Anyone else notice a fairly loud noise coming from the front suspension when going over sudden bumps (like the lane markers). I have noticed it since I got the car (have 9k miles now). Everytime I go over a lane marker or a pothole I get the same noise. It sounds like it is the front strut making the noise...hard to describe... It does not happen over speed bumps, or when both wheels are impacted at the same time. Anyone else have this noise?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(galaxee @ Jun 8 2006, 06:14 PM) [snapback]268363[/snapback]</div> No it is not a squeak. It has a metallic sound to it, but not like metal rubbing together. It makes a noise like a "snap", but you can here a compression sound along with it (like air exploding after it is forced out). It is so hard to explain. It does not seem to effect driveability at all...I can not feel it...it does not bottom out. It is just annoying to always hear that noise...especially now that it is hot and I am driving with the window down a lot. It only does it with sudden wheel impact...things like speed bumps do not make the sound.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mssmith95 @ Jun 9 2006, 12:01 AM) [snapback]268475[/snapback]</div> Isn't it more efficient to drive with the A/C than it is with the windows down, at least at freeway speeds? Sorry, I can't help you with ID-ing the bang sound though.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Manksgloob @ Jun 9 2006, 12:16 AM) [snapback]268485[/snapback]</div> Well I have experiemented with both... With AC on low I get around 48-49 MPG With Driver's side window down and rear driver's side window cracked I get 51-53 MPG on the same commute. So it appears that the window is better, although when it gets hot, the AC is going to be on for sure!
hmm. that does seem tough to describe. best bet is to take it in to the shop. drive around with the tech in the passenger seat and make sure the noise happens so he can hear it. then show him how to replicate the noise. unfortunately that's all the advice i can give. sound diagnosis over the internet is 99% ineffective in all but the most obvious cases.
Well, i'm a little late to this thread, BUT, i know EXACTLY the sound you are talking about...my 07 Prius (currently have 6800 miles) makes the exact same noise...i thought i was crazy for even looking it up online. Yes, speed bumps don't make the sound, only when going over a pothole of some sort...it seems to be coming from my front right wheel area. It's closer to a soft "knocking" sound, but not like if it was a CV joint or bearing...the air compression sound that comes along with it makes me think it's closer to a strut or some other issue. "knocking" may sound too serious...softer, like a soft "click" almost... Aaanyways, since i'm not the only one hearing this noise, i won't freak out. But if anyone else knows what we are talking about, feel free to chime in and re-start this thread! THanks, Farrell
I just started hearing the same thing on mine. Has anybody been able to find out what is causing the problem?
I had a similar noise, in the front left. Made an appointment and took it to dealer - they said they didn't hear anything. I asked for the tech to drive with me, and then he could hear it ! They said they didn't have time to diagnose the problem, so made another appointment and took it back 2 weeks later. They said it was the shock and the top plate, but they didn't have the top plate in stock. So now I'm going again next Monday to have it (hopefully) fixed. I'll post again to let you know what happens. This is a 2007 with less than 7000 miles, so I'm a bit dissapointed about that.
Thanks for the reply on your experience with this so far. So do repairs like this fall under the bumper to bumper warranty? I only have about 1,000 on mine so far. I am a little disappointed to say the least that I have to take into the shop already.
I had my front left strut replaced under new car warranty at 61,000km and just on the 3 year limit due to a knocking noise on small bumps.
Just got a call from the garage - they replaced the shock and top plate, but they say the noise is still there !!! They wanted to keep the car until tomorrow, but I need it tomorrow (and they didn't offer to loan me a car). I now have another appointment for 27 December (that will be the 4th time in the shop for the same rattle !) (to Serverguy - for sure these things are all under the warranty)
Well they kept my car 27 and 28 December, and said they still cannot find the source of the rattle. Said they have to check with some special division of Toyota that helps with obscure problems. In the meantime they are causing other problems. My front left fender is not fitted properly, my glove box would not open, and the arm rest is filthy. So that's about a total of 5 days it's been in the garage for the same problem.
I finally got the noise fixed !! (see my story under other thread :07 with anoying noise they can't fix [long] ) It was traced to a transmission mount.
