Weird grinding noise when regen braking

The topic is as much as I can say to what my car's problem is.

2010 Prius II with 50k miles now.

When I'm slowing down and regen braking, I hear some weird creaking noise (imagine a metal bed frame squeaking -- sorry, this is the only noise that comes to mind lol). The creaking noise slows down as the car slows down. creakcreak creak creak creak..... creak.... creak....... creak............ stop. It's not a grinding noise that's constant. It's an interval noise that goes with the speed of the car as it slows down.

I've tested the friction brakes (next paragraph) and had them checked, TWICE by the dealership I bought it from (Subaru; I will have a toyota dealership check when I have time), and they are stumped. All they can say is that my brakes are practically brand spankin new and the rotors have no rust/debris. Reason why I went to Subaru is because I have a 1 month warranty with them and I'd rather get my car fixed through that warranty, in which they cover 100% before I turn it over to a Toyota dealership -- if not, then Luscious Garage in San Francisco.

When testing the friction brakes, I was rolling down a hill from 55mph and set it on neutral. Slowed down to a stop and there was no noise. Went up the hill again and did the same thing..... no noise.... until I put it on drive at around 15mph while braking, and the noise came back.

I have a sound clip I will upload once I transfer it from my phone.

But can anyone chime in and see what my car is suffering from? My 1 month powertrain warranty from the dealership I bought it from (Subaru) expired on the 3rd of November. I brought it in for inspection on the 1st. They claimed nothing was wrong. HOwever, this seems fishy. This noise is obviously bad. Are they supposed to use their ignorance card just because it's not a car from their manufacturer or are they supposed to make sure EVERYTHING is in WORKING CONDITION before they sell a car, new or used?

Thanks.

 

The same thing that happens when on drive, actually. Noise. I recorded both N and D. I'll go out and record the B portion of slowing down to make sure it's documented.

 

Ok, ran all tests.

B produces NO NOISE when not pedal

N produces NO NOISE when not pressing brake pedal

D produces NO NOISE when not pressing brake pedal

When pressing brake pedal:

N produces NO NOISE
B produces noise
D produces noise

Remember, this creaking noise comes from <25mph only. Very audible from 15-5mph.

 

The noise I have only comes from the driver's side, front, wheel.

 

Thanks! This is exactly the noise I'm hearing. In fact. I had cleared things up with the Subaru dealership on my visit there today.


My day ended pretty well today when I left the Subaru dealership. Although it took 3 hours of my time, 6 different people, including the GM... I have a scheduled appointment set to get my car worked on by Subaru.

I made my case pretty loud when they gave me the real reason why they didn't work on my car in the first place, "our service department was going to work on your car to get the noise looked at, but sales didn't want us working on it and end up paying for it." I pointed at documentation stating my warranty that covers powertrain [INCLUDING BRAKES and parts that were serviced and replaced by the dealership prior to the purchase] and he got really quiet. I don't think he expected me to bring documentation and slap it in his face. 3 other customers waiting in line heard that comment and was furious and almost caused a riot inside the dealership because they, too, were having similar issues about cars being checked out 'fine' but still end up having defects after driving away.

I had another test drive and it took 1/4 of a block to hear the noise and we were back in the garage that fast. I spoke to the GM and threatened them about bringing in an attorney to handle the dispute if they don't honor their warranty. GM says there's no need for that and he will personally take care of all my needs.

Their promise? Fix the noise. If they can't fix it, send it off to Toyota to get it fixed. Will I get billed? Nope. Everything is in paper and still under their warranty they had given me. Typed up and documented.

I was furious. But, at least everything is documented and I'll be having my car serviced this tuesday. Perhaps I can mention this CV part.

 

The noise, as I've read here and other forums, isn't a serious issue mechanically. However, it's not NORMAL. I shouldn't have to hear such noise coming from a car. Furthermore, I shouldn't have to DEAL with the noise just because it's a minor defect. Thus, getting it fixed is something I wanted done just because the 'what-if' factor down the line.

 

View My Video

Here's the sound clip. When I said, "right here", the noise was barely noticable because of the wind... but toward the 27 sec mark, it is very audible.

Again, this was driving straight, no turning, between 20-5mph.

 

I know, camera phone audio sucks. But that's the best I can do. That was, btw, with windows up. With them down, the noise sounds much more like metal ticking.