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52mph and a "tinnie" sound

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Technical Discussion' started by TonyPSchaefer, Aug 11, 2008.

  1. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    On Wednesday I drove to my home town. Yesterday, I drove back. It's 362 miles each way. I chose to drive non-Interstate and stay on more casual roadways. As such, my speed hovered in the high-40s to high-50s.

    I noticed a very strange thing: when my speed hit 52mph, there was a sound I can only describe as "tinnie" that would seem to come from the front-left tire area. At first, I likened it to the sound a chain makes as it skips along a road; sort of that cling cling sound. Then I thought it was most like loose thin metal - flashing perhaps - shaking and hitting something.

    It didn't matter if I was coming down to 52mph or heading up to 52mph. As soon as I hit 52mph, there was the sound.

    Any thoughts, anyone?
     
    #1 TonyPSchaefer, Aug 11, 2008
  2. Rae Vynn

    Rae Vynn Artist In Residence

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    A stone in your wheel?
     
    #2 Rae Vynn, Aug 11, 2008
  3. dogfriend

    dogfriend Human - Animal Hybrid

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    You have something loose which has a natural frequency of vibration at 52 mph. It should be easy to find - have someone else drive the car at 52 mph while you climb out on the hood and listen for it. :madgrin:
     
    #3 dogfriend, Aug 11, 2008
  4. TonyPSchaefer

    TonyPSchaefer Your Friendly Moderator
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    I tried setting the cruise control and hanging out the open door. I couldn't find the source.
    Of course, that darned seatbelt was restraining me so I had to unbuckle it to be able to see completely under the car.
     
    #4 TonyPSchaefer, Aug 11, 2008
  5. a priori

    a priori Canonus Curiosus

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    Any luck tracking this down, Tony?

    It sounds like a resonance issue to me, so I'd just check to see what is loose anywhere around the wheel or the left front quarter panel. Perhaps it is one of the plastic pieces underneath the car?

    It could be something in the tire (like a rock), but you'd also hear something else at low speeds. If you can drive close by a wall, building or road divider (in low traffic) with your window down, you'll be able to hear anything on or in the tire.

    I had something similar recently, though no tinnie sound. It turned out to be a piece of heavy plastic wrap that was wound around the exhaust. It only made a noise I could hear inside when I was driving at high speed. Around town I noticed it just when I drove close by a building (with my windows down).

    Just a thought!
     
    #5 a priori, Aug 11, 2008
  6. dogfriend

    dogfriend Human - Animal Hybrid

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    My earlier post was somewhat facetious, but I agree with checking the plastic pieces at the front, particularly the LH fender liners. Another possibility would be the dust shields behind the brake rotors.

    If it was a Ford, I would just suggest waiting until the offending piece falls off the car. :D
     
    #6 dogfriend, Aug 11, 2008
  7. donee

    donee New Member

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    Hi Tony,

    I drive 52 mph everyday in SHM. And I even have flashing wrapped on my trim rings. But I do not hear any "tinnie" sounds from the wheels.

    Check for a small rock between the brake backer plate and the disk, or something to do with your exhaust systems.
     
    #7 donee, Aug 13, 2008
  8. Rae Vynn

    Rae Vynn Artist In Residence

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    :pound:
     
    #8 Rae Vynn, Aug 13, 2008
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