Strange noises when using the steering wheel after restart

Doesn't sound right to me. You should take the car back to your Toyota dealer and let them figure out what is causing the problem.

 

Weird. It sounds like the wheels grab on the floor and the slip and transmit the sound to the steering wheel...
I'll try tomorrow but I don't recall having it.

 

Does it make the sound while in motion?

 

I would get someone to look under the car while you turn the wheel.
I had a Toyota Prado (not prius) that had loose universal steering bolts that would clunk but only from side to side. Had some slop in it.
Its like your power steering is hitting something or cavitating. levels correct? Cold fluid?

 

I'm pretty the Prius uses electric power steering. Thus, no fluid to check.

 

I've just tried mine and it does the same, although it's not as loud as that. It only does it when stood still so I never noticed it before as I don't usually turn the steering whilst stood as it put all sorts of stress on the steering gear and if done often can flat spot the tyres.
I put it down to the front springs/struts twisting, nothing to worry about.

 

Applying full lock with any more than very gentle force produces a clunk as the electric power steering his the stop. At least that's what I think mine is doing.

 

No initial clacking just the klonging at 90 degree turn of the wheel. LOL I feel like I'm learning a new technical language here.

 

Hi GREG-FR
My Prius does the same thing. I believe it's the strut bearing above the coil spring.
Take it up with the dealer if you want, but I wouldn't be worried about it.

 

I think I asked about this on PC once. Mine does this everytime too. I always thought it was cold tires on asphalt. Very loudly too. And since I always drove regular non-hybrids before this Prius, I assumed most cars would make a similar noise but I wouldn't have been able to hear it through the ICE.

 

The first click/clunk is the rotor breaking free of the pads and the second one can only be described as the noise of the steering mechanism reaching the full extent of its travel. I believe there is nothing to worry about - PROVIDING you don't slam the steering wheel to the so to hard/often.

 

My 2016 4T does this as well no matter how long it has been parked and regardless of surface or temp. I used to work at a Toyota dealership and had my tech quickly put it on the lift to investigate. We found both strut tower bearings binding up. We replaced them and the noise went away for 2 days. Then the noise returned. If enough owners make a complaint, Toyota will come out with a TSB.

 

Is this an safety issue, or just an annoyance?

 

Is there a link I can send something in, or do I have to take it to Toyota? If it's a safety issue now or in the future, id rather have it fixed before the warranty is up.

 

Is there a link I can send something in, or do I have to take it to Toyota? If it's a safety issue now or in the future, is rather

 

New 4th gen prius owner here. I bought mine preowned and it's been doing that sound since I got it. I brought it to Toyota and at first they "could not replicate" the sound (of course lol!) but when I showed it to the mechanic, he never knew about it until I brought it up. We tested another preowned 4th gen on their lot and confirmed that it did the same thing.

Annoying but hopefully they come up with a TSB on this.