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Prius Prime Bumpy Ride and Vibrations at High Speed

Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-2022)' started by shortyredprime, May 18, 2023.

  1. shortyredprime

    shortyredprime Junior Member

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    I can be driving on a perfectly smooth road and the car feels like I am driving on a bumpy road.

    I took the car into a shop where all the suspension parts were checked. No issues were found. They noticed that one tire had a bulge and I was going to replace tires in the next 3-6 months anyway, so I moved forward with new tires.

    The bumpy road feel conditions continued. I took it to a different shop for alignment and they found no issues with the suspension. The car was essential already close to perfect alignment. A minor alignment adjustment was made.

    After leaving the alignment shop, the vehicle now has a fast shaking, though "minor" vibration at speeds over 55, getting worse as I go faster.

    I went back to the shop that did the tires for them to double check everything. Again no suspension issues were found. I also asked them to recheck the CV axles which they said feel like they have no give.

    Have any of you experienced this bumpy road feel with the shaky vibrations at high speeds? Thanks.
     
    #1 shortyredprime, May 18, 2023
  2. MikeDee

    MikeDee Senior Member

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    Wheel balance or out of round tires?
     
    #2 MikeDee, May 18, 2023
  3. ForestBeekeeper

    ForestBeekeeper Active Member

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    Has anyone checked your tire balancing?

    I know it is a simple thing, but, ...
     
    #3 ForestBeekeeper, May 18, 2023
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  4. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    No and I'm sorry you're experiencing these issues. Mine has (was) smooth and controlled and behaved as expected.

    If the alignment and specifications are good, perhaps it's a worn or poorly mounted shock absorber or bushing?

    Were the wheels properly balanced? Any cracks in the wheels?

    Were all the wheel lugs properly tightened and inspected? (should be if you swapped tires but maybe the original nuts were weak?)
     
    #4 Tideland Prius, May 18, 2023
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    how many miles on her?
    how long time/miles have you owned her?
    at what mileage did the bumpiness/shaking begin?
     
    #5 bisco, May 18, 2023
  6. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

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    Take the car to another shop and have the tires rebalance or at least a balance checked on all four.

    The tire balance machines are known to drop out of calibration. Our old shop kept a perfectly balanced tire, hanging on our wall. Whenever there was a question of machine balance accuracy, we would put that tire on to verify calibration.
     
    #6 BiomedO1, May 18, 2023
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  7. shortyredprime

    shortyredprime Junior Member

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    67k miles
    Bumpyness started a couple of weeks ago, got a lots worse when I went over 2 bad bumps at high speed
    Tires/wheels/tie rod ends/ ball joints/cv axle all supposedly check out as fine after 3 checks
    Existed before new tires and still continues with new tire
    starting to wonder if the issue is somehow has to do with regenerative braking or some kind of engine mount or something that mounts the transmission to the frame
    Seems to be the worst and most noticeable at speeds under 10 though can be felt throughout acceleration
    usually I am a very cautious and non aggressive driver
    Thank you for taking the time to try to help
     
    #7 shortyredprime, May 20, 2023
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  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    could the bumps have damaged a strut or wheel?

    maybe a dealer needs to pull off the aero covers give everything a thorough inspection
     
    #8 bisco, May 20, 2023
  9. shortyredprime

    shortyredprime Junior Member

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    Thank you and that is a good idea. I know of a really good mechanic that’s far away from me, but I did get a recommendation for another mechanic. I could try in the area where I’m staying. Someone also had asked how long if I had the vehicle and I’ve had it from the beginning, and I’ve taken good care of it with Routine, maintenance and beyond expected routine maintenance to be very diligent about caring for it
     
    #9 shortyredprime, May 22, 2023
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