Steering Wheel Noise

10297 Views 12 Replies 11 Participants Last post by mdacmeis, Aug 2, 2004

DinaMom

Discussion Starter · Jan 21, 2004

Hi,
Is anyone else "bothered" by the rubbing sound in their 2004 Prius which occurs when turning the wheel, especially when parking? I did have it checked out by the mechanics at the dealership and was told that it was normal.

DinaMom

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Joel

· #2 · Jan 21, 2004

DinaMom said:
Hi,
Is anyone else "bothered" by the rubbing sound in their 2004 Prius which occurs when turning the wheel, especially when parking? I did have it checked out by the mechanics at the dealership and was told that it was normal.

DinaMom

Sounds like a chord being pulled? Doesn't bug me much really.

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Behmon

· #3 · Jan 21, 2004

DinaMom said:
Hi,
Is anyone else "bothered" by the rubbing sound in their 2004 Prius which occurs when turning the wheel, especially when parking? I did have it checked out by the mechanics at the dealership and was told that it was normal.

DinaMom

I don't have any noise from turning the steering wheel.

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jflowerus

· #4 · Jan 21, 2004

DinaMom said:
Hi,
Is anyone else "bothered" by the rubbing sound in their 2004 Prius which occurs when turning the wheel, especially when parking? I did have it checked out by the mechanics at the dealership and was told that it was normal.

DinaMom

I too am noise free!

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moocatdog

· #5 · Jan 21, 2004

Joel said:
Sounds like a chord being pulled? Doesn't bug me much really.

Joel, I'm not sure if you mean a musical chord or a pull cord such as a set of window blinds might have. Either way, the steering wheel of my '04 does make a sound as I turn it. To my ear it is more like a brushing sound, similar to the noise you hear when gently rubbing your hands together. I noticed it right away, but have never felt any binding or pressure in the wheel, or anything "odd, " so I've just accepted that it is normal. I'd appreciate it of those of you reporting a noise free mechanism would give a close listen and share with us whether or not you hear anything like what I am describing.
Thanks,
Moo

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Bill Compton

· #6 · Jan 21, 2004

I don't have any turning noise with my Prius.....but then again I don't know when I'll get it either.....only driving it in my dreams.

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Joel

· #7 · Jan 22, 2004

I meant like a pull cord - my error (in spelling). I hear it when every I'm cranking the wheel hard, like in a parking lot and so on. No big deal though.

moocatdog said:
Joel said:

Sounds like a chord being pulled? Doesn't bug me much really.

Click to expand...

Joel, I'm not sure if you mean a musical chord or a pull cord such as a set of window blinds might have. Either way, the steering wheel of my '04 does make a sound as I turn it. To my ear it is more like a brushing sound, similar to the noise you hear when gently rubbing your hands together. I noticed it right away, but have never felt any binding or pressure in the wheel, or anything "odd, " so I've just accepted that it is normal. I'd appreciate it of those of you reporting a noise free mechanism would give a close listen and share with us whether or not you hear anything like what I am describing.
Thanks,
Moo

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moocatdog

· #8 · Jan 22, 2004

Joel said:
I meant like a pull cord - my error (in spelling). I hear it when every I'm cranking the wheel hard, like in a parking lot and so on. No big deal though.

I think that is a good description of what I'm hearing and I agree that it is no big deal. I can't hear it unless the car is stopped or moving very slowly in stealth.
Drive happy,
Moo

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efusco

· #9 · Jan 22, 2004

Warning....utter speculation.....

I only notice that sound when the radio is off and everything is almost silent...I heard it last night when backing out of a parking spot inside a parking garage (stealth and XM silent since no signal). It does sound a bit like a rope/cord being pulled over the edge of a table or something.

My guess is that there is some sort of gear mechanism that's associated with the VSC and, in Japan, the auto-park system. I do not know that for certain, but I certainly don't think it's anything to worry about.
--evan

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funpilot

· #10 · Jan 23, 2004

Ditto

No noise here...................yet.

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fdo10

· #11 · Jul 31, 2004

steering wheel noise

The noise in the steering wheel (while turning) increased sharply within hours of use and ended with a total loss of function of the steering control bottons and the cruise control lever. This was accompanied by the permanent the illumination of the SRS warning light. Awaiting for delership instructions.

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oldfox

· #12 · Aug 1, 2004

The rubbing sound which I describe as sounding like a nylon cord being drawn over a board edge is nothing to worry about.

My Salsa Red is a no pkg basic model so I know the sound has nothing to do with VSC or auto park. I think it probably has to do with the drive by wire concept but not sure.

For those of you have not yet heard this sound - a trip to your local audiologist is in order. :wink:

6000 Miles and still happy

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mdacmeis

· #13 · Aug 2, 2004

The noise most are describing is the result of contacts on circular circuit traces rubbing. These contacts allow for power to the steering wheel buttons, the horn, and air bag. It has not been determined if some of the noise is also from the steering angle sensor which is used by the stability control system on those vehicles that have it. Remember this is an electric power steering system, not a hydraulic one. Some noise damping is likely lost as a result.

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