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noise between 70 and 90km/h

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by parappa, Sep 1, 2024.

  1. parappa

    parappa New Member

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    Hello there,
    I've had a strange noise coming from the front of the car for a few weeks.
    It's a kind of rumbling noise coming from the front of the car.
    You can hear it from 70km/h (45mph), you hear it the most at 88km/h (55mph), and you don't hear it at all from 90km/h (56mph).
    The noise comes from the engine, but it's not related to the combustion engine: when I accelerate hard, the noise is always the same, you just hear the combustion engine over it.
    2 people listened to it: the first said it sounded like something rotating, the second said it must be a noise coming from the electric motor.
    It doesn't seem to be linked to the front axle, as you can't hear it all the time.

    Does this sound remind you of anything?

    Thanks for your help!
     
  2. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Sound bite time
     
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Might be the ‘clutch’ between the engine and the transmission. how many miles on her?
     
  4. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    It's remotely possible that could be the torque plate which would be the spring slamming but something needs to cause that the engine or the transmission not being in good sync usually
     
  5. parappa

    parappa New Member

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    Thank you for your answers!

    The car has ~190000 km (~120000 miles).

    It seems that I won't be able to take care of it myself, and that I'll have to go to the garage. Too bad.
     
    bisco likes this.
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    climb under the car and make sure none of the aero panels are loose
     
  7. parappa

    parappa New Member

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    Is there a particular part you're thinking of? I've checked that the front bumper is securely in place; I don't know if anything else could be making noise.
     
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    yes, the whole bottom of the car is covered in plastic panels intended to smooth airflow and increase efficiency.
    usually, from behind the bumper to the rear of the engine bay is where the can become disconnected.
    then airflow will get behind them and make the flap or vibrate and make noise.
    if you can't get underneath to check them, it will have to go on a lift.
     
  9. parappa

    parappa New Member

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    I had a quick look (without lifting the car) and noticed that I was missing a mudflap in front of the wheel on the driver's side. Well, I find it hard to believe that this could have anything to do with it, but who knows?
     
  10. parappa

    parappa New Member

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    I finally went to the garage and was told it was the left front bearing. They changed it for ~600€ and everything looks fine now.
     
    dolj likes this.