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Front end vibration

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by mrsocal, Sep 14, 2015.

  1. mrsocal

    mrsocal Junior Member

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    I just bought a used 2012 pip with 26000 miles. I noticed that when I accelerate at the on ramp to reach the carpool lane, a noticeable vibration is felt from the front end of the car. The vibration subsides when I reach cruising speed. The steering wheel doesn't shake or vibrate, only the front end. I checked the tires and they look fine, they are the original tires that came with the car.
    If anyone has experienced this vibration, please share your thoughts.

    Thank you.
     
    #1 mrsocal, Sep 14, 2015
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    haven't, but i suspect the tyres and alignment should be checked. you could rotate the tyres first, to see if there's any difference.
     
    #2 bisco, Sep 16, 2015
  3. mrsocal

    mrsocal Junior Member

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    I'll do that, hopefully that will take care of the problem. Thank you.
     
    #3 mrsocal, Sep 19, 2015
  4. aljudy

    aljudy Junior Member

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    My guess is wheel balance is the problem. Make sure you do high-speed balance of all wheels. I would wait on spending money on alignment.
     
    #4 aljudy, Sep 20, 2015
  5. crewdog

    crewdog Acting Ensign Prius Prime

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    This sounds eerily the same as bad CV joints on a 1978 VW bus. It had the same symptoms, and after I had constant velocity joints replaced, the dealer showed me the 1 " ball bearings that should have been spherical, but had worn to egg shaped.

    Good luck.
     
    #5 crewdog, Sep 21, 2015
  6. trentofdestiny

    trentofdestiny Master Finagler

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    1. Alignment will not cause vibration, only tire wear (which can cause noise mostly, and a little harshness)
    2. Vibration going away at highway speed means it's not tire balance - that usualy comes in strongest around 60.
    3. It sounds like an engine mount or CV axle, possibly wheel bearing but less likely. It seems the application of torque during acceleration is what's causing the vibration. Could even be a misfire although the engine computer ought to find that on its own.
     
    #6 trentofdestiny, Oct 4, 2015
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