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

Whirring /humming at high speeds. wheel bearings?!?

Discussion in 'Prius c Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by GeoZoo, Jan 16, 2015.

  1. GeoZoo

    GeoZoo Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2014
    40
    17
    4
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius c
    Model:
    Three
    I noticed it a little after driving for days on very snowy/slushy/gritty roads where I had to plow some parking spots with my little 2013 C3.

    Tonight I was driving into Vancouver and back at 100+kph and noticed like a whirring sound or like a higher pitched humming sound possibly from drivers side front tire?? A little vibration felt through the wheel.

    I've driven cars with messed up bearings before so that is my first thought but really???? 34,760km only and just over a year old. Vibration is very light but noticeable.

    The car is always louder with the steel rims and snow tires on but they've been on for a month and this is different.

    My bright orange C was brown from the road dirt and wondering if maybe it needs a good undercarriage wash?

    Could something have been damaged from.plowing in the slush/snow?

    I took a peek and on the surface the wheels are dirty but ok. No damage to the rims.

    What should I be checking?
     
  2. Avi's Advanced Automotive

    Avi's Advanced Automotive Independent hybrid repair shop

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2012
    775
    359
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I would start with a tire rotation to see if the problem moves with the tires.

    Avi
     
  3. exstudent

    exstudent Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2009
    2,207
    897
    0
    Location:
    Torrance, CA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Maybe wheels need to be rebalanced? A wheel weight maybe fell off?
     
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    107,571
    48,862
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    punctured cv boot?
     
  5. MariCat

    MariCat Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2015
    8
    0
    0
    Location:
    Ontario, CA
    Vehicle:
    2001 Prius
    Model:
    I
    Avi, can you check your profile page? Sorry, this is off topic, but was trying to contact you if you still do Prius maintenance. Seems like others were as well.

    Back to your regularly scheduled program! Sorry for the interruption.
     
  6. cyclopathic

    cyclopathic Senior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2011
    3,292
    547
    0
    Location:
    2014 Prius c
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    +1

    It does sound like tire, and rotation is the easiest way to confirm or invalidate it.

    On Gen3 front ok but rear hub assembly is the weak point. If you clip curb it will come back a year later and the assembly $200+, give or take. Don't ask how I know it :(
     
  7. minkus

    minkus Active Member

    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2013
    369
    125
    0
    Location:
    Cleveland, OH
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Two
    Mine has an odd sound that happens at almost exactly 60 mph (96.5 kmph). I'll pay more attention next time it happens.
     
  8. Oldwolf

    Oldwolf Prius Enthusiast

    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2011
    816
    106
    0
    Location:
    NC
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Four
    At 60mph I can hear it too. I think it is the hybrid drivetrain inverters "singing" happily at that speed. I think you have nothing to worry about.
     
    minkus likes this.