2013 Prius 3 Grinding Noise When Making U Turn

I'm totally have the same problem with my 2013 Prius. Its exactly the same issue as yours. A light on the dash board will blink rapidly when the grinding sounds occurs at a uturn. Did you find out what it was?

 

Does it sound like you bottomed out the front end? I made a u turn a few weeks ago and heard an awful noise but just thought I took it too fast and put the front spoiler into the pavement (it was a slight slope). When I got to where I was going I went to check out the "damage" and saw nothing.

 

I have the same issue but I have not come up with any solutions or insights...=/ It does make me feel better than I'm not the only one...=)

 

When making the u - turn, is it always the same direction? As in turning left? If you turn sharply in the opposite direction, does the grinding sound switch sides?

And you mentioned a flashing indicator on the dash. Is it the traction control?

I'm thinking it IS the traction control because the traction control kicks in when the wheel speed sensors report a significant difference in wheel speed, such as happens when there is wheel slip, or in this case, in a really tight turn, the outer front wheel has to travel a much greater distance than the inside wheel. The grinding sound is the brake caliper trying to slow down the wheel that the system thinks has lost traction and is spinning faster (wheelspin).

SCH-I535

 

I'm not sure if I would get the same sound making a U turn going right as I have never had to do that in the States. I'll have look for the indicator light next time I make a U turn though.

 

Anyone figure this out yet? I am having the same issue. The tech at the dealer couldn't replicate. Usually happens when making a u-turn (left), backing out of driveway (turning right), coming down slopes w/brakes pressed.

 

I agree, if you have ever driven a car with ABS when it came on, that is the same type of noise if you try to u-turn fast. It thinks one tire is slipping.

 

The ABS computer is not smart enough to utilize steering angle and speed to calculate and allow for appropriate differences in wheel speeds? I'm shocked!

 

Don't forget that VSC takes into account forward and sideways acceleration. So it's not necessarily the difference in wheel speeds. I feel that it is either one wheel losing traction on a sharp quick u-turn or the sideway g-force that causes the car to freak out

 

That would make sense only if the people with this complaint are making very fast U-turns. Otherwise, it seems the stability control and ABS systems should be able to deal with normal U-turns without complaining.

 

True. But what isn't "fast" to us may be "fast" to the Prius. Remember, Toyota made the Prius non-PiP capable of electric-only up to 25 mph because a lot of speed limits are 25 here. But in reality, most people go faster than that in a 25, and it's not "fast" to them.

Speaking of which, try going 5 mph straight in a parking lot, then turn the wheel all the way and try it again. Then do it all again with 10 mph. Or more. There's a lot more sideways g-force than one may realize and could be setting off the VSC even if the driver doesn't notice the forces involved.

 

This IS the ABS or anti skid event your "inner" tire is basically skidding if you are doing a sharp turn in a relatively higher speed .... it is quite noticeable and could be "scary".

I had the privilege to engage the anti skidding feature for real (and while doing a U-turn) same feel and noise.