Loud metallic slapping sound when driving over lane reflectors - AUDIO RECORDING NOW INCLUDED

Looking forward to seeing this TSB being posted. Once I have it, I will return to Toyota and ask for the fix to be done once and for all.

 

I also forgot to mention I don't use the wheel covers as I prefer the look of the black OEM wheels over the silver wheel covers.

 

Have 17" Wheels on this one. Were installed by the Gulf States Toyota Distribution before making it to the dealer.

 

My 2010 has made this noise since it was new.

 

I had similar problem. After I replaced the front struts, i also noticed "clunking" when I was braille driving or hit a manhole cover. It never did it before the struts.

I thought it was the end links so I bought 2 new ones. So while taking off the old end links, the front sway bar was disconnected from both sides. This is where i noticed that the sway bar are free to swing up and down, banging on both upper and lower control arm which is the exact sound i heard from inside the car.

I did replaced both bushings and the sound went sway. The ride was a little softer too.

See the pix of how worn out the old one is.

The new bushings will be bigger than the slot but will compress into the spot once you tighten up the bolts.

Oh, the bushings are designated left and right side.

 

The rubber still seems pliable but the notice the hole where the sway bar goes is quite large. I think the bushing supposed to control the up/down motion of the sway bar. After i install the new bushings, the bar had more resistance going up/down.

These are what i ordered. Cheaper than OE.

Left

Right

Noticed the little nub, it goes into the bracket below

 

I might pull my right front brakes and re-grease them tomorrow, to see if this goes away. I doubt it will solve it, but we'll see.

 

Again - I think it's a suspension issue. Sway bar bushings....end links....these can be very noisy when worn, and very inexpensive and easy to replace.

 

I greased the right front very thoroughly, and the sliders are covered in the stuff. I'll probably wind up contaminating the pads eventually. Sacrificed for science.

Problem is still there. So lubricating the front brakes is not the solution. And I very recently lubed all of my brake pins and I greased the pad assembly all around anyway.

To be honest, this problem doesn't bother me. I've had the car four years and only noticed it recently. It's not hard to avoid Dr. Bott's dots.

 

My general observation in life?
Anyone who brags about having extensive experience and/or how smart they are?
Usually isn't too bright and knows very little.

 

+1

 

My 2010 Prius II with 138 k on it does not sound like either audio recordings. Out in Northern California we have all different types of lane reflectors, and no noise like that. Hear plenty of brakes squealing, but that is caused by the quality of drivers.

I would not say it is normal, and I do not have that noise eminate from my Prius. IMO, I would inspect the wheels, brakes, rotors and undercarriage myself, or take it to a brake shop as the dealer you have been using I would question.

 

Suspension.
Struts and end links.
Take it to another dealer

 

Have you called Toyota of America?
Have you taken it to a reputable independent shop?