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Multiple bad hub assemblies

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by DrTrivia, Oct 1, 2017.

  1. DrTrivia

    DrTrivia Member

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    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    2011 Prius III with ~150k miles. I had to replace the passenger side rear hub assembly earlier this year because it went bad. Grinding noise when turning by hand, and LOUD cycling noise when driving. Loud enough to almost drown out the radio. Replaced it, everything was good. Then started hearing some very low "lub lub" noises when driving recently, and have been having a clicking noise coming from the driver side rear wheel. Removed the wheel and turned the hub, got a little grinding so I replaced that as well. The "lub lub" did not improve much when driving, so I checked the front wheels as well. I could not detect a problem turning the hubs with the wheels off, although it was a little stiffer on the driver side. But with the wheels on (so it takes less effort to turn them) I can hear a faint, but distinct grinding from the bearings when turning the front driver side. I think that one is bad as well.

    I haven't had to replace any hub in previous cars, so I'm not sure if this is normal. The car does have 150-160k miles on it, mostly highway, and I have also been taking some long car trips this year (6, 8, 10, 14+hrs straight). Maybe I'm just straining the car, but though I'd ask just in case. Sometimes there are underlying problems that can cause parts to prematurely fail, so I do want to see if anyone has a differing opinion before I find myself replacing the hubs every few months.
     
  2. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Vehicle:
    2019 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Prime Plus
    I just attempted the front hub assemblies on our 2010 Prius II with 163 k miles on it Friday and Saturday :):

    What did you do to ur Gen III Prius today????

    The hubs I bought were the Dura Go hubs off of Rock Auto. One for and one did not :(. Then went to Oreillys and got a Duralast hub with the same result.

    Next go around in December will be with a Moog or Timken on the passenger front and see if it is machined better(y).
     
    #2 Raytheeagle, Oct 1, 2017
    Last edited: Oct 1, 2017
  3. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Location:
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    Moog ones are much cheaper at advanced auto....with a coupon code
     
  4. DrTrivia

    DrTrivia Member

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    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Moog at Advance Auto Parts: $280.99, minus 15% discount
    Moog at AutoZone: $169.99, minus 20% discount
    I've never used "Dura Go", not sure if I've heard of them. I have used Duralast parts before, but I don't think I'd trust it in a critical part like this. I ordered Moogs for both the rear hub, and the front I'm going to be replacing. AutoZone accidentally sent me a Timken hub on my last order, which I think is just as good even though it has a shorter warranty.