Prius Sounds Like It's Working Too Hard
Asked by Guru1G91H Oct 04, 2019 at 09:36 AM about the 2007 Toyota Prius
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
I can't figure out why my 2007 Prius has started to make a groaning-type of
sound any time over 10mph. This "exhausted; sound even occurs when the
car is in neutral going downhill. I began to hear this sound 6 months ago
while living in Arizona. Could the super dry climate have impacted
something? I had the dealership replace my break pads plus brand new
rotors and a new drive belt - but the sound is still loud and unsettling.
5 Answers
Thanks! I followed some tips on identifying wheel bearing issues - jacked car up, wiggled tire, etc. Couldn't perceive a clear indicator so I took it for diagnostics at a shop - they used a stethoscope and identified one totally shot front wheel bearing and the other front bearing about to die. Additionally, one of my three motor mounts had a crack, allowing for too much movement. Shop and Prius forums seen to indicate that the Prius has been know to have wheel bearing issues. Bonus fact, shop recommended that I not drive on highways (or at all, if I can help it) until fixing the bearings.
lincolnscott49 answered 4 years ago
Thought so as this is typically the root cause of noise only when wheels are turning. This is an easy part to replace and relatively inexpensive. Both front hub assemblies run around $54.74 for the pair.... https://www.autoshack.com/Auto/Wheels-Tires-Parts/Wheel-Hubs-Bearings/HB613267PR?keywords=2007+Toyota+Prius&msclkid=82ec3976126d1592352864eb062ea452&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=AutoShack%20-%20USA%20-%20Bing%20Shopping&utm_term=4576648434606044&utm_content=Ad%20group%20%231 and should take no more than 2 hours to remove and install. Just be sure to torque the bolts as recommended when installing.
We did it ourselves, in the Parking lot in the building
