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Car sounds like angle grinder

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by gprimr1, Feb 10, 2022.

  1. gprimr1

    gprimr1 New Member

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    2010 Prius
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    I have a 2010 Prius and about a week ago, it started making a grinding noise. It sounds at times like an angle grinder under the hood.

    I took it to a mechanic who looked it over. He was not able to find the cause of the noise.

    There are no codes in the computer system, and performance has not been impacted.

    The noise is loudest when the engine is cold and goes away once the engine warms up.

    This is a video I took to capture the noise Tuesday night. The engine had been off since Monday evening:


    I'd really like to keep the car going another year, so I'm def concerned about this noise, but I'm also concerned if I take it to a Toyota dealership, I'm going to end up with a repair bill bigger than the car's worth.
     
    #1 gprimr1, Feb 10, 2022
  2. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    1) When you open the coolant reservoir cap does it make a sucking sound?

    2) Consider cleaning / having an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve maintenance schedule

    3) Aggressively shake your tail pipe when this noise happens to ensure it's not loose exhaust shielding
     
    #2 PriusCamper, Feb 11, 2022
  3. AzWxGuy

    AzWxGuy Weather Guy

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    Could be the water pump bearing or pump idler pulley. Sort of hard to locate and confirm though. I've used the piece of broom handle to ear technique, which must be done carefully around moving parts. A precise squirt of water may also temporarily eliminate the noise. Or loosen up the water pump belt and remove and see if the sound stops. Don't run the engine very long though.
     
    #3 AzWxGuy, Feb 11, 2022
    PriusCamper likes this.
  4. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    There are NO belts on a 2010 Prius. Nothing to snag.
    Hard to tell from the video what the noise is, it almost sounds like a rattle, like something is loose.

    You could use a screw drive, long one, or long socket extension, to the ear, and touch the water pump.
    If it's the water pump, you'll know it instantly. You also have the inverter coolant pump, it's under the
    fuze box.

    What area is it coming from? Have someone start the car while you are listening close to the engine.
    I would say it could also be the ac compressor, but with the cooler weather, it probably no turned on.
    But check to make sure...
     
    #4 ASRDogman, Feb 11, 2022
  5. AzWxGuy

    AzWxGuy Weather Guy

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    Oh, yes, sorry. I was remembering my 2008. I'll see myself out...
     
    #5 AzWxGuy, Feb 11, 2022
  6. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

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    It's not that big of a deal...


     
    #6 ASRDogman, Feb 11, 2022
  7. gprimr1

    gprimr1 New Member

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    Three
    I opened the coolant tanks after letting the car cool down.

    The engine tank hissed when opening.

    The inverter tank had a very slight sucking noise.
     
    #7 gprimr1, Feb 24, 2022
  8. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Opening the coolant reservoir to the sound of air sucking in is a sign of lost coolant due to blown headgasket.
     
    #8 PriusCamper, Feb 24, 2022
  9. ETC(SS)

    ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

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    Time to check the dipstick......

    ...and prices on a replacement........
     
    #9 ETC(SS), Feb 24, 2022
  10. AzusaPrius

    AzusaPrius Senior Member

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    For starters that does not sound like a HG issue and people are already pointing you in the direction as if it was.

    The coolant res will always make a small hiss but if it last like 3 seconds a sounds like pffttt, then you have a blown HG.

    Best to check that in the morning on cold start.

    I would assume like someone else said the waterpump or pully.
     
    #10 AzusaPrius, Feb 24, 2022
  11. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    How many miles?
     
    #11 Mendel Leisk, Feb 26, 2022
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