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Wa Wa Noise / Hard Steering Noise

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Fibb222, Mar 12, 2007.

  1. Fibb222

    Fibb222 New Member

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    Well for a long time now whenever my 2004 is rolling there is usually a speed dependent oscillation sound. WaWaWaWaWaWaWaWaWa. It's pretty quiet. It's frequency varies with the car's speed. It occurs whether I'm accelerating, maintaining or decelerating. Could my wheels not be balanced properly?

    Does anybody have any ideas what it is?

    The other thing I noticed just recently but when the steering is cranked all the way in either direction, the steering makes a noise like something is straining.

    Is this noise normal? It is not something I heard before this week and I have had the car for several months.

    I search the site for answers already.

    Thanks
     
  2. ScottY

    ScottY New Member

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  3. galaxee

    galaxee mostly benevolent

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    sounds like tire cupping. got old tires on there? run your hands over the surface of the tires both ways and feel for a "sawtooth" ridge. might be time for some new ones if that's the case. also get your alignment checked. many places will check it for free.

    re: the steering noise, is this while the car's moving or sitting still?
     
  4. hobbit

    hobbit Senior Member

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    If you're talking about the funny sort of "parts sliding" noise
    when you're doing a small, slow circle at full steering lock, then
    that's a known thing -- mine does it too, and after some diagnosis
    I determined that it was just the outer CV boots rubbing against
    themselves a little.
    .
    Can't explain the wa wa noise, but that description makes me think
    immediately of bearings. Or tires/alignment, like Galaxee said..
    .
    _H*
     
  5. Chipawa

    Chipawa New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Fibb222 @ Mar 12 2007, 06:01 PM) [snapback]404380[/snapback]</div>

    I had one of my rear wheel bearings replaced this past year on my 2001 Prius. I noticed a noise at certain speeds ... changing tires didn't help it - turned out to be the wheel bearing.