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Body loose in the spare tire compartment?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by franksrental, Jan 26, 2024.

  1. franksrental

    franksrental Junior Member

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    Hello experts when I break I have been hearing like a thump coming from the rear.
    I thought I had like a heavy thing loose in the spare tire compartment.
    Now, few days later every time I break, brakes make like scratching noise again it seems coming from the rear? Could it be drum issue, any ideas?
    It also does it when I back out the driveway.
    Where should I start troubleshooting?


    Thank you in advance for your wisdom!
     
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    If you feel your brakes are causing the issue, you can get a free brake inspection at many auto service shops. I think you should have them check it out and you can decide what you need to replace.

    Some slight grinding/scratching noises can come up after the car has been sitting in the rain. If you do a few brake cycles while coasting in neutral, it might solve your issue.
     
  3. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Where are you in "usa", in the rust belt? What's the miles on it? Presumably you've thoroughly checked the hatch area, taken off the floor, under-floor tray, inspected the spare and tools, and 12 volt battery is secure?
     
  4. franksrental

    franksrental Junior Member

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    Thanks so much JC, yes it's been raining 3 days in a row and no garage.

    Hey Mendel I'm in South Carolina. Yes I'd inspected the hatch, battery and so on. So the thump is still a bit of a mystery.
     
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  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    what car and how many miles?
     
  6. franksrental

    franksrental Junior Member

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    2008 with 230K. Sorry I should have said that first...
     
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  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i would take a hard look at all the rear suspension components. how is the rust situation underneath?
     
  8. franksrental

    franksrental Junior Member

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    thank for the reply. The thing is this noise happens even at very slow speeds like coming out of the driveway. So I would not think it is a suspension issue. But tomorrow I will do some testing. For sure there is the rain component that explains the squeaking noise. As far as the moving body I guess I may take it for a free brake inspection. I already looked at the front pads and they seemed to have still quite a bit of life.