Whirring Noise Every 15-30 Seconds?

sounds like a bad brake actuator. they are expensive, lots of threads here. after confirming, talk to a mechanic who can put in a salvage unit.
all the best!

 

What does normal operation of the brake actuator sound like? Only when braking hard? Braking at all?

 

Mine sounds like that parked in my garage shut down. Every once in a while it runs.

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

 

you first hear it when you open the drivers door, a buzzing sound as it builds pressure. then you hear it when pressing the from time to time while driving to maintain the pressure. i don't think hard braking affects it.

 

Did this ever get diagnosed/repaired?

I noticed yesterday that my 2007 is doing this. Does it while accelerating, coasting, idling and even after I turn it off. Always had a sound after turning it off - was told it’s a water pump or something… my mechanic is stumped….

thanks!
Lynn

 

The noise posted was for the brake booster.


For your car, open the hood.
Listen for where the sound is coming from.

The brake booster is near the windshield/firewall, on the driver's side.
The water pump, iirc, is near the front bumper, on the passenger side.


Fwiw, many brake boosters are back ordered (1-9 months out).
So, if it is the brake booster, get one ordered asap.
Getting used is not recommended. Unless you need something for now. Knowing very well that you're spending money for something that may not last long.

Good Luck!

 

Mine has been doing this ever since I bought it (used) 80k miles ago. I've never got an error code or had the brake ABS light illuminate. I recall reading that it is normal to hear that noise every 3 brake presses. If you hear it every time you press the brake, then likely an issue. I'm just going to wait until my ABS light comes on or I get some related error code.

 

Water pump is behind & below the left headlight. That would be driver's side near the front in North American and many other countries.

But if it's coming & going, it's probably the brake pump. Unfortunately. As mentioned, listen for where it's originating.

 

My 2008 prius does it as well, as frequently or more as video posted by MEH1483. Bought it used. It started doing it more frequently after I moved to Tx and currently has 148K miles on it. I previously owned a Gen2 2004 prius and drove for 330K miles (I broke it as I wrecked it) and had no issue except for wear and tear and had to put new suspension. This 2008 I am not that lucky. I do not get any error codes on OBD, but the red triangle flickers on and off and Prius is sluggish.I have to read through more info on forum here before I post my other issues.