This just started happening to our Prius the other day! Symptoms: 1) whirl / whine / airplane taking off in the distance - type sound (bad road noise as well) 2) sound happens only when rolling, gets progressively louder as speed increases 3) sound is different from the gas engine - and keeps going when coasting at highway speeds - even when the gas engine shuts off 4) it may just be me trying to over-analyze the situation - but it seems like the car has more friction than normal - it doesn't coast as well (almost like the engine brake is on 10% - but a different noise than that) We just put brand new Michelins on 2mo ago - so it's definitely not due to tire wear. Sound just started 2 days ago. Could this be the front wheel bearings? Where do I begin diagnosing?
I just replaced the rotor assembly with one from the junk yard, 60 dollars. went away. it was the wheel bearing.
I have an identical problem that started in the last week. Noise increase with speed. Continues when coasting (lift foot off accelerator). Not tied to turning left or right. In my case, I changed the front brakes and discs about a month ago. Changed both front bearing and hubs 35,000 miles ago. Changed transaxle fluid 30,000 ago. My car is a 2006 with182,000. I'd love any help.
Our 2008 is doing this identical thing...we've replaced both from wheel bearings which didn't help. Thanks! Sam
