Weird ticking sound, please help *video*

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by si12j12, Nov 28, 2013.

  1. Feri

    Feri Active Member

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    It's highly unlikely to fail. Mainly it's just an annoying noise.;)
     
  2. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

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    I rotated wheels last weekend. While in park and with one front wheel immobilized, the raised front wheel has some free play and there was some metallic noise while moving it back and forth. While I remember similar free play in non-hybrid cars, I didn't remember that noise. Could it be the ticking noise I'm hearing while slowing down?
     
  3. Feri

    Feri Active Member

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    It wasn't drive train hitting the parking lock pawl?
     
  4. si12j12

    si12j12 Member

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    I believe there needs to be a force applied to the drive axle in order for there to have any noticeable "ticking" such as braking or turning.

    I also rotated the wheel by hand, but nothing out of the ordinary is heard.
     
  5. mrstop

    mrstop PWR Mode

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    I reinstalled the OEM shocks & springs so that I am back at stock height. Previously, my car was lowered ~1 3/4" on coilovers. The clicking sound is now diminished. I only hear it faintly with the windows down. I have not tested it enough to see if the clicking is all the time or just occasionally.
     
  6. si12j12

    si12j12 Member

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    The noise started before installing springs. Noise gradually got louder.I do not believe that springs is what causes the clicking noise.

    I am still on springs after getting it fixed (TRD) and there is no noise associated with new drive shaft.
     
  7. mrstop

    mrstop PWR Mode

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    I agree that it isn't the springs causing the noise. I am hoping to save the hassle of arguing with the dealer as to lowering being the cause. It's just a little weird that the change in geometry is causing the noise to decrease.
     
  8. adamace1

    adamace1 Senior Member

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    I have put 10,000 miles on the car after I noticed the clicking when stopping and turning. It happens almost every time I am turning while stopping. No noise when stopping straight. I may try to go back to dealer. I am going to find a good spot to have them ride along so I can show them.
     
    PriusYin and 2004priusgal like this.
  9. Chris S

    Chris S Active Member

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    I've got about 8k and a year since my noise started. I guess it's no worse. Be interesting to hear what the dealer says. I'm going to replace the shaft but am waiting until I have nothing better to do with $700 ;-)


    iPhone ?
     
  10. charlie_rivera1

    charlie_rivera1 Junior Member

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    I have the same problem on my 2011 prius as well. I have taken it to two Toyota dealers and both places do not have a clue about the ticking noise at lower speeds; even though they both have heard the noise. I also recorded it and it sounds identical to yours. They both checked the entire system and could not find anything. The car is still working find as new and have gotten used to the ticking noise by now. The whole thing started around 40k miles and the car has now 70k. I personally think that it sounds like a relay going on and off.
     
  11. bear4

    bear4 Junior Member

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    Thank you for posting a copy of your invoice. Although my dealership did hear the noise, I had to show them a copy of your invoice in order to get them to diagnose the problem and agree to replace. A copy of my invoice is attached, perhaps it will help someone to get their issue resolved too
     

    Attached Files:

  12. UoD

    UoD Junior Member

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    I've got a 2011 with just over 60k on it. I started hearing the noise about 5k ago, and I figured it to be CV joint related. Glad I found this thread and all of the great information. This will definitely help when I have to hit up my local mechanic for diagnosis.

    Did anyone have luck getting this replaced under one of the extended powertrain warranties? My car came with one of those 20 year / 200,000 powertrain warranties that every dealer seems to be advertising like it's the best thing since sliced bread. Specifically, it's the one from here : New Toyota Warranty in Thomasville, GA | Thomasville Toyota .

    I'm going to give the warranty company a call next week to inquire, but was wondering if anyone else had luck in the meantime.
     
  13. si12j12

    si12j12 Member

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    *** Update ***
    Ticking / clicking sound has returned. It is faint but it audible.

    Not very happy about it.
    This will be the 4rth time taking it to the dealership.
     
    2004priusgal likes this.
  14. cproaudio

    cproaudio Speedlock Overrider

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    You only had 1 side replaced right? Most likely it's the other side that's making the noise. Same thing happened to me. I got mine replaced a year apart.
     
  15. Europe Amsterdam Area

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    Hi guys,
    I ve lowered my 2010 Prius and after that the clicking noise came in when braking. 4 mechanics looked at the car but couldn t find the cause. This week my local toyota dealer checked the car (i had to pay 300 euro for the diagnose!!!!!). They told me it is the cv joint, caused by the lowering. Replacement will cost me another 950 euro!!! I m verry upset with this, I bought a prius for its well buildness. But these costs are dramatic. I m now considering to sell this car. Also because there is also a click in the steering which cant be found. I m verry disapointed in the quality.
     
  16. cproaudio

    cproaudio Speedlock Overrider

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    The clicking is probably already there. You just couldn't hear it. Lowering it might have change the drive shaft angle to amplify the ticking. Did the ticking happened right after you lowered the vehicle or did it take a few weeks?
     
  17. mrstop

    mrstop PWR Mode

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    For me, it took a little while (several months) before the ticking showed up after lowering. Since I removed my coilovers and reinstalled the OEM springs, the clicking has pretty much gone away. I was hoping that it would continue to get it serviced under warranty.

    I saw some pics of the CV joint grease posted in another thread (http://priuschat.com/threads/opening-engine-after-knocking.147677/#post-2106434). The grease does not look like the traditional CV grease that I'm used to. It looks very thin and less viscous. I'm wondering if Toyota is doing something different to get a bit more efficiency? However, it may be at the expense of durability.


    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    I have used Raxles.com axles in my lowered Integra for years. If the Toyota products are failing, it may be worth contacting them for replacements or advice.
     
    telmo744 likes this.
  18. eightiesdude

    eightiesdude Junior Member

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    The clicking on left started about 3k ago. My 2011 prius has 81k miles and I am wondering if I should even bother with it since it only happens at slow speeds coming to a stop and turning the wheel a bit
     
  19. eightiesdude

    eightiesdude Junior Member

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    Took my car into dealer. I had to ride with mechanic to have them hear it. After he and another mechanic they determined its the boot slapping or rubbing so they silicone the outside and the sound diminished. Its still there but much less than it was. They could not find any other problem with anything else.
     
  20. adamace1

    adamace1 Senior Member

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    Well I have posted in this topic a few times. I wanted to give a update my pass side outer cv joint failed this morning it took out the boot in the process and slung thick grease all over. It made a loud pop sound. It only made a ticking noise when stopping and turning before it broke. I was able to get it off the road. It has been towed to dealer that said everything was fine a few months back. I now have 81k on the car.