Wheel Noise / vibration in 2005 Prius, 145k miles

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Archway, Jan 27, 2018.

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  1. Archway

    Archway Junior Member

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    So about 6 months ago immediately after getting the tires rotated we noticed a whooping Noise and slight vibration that starts at about 25 mph and increases in frequency with speed. At above 70 vibration becomes more annoying. For turns at 50 mph and when slowing a whooping noise is particularly noticeable. Three tires have 30k miles on them and the fourth has 45k. We got the tires rotated 1 month ago ( 5k miles since last rotation) and noticed the problem became slightly worse.
    So I took it in and they told me that the vibration was caused by front wheel bearings and it would be 1300 to fix. They also told me that my front passengers wheel had bald spots and this was caused by a warped rotor on the front passengers side (see pics). They also think the the struts are bad.
    I agree that the struts are not what they once were and I don't think they've ever been replaced. I also have noticed that the front drivers wheel is the oldest one and also has worn spots. My question is, how can I know if the sound and vibration is a bearing problem or just a tire or strut thing. Also what is causing the bald spots in the tires? Do grippy brakes cause this wear or is it the struts or balance? If it is a brake issue I'd expect it to be rear brakes because the tires now on the front were previously in the back.
     

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    #1 Archway, Jan 27, 2018
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    welcome!
    how many miles on her?
     
    #2 bisco, Jan 27, 2018
  3. bat4255

    bat4255 2017 Prius v #2 and 2008 Gen II #2

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    The title says 145K
     
    #3 bat4255, Jan 27, 2018
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  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk MMX GEN III

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    Swapping the tires around should confirm or eliminate them as the problem.
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Jan 27, 2018
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  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    :oops:
     
    #5 bisco, Jan 27, 2018
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  6. Twtantillo

    Twtantillo Junior Member

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    You should be will tell of the bearing is bad by lifting the front right or left tire off the ground and just spin the tire if you feel grinding or if feels rough most likely your bearings bad and then you try all the tires and you'll feel what a good bearing sounds like and the bad bearing feel like.
     
    #6 Twtantillo, Jan 28, 2018
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  7. TMR-JWAP

    TMR-JWAP Senior Member

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    For $1300 to replace front wheel hubs, I hope they're made of gold. New Timken Hubs are $100 each, other good quality hubs can be had for about $50 each. After doing the hubs on my sons 2005, I feel confident I can do a set of hubs in 3 hours or less in my garage. You may want to look around for a better price on that.
     
    #7 TMR-JWAP, Jan 28, 2018
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  8. SFO

    SFO Senior Member

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    Another technique if the wheel is already lifted off the ground would be to check for play by grabbing the tire at 12 and 6 o'clock and do a push pull motion trying to wiggle the wheel, there should be no play present.
     
    #8 SFO, Jan 28, 2018
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