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Strange whirring sound coming from rear offside wheel

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by MotorisedRollinghams, Apr 30, 2018.

  1. MotorisedRollinghams

    MotorisedRollinghams Junior Member

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    I have been the proud owner of a 2004 Toyota Prius since January. Full service history, bought from a relatively reputable dealer. This forum helped me a lot when I was dopey enough to run the battery down shortly after buying it. Today I need help with a new potential problem...

    Recently it has developed a strange whirring sound on the rear offside wheel, like a quiet "whooosh...whooosh...whooosh" while inside the car. It is slightly more noticable outside the car.

    Any ideas what might be wrong? What should I look at to diagnose this problem?
     
    #1 MotorisedRollinghams, Apr 30, 2018
  2. magnumrtawd

    magnumrtawd Member

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    Brake indicator rubbing on worn out rear brakes.
     
    #2 magnumrtawd, May 1, 2018
  3. MotorisedRollinghams

    MotorisedRollinghams Junior Member

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    I've listened to videos of the brake indicator and I don't think that's the right sound. I think it might be that a the wheel bearing is worn. Does that sounds like a possibility to you?
     
    #3 MotorisedRollinghams, May 1, 2018
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    yes, or a bad tire. move the tires around to eliminate that possibility.
    also could just be something stuck in there, open her up and have a good look. turn the wheel to see if you hear anything. are they discs in back?
     
    #4 bisco, May 1, 2018
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  5. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    Yup and that was my first thought. Prius are known for wheel bearing issues. After driving it for a good bit, carefully touch the center portion of that wheel and compare to the other side. It's not an expensive fix but shop around.
     
    #5 fotomoto, May 1, 2018
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Feeling for unusually hot wheels I'd assume?
     
    #6 Mendel Leisk, May 1, 2018
  7. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    Yes, the center cap portion in particular.
     
    #7 fotomoto, May 1, 2018
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  8. MotorisedRollinghams

    MotorisedRollinghams Junior Member

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    Sorry for the long delay but I've been on holiday. I took the car to a mechanic. He has diagnosed it as corroded brake discs. He wanted to replace all the brake discs but quoted a very high price - nearly £600.

    I am interested in car mechanics so I want to consider doing this myself. First I will get the car back and confirm his diagnosis by taking the wheels off and having a look around with a torch. Then I'll order parts and get a family member to help me do the job. My haynes manual is inside the car so I don't know what the requirements are right but based on some googling I think I'll need to replace the brake pads when I replace the brake discs. I don't have space or tools where I live (urban area) so I'll have to take it to a DIY mechanics where they lend you the space and the tools.

    Does this sound like a sane plan?
     
    #8 MotorisedRollinghams, May 21, 2018
  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I'm a little skeptical, thinking it might still be the bearings. First step as you say, would be to have a look for yourself. With the wheel raised, even before removal, turning it might help pinpoint the sound. Maybe @Patrick Wong , @edthefox5, @JC91006, @ChapmanF or other savvy sages can comment.
     
    #9 Mendel Leisk, May 21, 2018
  10. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    If the problem is due to rusty discs, it may be possible to "sand" off the discs by getting the car up to 50 mph or so on a road with no traffic behind you, then shift to N and apply the brakes moderately, to slow the car down to a slow speed, then accelerate back up to 50 mph, shift into N, apply the brakes, etc. The point of shifting to N is to force the friction brakes to operate instead of relying mostly upon regenerative braking. A light coat of rust can be removed after applying the brakes a few times.
     
    #10 Patrick Wong, May 21, 2018
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