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noise between 70 and 90km/h

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by parappa, Sep 1, 2024 at 11:34 AM.

  1. parappa

    parappa New Member

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    Hello there,
    I've had a strange noise coming from the front of the car for a few weeks.
    It's a kind of rumbling noise coming from the front of the car.
    You can hear it from 70km/h (45mph), you hear it the most at 88km/h (55mph), and you don't hear it at all from 90km/h (56mph).
    The noise comes from the engine, but it's not related to the combustion engine: when I accelerate hard, the noise is always the same, you just hear the combustion engine over it.
    2 people listened to it: the first said it sounded like something rotating, the second said it must be a noise coming from the electric motor.
    It doesn't seem to be linked to the front axle, as you can't hear it all the time.

    Does this sound remind you of anything?

    Thanks for your help!
     
    #1 parappa, Sep 1, 2024 at 11:34 AM
  2. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Sound bite time
     
    #2 Tombukt2, Sep 1, 2024 at 1:30 PM
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Might be the ‘clutch’ between the engine and the transmission. how many miles on her?
     
    #3 bisco, Sep 1, 2024 at 1:35 PM
  4. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    It's remotely possible that could be the torque plate which would be the spring slamming but something needs to cause that the engine or the transmission not being in good sync usually
     
    #4 Tombukt2, Sep 1, 2024 at 5:21 PM
  5. parappa

    parappa New Member

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    Thank you for your answers!

    The car has ~190000 km (~120000 miles).

    It seems that I won't be able to take care of it myself, and that I'll have to go to the garage. Too bad.
     
    #5 parappa, Sep 2, 2024 at 6:27 AM
    bisco likes this.
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    climb under the car and make sure none of the aero panels are loose
     
    #6 bisco, Sep 2, 2024 at 7:50 PM
  7. parappa

    parappa New Member

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    Is there a particular part you're thinking of? I've checked that the front bumper is securely in place; I don't know if anything else could be making noise.
     
    #7 parappa, Sep 3, 2024 at 12:14 PM
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    yes, the whole bottom of the car is covered in plastic panels intended to smooth airflow and increase efficiency.
    usually, from behind the bumper to the rear of the engine bay is where the can become disconnected.
    then airflow will get behind them and make the flap or vibrate and make noise.
    if you can't get underneath to check them, it will have to go on a lift.
     
    #8 bisco, Sep 3, 2024 at 1:50 PM
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