Stuttering sound when braking - UPDATED WITH AUDIO

I have had similar issues with dealers. Eddy's Toyota in Wichita, Kansas was terrible, but the nearest dealer was Hutchinson and they knew it.

An example of their "service": claimed at 50 k miles the brake pad thickness was 6 mm then at 60 k miles they were at 8 mm...... At the 70 k change, I got no vehicle inspection report, they said they lost it. I requested an inspection, and the tech came out to the service counter bay and performed the "inspection" there while I watched inside the waiting room. When I asked how they got the pad thickness I was told they measured, but watching from the window, no micrometer was seen..... I left them never to return.

Long story and example, but I only trust the dealer so far. If you cannot perform the inspection yourself, I would find a good mechanic and have them investigate.

The good news is this is a probably common mechanical problem and not one unique to a hybrid. If you go to a brake shop, they can probably give a good diagnosis. I would take your audio for evidence.

When you say they are within tolerance, does that mean on the low side? Could it be the squealer? Wheel bearing?

 

If by eyeball you mean they know where the brakes are located, then yes. They also might put the new tech on the 27 point inspections and guessing is part of the training program .

 

what is under warranty on a 2010?

 

gotcha, thanks! they sure have a funny way of making those warranties ineffective.

 

My 2008 Prius was making a very similar sound, and under very similar conditions (slowing to a stop while gently turning, particularly on a slight downhill slope). I would characterize it as more of a "creaking" sound than a stutter, but to each his own. If you search my recent postings you'll see the thread I wrote in which I tried to troubleshoot the source of the noise, thinking it might be a worn brake or suspension component, stuck caliper slide pins, or a defective front strut. My mechanic could find nothing wrong, and the noise persisted. Then one day, it simply vanished without a trace. Hopefully yours will too.

-Kizzy

 

I'm certainly no expert, but the brake solenoid diagnosis doesn't sound right to me. Since it happens only when the front wheels are turned to the left or the right, and more often on a downhill, it makes more sense to look at a suspension component, such as a bushing or a strut, as these would be under greater pressure under these circumstances from the weight of the car shifting. I'd perhaps suggest taking your Prius for an inspection of the front suspension. and see what if anything turns up.

-Kizzy

 

Long time follower. I read these forums like crazy and from what I understand several people have had this issue. I now have this issue and my dealer is having to contact toyota over this matter. From the forums it seems its the axle the inner bearing is making the noise. I have read once the axle has been changed the noise goes away. From multiple sources on this forum. I am guessing the torque of the electric motor might be to much for this car. Mine started to tick at 30k. It has just gotten worse.

 

Dealer told me they hear the ticking and went to the field service tech. And he said if you can't hear it with your windows rolled up then it's nothing to worry about. They refuse to fix it. I opened a case with Toyota Corp. Are you kidding me? If you can't hear it it. It doesn't exist?

 

Need to pinpoint it more front left or right side seem louder? Possible bearing front hub, axle joints, trans axle bearing, seem like it can be duplicated only on brake force\ regeneration force at a angle and certain torque rotation my guess with provide sound clip and limited info 1. Axle it's self most likely right side! 2. bearing inside the cvt\ inverter worn out the sound clip sound like a rotational noise and consistent with speed and sound externally cause of it level of sound, also I suspect it metal to metal from the sound clip. I don't believe it's a solenoid because it would known if the wheel was turn then be noisy but ok straightforward! Good luck!

 

Not sure where, but someone suggested doing the event over with the Prius in N. If it is there, odds are it's a failing CV joint. If not, it's normal.

I tried it in a place where I always get the noise, and in N, there was no noise.

My 2 cents. The Prius uses regen braking, but the brake calipers are always ready to engage. ABS systems ALWAYS pulse the brakes...it's just more noticeable when it's really needed. Likewise, when turned sufficiently, the brake discs are slightly off alignment and parts of a pad might be closer to the disc surface than when the wheels are straight.

Hence, my thought is the interaction between regen braking (when in D) and pad actuation causes them to "tap" the spinning disc...making the "tick tick tick" sound OR perhaps it's just the ABS unit (located on the driver side) more actively pulsing the brakes because a tight turn while braking hits the threshold of what the system thinks is a possible loss of traction that mandates ABS intervention. To me, the "tick tick tick" sounds very much like the ABS kicking in, but very faint.

 

at your own risk! In a open parking lot free from any danger ! Drive the vechicle first to make sure iit's there, then when clear and open ! Don't again but turn off the car and apply the brakes, eliminate any electronics ! If you have also micro camera and mic you can mount it in different areas with plumber putty to watch and record footage live to pinpoint problem! Remember this suggestion only for those whom had experiences at your own risk! !!!

 

I'll find the links but there are plenty. If it is the Regen or abs. Why doesn't this occur on a new prius.?or after a few people have had their axles replaced the noise went away.? I honestly think it might be some bearing and when the torque and wheel angleis just right putting pressure on that area it shows it sign.

 

I have 50,000 on my 2013 Prius and started noticing this noise as well. Only seems to happen when making turns.

 

I read somewhere here, the Prius wheel bearings are a design that aims to lower rolling resistance, but is maybe less durable?

 

Looks like this is the same problem here. 2011 Prius making noise only when slowing down/braking and turning | PriusChat

I wonder if I'll have to get the CV joint replaced.

 

Rhythmic noise while turning is classic symptom of Constant Velocity joint failing. I forget, but isn't the direction you're turning that causes the noise symptomatic of which CV joint is failing? Have the CV joints been inspected, no tears or flung grease. If you have a floor jack and safety stands you could do the inspection. Even without raising the car you can look for flung grease and outer boot condition in the wheel well.

Still, I wouldn't jump to conclusions, let professional mechanics test drive and inspect too.