2004 - Mystery clicking sound with video

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Nathan Quattrini, May 3, 2018.

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  1. Nathan Quattrini

    Nathan Quattrini Junior Member

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    Hey everyone, I have a sound that I can't locate the source and I haven't been back to the dealership yet. I would describe it as a clunk/knock when I hit any bumps/sewer covers, etc while driving. When hitting bumps the sound is much louder than in the video, but it's the same awful sound. It sounds like it's coming from the wheel area but I've never experienced it with any other vehicle so I'm stumped. Thoughts? Thanks!

    Video link :
     
    #1 Nathan Quattrini, May 3, 2018
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  2. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    Very first thing to do is remove that wheel and have a good look around.

    My guess is something (road debris?) is getting pushed against either the wheel or brake rotor when the suspension is compressed hard enough. The sound is very rhythmic as determined by the wheel rotation; note the dark spot location on the edge of the rim.
     
    #2 fotomoto, May 3, 2018
  3. Nathan Quattrini

    Nathan Quattrini Junior Member

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    I've been under the car a few times, shook everything I could manually without replication, also the passenger wheel makes a similar (but quieter) sound when hitting bumps as well, so road debris is unlikely :\
     
    #3 Nathan Quattrini, May 3, 2018
  4. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    Ahh, OK.

    How many miles? My next guess would be CV joints going out although noises going around turns are the usual clue for that.
     
    #4 fotomoto, May 3, 2018
  5. Nathan Quattrini

    Nathan Quattrini Junior Member

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    It's at 260,000 miles, I bought it a few years back at 144,000. Would cv joint damage be visible without pulling things apart? Or is it an internal thing? Is there a way I can check them?
     
    #5 Nathan Quattrini, May 3, 2018
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    likely all your suspension bits and rubbers are worn out.
     
    #6 bisco, May 3, 2018
  7. Nathan Quattrini

    Nathan Quattrini Junior Member

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    Is this something replaceable? What exactly would I be looking for?
     
    #7 Nathan Quattrini, May 3, 2018
  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    yes, you can download the service manual for $15. for 2 days, which shows a breakout of the parts and troubleshooting.
     
    #8 bisco, May 3, 2018
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  9. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Probably the struts are blown. Don’t go to the dealer go to where you buy your tires most tire shops these days do all suspension work. They will give you a free estimate. At 260000 miles your way past life of struts and cv joints and LCA’s and whatever really.

    Not many cars can go quarter of a million miles + and the complaint is it clunks.
     
    #9 edthefox5, May 4, 2018
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