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faint intermittent squeaking at low speed with no brakes

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by sas0611, Sep 9, 2008.

  1. sas0611

    sas0611 Member

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    Car only has 2100 miles on it so it might not be any concern. I've noticed a sound coming from what seems to be back of the car. Can hear it when moving 5-10 mph and ICE is off (while fully on electric). I am usually not braking at the time. It is a squeaking sound that seemingly occurs concentrically and is very faint. Almost like a faint whistling sound more than a squeak. It is not constant but seems to occur upon revolutions of tires at certain random intervals. Easy to miss and is more noticeable when windows are up. Could a rotor or brake pad be doing this already. Sounds almost like a brake sensor low warning noise at the very beginning of it's nag phase (still very faint).

    As always, any thoughts appreciated. Thanks in advance.
     
    #1 sas0611, Sep 9, 2008
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    If you hear the sound coming from the rear, it could be a rear brake shoe that is slightly dragging on the drum. If you can raise up the car, release the parking brake, and spin each rear wheel by hand, then you can see whether this is the case.
     
    #2 Patrick Wong, Sep 9, 2008
  3. sas0611

    sas0611 Member

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    thanks - that's what it sounds like to me but what do I know ? If that's what is causing the sound, being as faint as it is... could that be permaturely wearing my drums and causing a diminished fuel efficiency ? I don't have a lift so I suppose I'd just take it over to the dealer to have them spin them up. Could I jack one side at a time and freely spin each rear independently ? I'm wondering if it started when I used my emergency brake to park on a hill a while back. I only set it once since getting the car in july and really don't know when this noise started.

    Thanks...
     
    #3 sas0611, Sep 9, 2008
  4. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    Yes, you could jack up one side at a time. Each rear wheel spins independently on a stub axle.

    Since you mentioned that you do not routinely use the parking brake, you might also try applying the parking brake hard, then release it - and see if that makes any difference.
     
    #4 Patrick Wong, Sep 9, 2008
  5. sas0611

    sas0611 Member

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    I'll give that a whirl tomorrow - Thanks Patrick ! I'll let you know if it works. This is not the same '08 with the bumper damage. This is mine which is superwhite. My wife's is the one with the scrubbed up front bumper. She could care less about the looks of the car but it makes me a little crazy. She already has a few dings as well but she loves the car and drives it a lot - a real lot. She got hers in March 08 and has 11,700 miles on it. I wish I could be more like her and let foolish things go that in the long run don't amount to anything. I think that is why woman out live men.
     
    #5 sas0611, Sep 9, 2008
  6. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    The rear drum brakes self adjust if needed every time they are used. That said, it is possible for the adjustment to get out of whack and cause them to drag. It's also possible that your brakes are crudded up. Have you tried the N braking technique to clean them?

    Tom
     
    #6 qbee42, Sep 10, 2008
  7. sas0611

    sas0611 Member

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    good thought - I'll try the N technique tonight.. Thanks
     
    #7 sas0611, Sep 10, 2008
  8. sas0611

    sas0611 Member

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    Tried cleaning brakes using N position repeatedly. I still hear occasional squeak sound - no difference. Do not need to be applying brakes to hear it. Maybe not brake related ? ALso set and release parking brake a couple of times ? Any other thoughts ?

    Thanks in advance..
     
    #8 sas0611, Sep 10, 2008
  9. hansgrason1

    hansgrason1 Member

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    I too am having the exact same issue with my Gen 3 - Mod IV! I have around 1,800 miles on mine. ...
    Just curius, what is the "N technique"?
     
    #9 hansgrason1, Aug 20, 2009
  10. auricchio

    auricchio Member

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    Could you be hearing the electronic sound of the inverter?

    See if the sound changes in the different modes: under light power in Drive, coasting in Drive, and coasting in neutral (which disables the regenerative braking). If the sound differs, then it's coming from the inverter and not the wheels.
     
    #10 auricchio, Aug 23, 2009
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