droning sound when driving at 40mph+, uploaded video, can anyone help identify..?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by viciousthinker, Jul 31, 2025 at 1:22 PM.

  1. viciousthinker

    viciousthinker Junior Member

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    hi all, OK I have a 2012 Prius three with 260 K miles on it… Recently I’ve noticed at any time that I’m driving faster than around 40 mph. I start to hear a groaning sound, I cannot identify where it’s coming from… When I roll my window down, it’s actually quieter. Went on the highway going a good 60 to 65 mph. I took the car out of drive and put it into neutral, the sound was not affected, stayed at the same drowning pitch, so I’m assuming it isn’t necessarily drivetrain related?

    I took a small video, hoping to capture the sound itself, so perhaps others could listen, and maybe identify… It’s only about a minute and a half long, to be found at:

    https://youtube.com/shorts/OBOhRcTeSjw?si=FNjk_RL1FHIbNqZd

    if any could take the time to listen, I’d really appreciate some input, this is a sound I’ve never heard before, and for the moment I’m limiting driving to 40 and under, thanks in advance all.
     
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    droning or groaning or drowning?

    could be wheel bearing or tyre
     
  3. viciousthinker

    viciousthinker Junior Member

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    thx for your reply, we’re you able to hear the sound on my video clip?
     
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    not enough to distinguish it
     
  5. bettergolf

    bettergolf Active Member

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    Also could be a tire...I had one making a noise that I was sure was a wheel bearing...rotated the tires and the sound moved to another area!!