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could it be a wheel bearing? Tires?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by GasSavings, Nov 22, 2024 at 11:54 AM.

  1. GasSavings

    GasSavings New Member

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    hey everyone, how are you? I've got a 2010 Prius (not sure of the model, it's got a nice stereo, no nav, alloy wheels...how do I tell which one it is?

    The fuel economy is pretty good at 5.4L/100 and that's driving it faster than I should!

    There's a sound in the back, a je je je sound coming from the rear. It *sounds* like a metal no metal wheel bearing. The car's got 89k km on it, not a lot. Prob the orginal tires, maybe they're flat spotted?
    I'm trying to find the manufacturer date on the tires but can't seem to locate it. They're Michelin 195/65x15's, still decent tread but with a treadwear of 820, these things are hard and last forever!

    Thanks for reading!
     
    #1 GasSavings, Nov 22, 2024 at 11:54 AM
  2. Buzzhead

    Buzzhead Non-Interference w/ devel of pre-Warp civs

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    Rotate the tires front to back. If the noise moves, it's the tires.
     
    #2 Buzzhead, Nov 22, 2024 at 4:30 PM
    GasSavings likes this.
  3. GasSavings

    GasSavings New Member

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    Okay, I'll try that, thank you. The tires are March 7, 2017, ~7.5 years old.

    How long do wheel bearings normally last on this car? It sat around a lot, not being driven if that matters?
     
    #3 GasSavings, Nov 22, 2024 at 4:47 PM
  4. Frontporch

    Frontporch Member

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    That's getting older, although some tires sit on a shelf for a year or two after the manuf date. if that's the install date, probably time to give them the once over looking at tread depth and sidewall condition. I usually go by mileage and look for uneven wear.

    Just to rule out the brakes, any change in sound when brakes are applied. I know that is kind of a trick question as there is regenerative breaking and friction breaks. I would suggest a more agressive braking so that the mechanical brakes are applied.
     
    #4 Frontporch, Nov 22, 2024 at 7:28 PM
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