radio off. The fix is easy and no issues after the bolt was properly torqued. I suspect a robot was having an off day.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
    I should add that it is a 2016 Touring 4 that is by far the best car that I have ever owned .
     
    #13 frankemtp1, Nov 12, 2016
    Last edited: Nov 12, 2016
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  14. Ben Little

    Ben Little Junior Member

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    I've heard a clunk from the rear left side but only when I was driving on a road that was being repaved. Dont hear anything on paved roads or at highway speeds on bumpy roads. Got a 16000 service coming up, probably ask then, see how far I get.
     
  15. robsnyder20

    robsnyder20 Active Member

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    Has anyone noticed this when braking only, I seem to have a ticking noise when braking? I agree, hard to hear unless it is very quiet, but annoying now that I have noticed this and happened to have the radio off
     
  16. tucatz

    tucatz Active Member

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    My vehicle has the same rattling issue in the rear suspension. My 2016 is an early build and I've only had it for 2 months 3600 miles but I developed the rattling issue right away. I have an appt at my local Toyota next week and hope a (relatively) simple repair involving taking off all of the plastic and felt parts to get to loose bolts on the suspension struts will fix it.
     
  17. ETP

    ETP 2021 Prime(Limit),Highlander HYB Plat,B52-D,G,F,H

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    Noticed this on both of mine plus a little cold engine start up rattle.
     
  18. first_superior_prius

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    I have noticed this... sounds like it is coming from both sides of the vehicle in the trunk, but from inside. That sound familiar to folks that have had the strut nuts tightened?
     
  19. altdel

    altdel Member

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    On mine, it sounded like coming from the right side of the trunk inside the car. For me, it was very reproducible; you stand behind the car and push down on the right rear bumper in quick succession. You can hear the noise as a low-pitched clicking sound.
     
  20. Coast Cruiser

    Coast Cruiser Senior Member

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    Some owners are having the entire struts replaced. They claim that is part of the Technical service bulletin.

    I called the parts department at the Toyota dealer, and he told me they were replacing the struts with the same struts! Same part number. Is Toyota re-installing the same bad struts? :ROFLMAO: Why does that not surprise me.

    I don't think the problem is with the struts, I think the issue is with the bad nuts that are coming loose. This new Prius sure is becoming very disappointing.