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Rumbling Sound on Passenger side

Discussion in 'Prius v Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by SteveBass, Jun 10, 2024.

  1. SteveBass

    SteveBass Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 27, 2012
    3
    0
    0
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    One
    Prius V 2012, 125K miles

    The car's developed a rumbling sound coming from what seems like the right front
    tire area.

    Some details:
    1. It occurs at all speeds.
    2. It's not a consistent rhythmic rumble (as in some part rubbing against another part).
    3. The rumble is all the same volume.
    4. It's chaotic -- in that I'll hear many short rumbles, silence for a few seconds, a single rumble, two rumbles in a row, sometimes three rubles, with no consistency.
    5. I can feel the rumbles, a sort of low vibration.
    6. It's not connected to anything on the road -- it's will happen on a smooth, newly paved asphalt road.

    My mechanic thinks it's the struts.

    I took many pictures (below). There's fluid covering the area on the inside of the right front tire as well as on a bracket below. (Sorry, I can't ID the parts; could be the strut, could be the brake.)

    img6.jpg

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    #1 SteveBass, Jun 10, 2024
  2. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2008
    7,900
    4,671
    7
    Location:
    Texas Hill Country
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    Struts could be bad but the leak should be small and localized to the strut. Bounce test them.

    A cv joint can splatter grease but that requires a torn boot. An easy to see diagnosis. However a bad cv joint can happen without a tear and could cause vibrations, usually far worse on turns.

    Both of the above are rare on a Prius with oem parts.

    A timing chain or pressure switch leak will dump oil everywhere on the right (passenger side). Tricker to see but common. It is would look like motor oil and not grease.

    A worn wheel bearing / hub assembly can make a humming noise and is relatively common.

    Most experienced mechanics can diagnose any of these. A trip to the dealer for a proper inspection might be worth $150 without risking changing good parts.
     
    #2 rjparker, Jun 11, 2024
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