Whenever I go over speedbumps about 10mph or more, I hear a 'clunk' sound from the trunk. I suspected the black storage tray or bin, underneath the trunk floor cover panel, was popping or bouncing up and making this noise. I know people don't drive over speedbumps that fast, but this just caught my attention randomly. So I took this bin off the car and test drove over the speedbumps. The 'clunk' sound was eliminated. There is nothing to hold the bin down except the floor cover panel which is light and does not seem to secure it down very firmly around all edges. I guess when there is heavy item or luggage put in the trunk, this storage bin would not bounced up when running over speedbumps, but I have not tried yet. Has anyone experienced this and have a fix for it ? Perhaps the latches on the cover need adjusment ? Is this a design flaw or just my car only ? The car is less than one month old. I could take it to the dealer for inspection, but if all Prius' are built this way, then I don't have to waste my time at the dealer. If you could try to reproduce this problem, I would appreciate it. Please help. Thank you.
I've noticed this 'clunk in the trunk', too, but never investigated it. Your explanation makes perfect sense. You might try using some self-sticking felt pads intended for furniture to eliminate the gap and muffle the sound. I'd suggest one thickness at a time to be sure the latches still close.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Hack4Bucks @ May 16 2007, 10:18 PM) [snapback]443955[/snapback]</div> Well, I had never noticed that the tray didn't have any fasteners, so I went to check it out since each morning, I negotiate 5 speed bumps on my daily commute. I cross them between 15 to 25 mph with no clunk, but there are different speed bump profiles. Holding down my tray were an emergency road side kit, jumper cables, a flashlight, thick folder on medical benefits and a bag of micro fiber cloths. All together, probably ten lbs. I took them all out and will report tomorrow on the speed bumps and improved MPG. I did notice that the floor board on top of the try has two turn latches. Do you have those latched?
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hyo silver @ May 16 2007, 10:54 PM) [snapback]443966[/snapback]</div> I like your thinking. And while at it, how about using some self adheasive velcro to hold the tray down. Then you won't hear anything except on most extreme bumps, and it will be an easily identifiable ripping sound.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hyo silver @ May 16 2007, 10:54 PM) [snapback]443966[/snapback]</div> Where do I stick these pads ? Near by the 2 latches but on the bottom side of the floor cover ? Or around all 4 sides on the bottom side of the floor cover ? Or around 4 edges of the bin ? Someone suggested using velcro to stick the top of the storage bin to the bottom of the floor cover. But I don't think this will prevent the bin from bouncing up on impact. If all Prius are built this way and have the same 'clunk' noise, then I am OK because it is a mechanical design flaw. Or perhaps a cost cutting factor by not adding latches around all 4 edges of the floor cover. I just want to make sure my new car has nothing loose in the back that needs repair. Any other ideas/opinions ? <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(NoMoShocks @ May 16 2007, 11:50 PM) [snapback]443981[/snapback]</div> Do you mean use velcro to make the bin stuck to the bottom of the floor cover or stuck to the metal where the spare tire is ? I cannot see any good surface area to stick the bin to the metal so that they won't come off. Sticking the floor cover and bin together will not prevent them from bouncing up on impact, do you think ? If you can duplicate the noise with your car, that would be OK for me. I just want to make sure the problem is not just with my new car. Thanks.
I have a clunk from the rear when I go over a certain bridge joint. I have narrowed it down to my rear license plate holder. It is only held on at the top and the bottom is loose. Next time I take it in for an oil change I will ask the dealer if they can correctly fasten their plate holder.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(NoMoShocks @ May 16 2007, 10:56 PM) [snapback]443967[/snapback]</div> Yes, mine has 2 latches that I suspected need to bend/adjust a little bit to secure the floor cover board more tigthy. One of turn knobs feels lightly loose in locked position. I don't think you need to drive up to 25mph over the speedbumps, would the struts absorb the shock better in higher spped ? At 10mph, I don't heat the clunk sound; around 15mph I can hear the clunk sound, and I have not tried 25mph. Perhaps it is easier for you to tell the difference by driving with the tray and without the tray like I did. Thank you for helping, and please let me know your finding.
