135k miles on the 05 and the tires were wearing low. I got the car with 96k and what I assume were the second set. So at 135k it's about time. Thinking I was hearing the wear bars I changed the tires to Ecopia EP422. Made some difference in the ride. The handling isn't much if any better, still a little flighty now and then. But the sound of what I thought was the wear bars is still there and the slower the louder and can even feel the thumping. I don't hear any other discernible errant sounds. I have an idea what it is but I wanted to run it by the other Prius heads here to get your thoughts. Still lovin the car.
I don't think brakes or wheel bearing. It is heard without applying brakes. The thumping does not seem like a bearing noise. It's too regular and distinctly intermittent, like the wear bars of a tire. I was thinking maybe a CV joint even though I haven't noticed any clicking in turns.
When bearings are very worn out there will thumping all right. The next thing happens is wheel is loose. Don't ask how I know. Does it change with turns?
Doesn't seem to change in turns but I did find it rather odd that with new Ecopias it slightly lurches off to one side a little.
sometimes this lurching has to do with the crowns in the road......or your alignment is slightly off. Try rotating the tires and see if anything changes.
If no change in noise while turning, then bearing not likely. Please let us know when you figure it out.
Yeah, the sound is not so noticeable at highway speeds but in town. And it gets more pronounced the slower I go.
