1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Squealing when slowing / braking

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Mormegil, Jan 7, 2009.

  1. Mormegil

    Mormegil Member

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2007
    255
    15
    0
    Vehicle:
    2014 Chevy Volt
    From doing searches on this forum, I understand you can get some squealing while braking from rust build up on the drums (or maybe discs).

    I noticed a squealing noise when braking slowly, while way over 7-8 mph. At that point, it's typically the regenerative braking, and not the conventional friction brakes.

    Is it possible the rust could be causing squealing under such circumstances?

    I've got a 2007 with about 19,000 miles on it and my wife tells me I drive like a granny - so I doubt it's premature brake pad wear.

    Thanks
     
    #1 Mormegil, Jan 7, 2009
  2. richard schumacher

    richard schumacher shortbus driver

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2004
    7,663
    1,038
    0
    Location:
    United States
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    A faint, high pitched whine, faint enough that you may not be certain it's there, is the normal inverter noise.

    Does it disappear at low speed, or get louder/worse? I assume that you know or can guess what it sounds like when a rock is stuck in the brakes :_>
     
    #2 richard schumacher, Jan 7, 2009
  3. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2006
    18,058
    3,074
    7
    Location:
    Northern Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2006 Prius
    If it's not the normal regenerative whine, then you could have rust, a stone, or a mis-adjusted rear drum. Have you tried shifting into N and then braking? That will take regeneration out of the question. You can also use that technique to clean the brakes. Find a clear stretch of road, take it up to 40 or so, shift into N, and then brake until you slow down to 10 or 20. Repeat that a few times and see if the noise goes away.

    The rear drums are self adjusting, but it is possible for the adjustment to get messed up. Have you suffered a reduction in fuel mileage?

    Tom
     
    #3 qbee42, Jan 7, 2009
  4. Mormegil

    Mormegil Member

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2007
    255
    15
    0
    Vehicle:
    2014 Chevy Volt
    I'll give that a try tommorow (the neutral braking).

    Thanks
     
    #4 Mormegil, Jan 8, 2009
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)