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Car vibration at freeway speeds with minor acceleration

Discussion in 'Prius v Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Amy50421, Sep 11, 2024.

  1. Amy50421

    Amy50421 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2024
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    Location:
    Sultan, Washington
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    I have a 2013 prius v. For a bit now it's done a thing where it shudders on occasion (almost like a gear switching on a different kind of car) but this week it started shaking, mostly on the passenger side but under me a bit too. It's usually when am barely tapping the gas and for a few seconds after I let off gas, no gas no vibration, more gas no vibration.

    There are no sounds on turning either direction. My tire tread has outside wear and alignment could use looking at.

    While troubleshooting I came across a video about the coolant hose shaking and sure enough mine was very loose in it's bracket so I zip tied. Since doing so there is no vibration at in town speeds and at freeway speeds the frequency has decreased significantly but it's still there.

    Are there any other things I should check to see if they are loose? Is it maybe moving and rubbing just enough that even with zipties it will continue?
     
  2. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2008
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    Location:
    Texas Hill Country
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    First you want to roll down the windows and listen for noises as you drive.

    Second is to check the engine coolant reservoir on the passenger side of the engine. Make sure it’s not low which usually means blown head gasket.

    Third thing to do is to have a front end shop look at the suspension and cv axles and drive it. Most mechanics can tell by driving and listening where the problem is on your car.
     
  3. Amy50421

    Amy50421 New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2024
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    Location:
    Sultan, Washington
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    Engine coolant is at the low mark but that's where it's been since it last got serviced and they did a flush.

    Noises are maybe it sounds like it's riding a little harder and than usual and kind of a slight wind noise?

    We are going to pop it up and look at it this weekend. If you have any good diagnosis videos I'd love to see them. At least that way if we figure it out we can price shop around BEFORE taking it in someplace and getting raked
     
  4. rjparker

    rjparker Tu Humilde Sirviente

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2008
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    Location:
    Texas Hill Country
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    Is it still doing this occasionally?

    Getting a shop to look at it can be free so don’t discount that option. Dealers are the exception in most cases. Then you say I have to think about it and report back. Otherwise we are all guessing.
     
  5. Air_Boss

    Air_Boss Senior Member

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    Location:
    New Yawk
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    Loose exhaust pipe heat shield?