Weird ticking sound, please help *video*

Its great that you discovered what the issue was/is. I have found, since the early 1980's (both with front wheel drive cars and 4 wheel drive trucks) that in order to reduce the likelihood of replacing these shafts is that you should NOT turn the steering wheel fully left or right. It is the extreme angles under power that promote premature constant velocity joints to fail.

 

I have a 2016 standard prius with the same issue as you guys. Bought it brand new and at first it happened intermittently and now does it whenever braking on regen. I took the service manager out for a ride and he says its normal for a prius to make this noise when regen braking. I have just over 10k now and is bone stock. It started happening right after my 5k service. Should I worry about this?

 

Your question is a tough one to answer. my inclination would be to not worry about it, base on what the dealer told you. However, I suggest you go to:

Registration

and register your vehicle and document what has happened so far. Make sure you put in there the dealer said "not to worry about it". And, if it gets worse, record that as well, put down the mileage that it got worse....etc. That way, as time goes on, should any repairs need to be done regarding this, you have a record of it in a viable place.

 

At least in my case, I feel the ticking from axles was a result of driving up/down twisty canyon roads while in regen. I commuted 4+ years up and down Benedict Canyon in my Prius. I feel that had put too much pressure/excessive force on the axle coming down during regen braking and ruined them. Just my experience.

 

I had the same problem as many others here for the longest time. Dealer couldn't figure it out after taking the brakes apart. Since the car drove just fine, I turned the radio up...

Some time later, I needed a wheel alignment after driving through a rather nasty pothole. Driving home afterward, the noise was magically gone. I'm not sure if it will work for everyone, but for ~$50, it's worth having an alignment done before forking over hundreds to a dealership or mechanic for a full diagnosis. It just might fix it.

 

I'm reviving this thread with an update because it's the best one on the Prius CV joint issue, even though it's not without misinformation (ie. Claims it's only in lowered cars and it's harmless).

I had that clicking noise since about 50,000 miles. Initially soft and I though it was just a harmless nuisance. But, with time I started hearing some intermittent rattle coming from left front wheel at hwy speeds 60-70mph, especially when turning. In the last 2 years it got progressively worse and more frequent. Now I can hear it starting at high 40's mph and almost non-stop at 60-80mph, unless going perfectly straight. Above 80mph, i can't hear it over road and air noise. I'm positive both CV are bad. Last weekend I removed the under engine cover and wiggled both axles. Both clicked at the outside CV joints. The boots are fine and in a pristine condition, BTW.

I'm kicking myself for not fighting the dealership and having it fixed under warranty. Now it's a major expense.

I had broken CV joints in my previous cars but it was due to broken boots and never under 100,000 miles. Why would they go bad in Prius at low miles (ticking started at 50,000, and it's bad at 85,000)?

I'm thinking this is because CV joints work twice as hard in a hybrid, under acceleration and deceleration (regenerative braking). Obviously, turning puts extra stress and the regenerative braking is especially bad as we tend to brake and turn a whole lot more than turning and accelerating hard.

The bottom line is, fix it under warranty, to avoid a major expense later.

 

What are you looking at, through the dealership?

 

$750 or more per each side. Last night I found quite a few old mechanic type sides claiming that if ticking is mild, it could be fixed by repacking CV with new grease. Apparently, grease deteriorates with age and some joints can be "dry" even with intact boots. I'll try this first, nothing to lose, except for labor and time.

 

I remember getting CV's replaced on an Accord, maybe around 1990. Seemed to go fast. It was under warranty, so no clue what it cost. But it was up on the hoist and the drive shafts exposed and hanging down real quick. Would be better if it was $750 for both sides, but the times they are a'changin'...

The whole assembly is discount priced $371/$325 here:

AXLE SHAFTS & JOINTS for 2010 Toyota Prius | Toyota Parts''

Dealership probably quoting on $561/$492 list price, plus 3~4 hours labour?

 

My 2 cents. Front wheel drive CV joints are stressed the most when turning full, to the stop either right or left. If you minimize your turning radius by NOT turning the steering wheel full left or right the CV joints will last longer.

 

I Have a 2016 Totally Stock Prius. Started at 5000 miles. Does on braking and accelerating between 20-5 in straight line.

 

Mine is a 2016 Totally Stock and have had the noise since 5000 miles.

 

2016 Prius 3 Totally Stock. Clicking started at 5k miles. Straight wheels braking and accelerating.

 

Really?.....Really...

 

You just write and don't read. Assuming you do the same when talking, like my kid who doesn't listen just waits around to start talking again... Good job!

 

2016 brand new totally stock started around 5k for me. In Jacksonville Fl. And i drive like a grandma according to my wife...(by the way...no hills in Jax, Fl) So it is nothing you or your location did.

 

My 2012 does this now; when decelerating from 30mph-ish and slowly braking/regening to full stop, does straight or while turning also. WIll wait til it gets incredibly louder than my music playing then will take care of it later.

 

I'm just not sure if I got the right parts. The CV drive axle assy or drive shaft assy is $562 on Toyota parts but $70 on Advance auto parts. For 3rd Gen Prius. I'm suspecting the noise came from there base on AutoZone video I got the same noise -

2010 Toyota Prius Hatchback HYBRID Shaft assembly, front drive, right. Brakes, suspension - 4341047031 - Genuine Toyota Part


Advance Auto - Advance Auto Parts - Down for Maintenance