Steering wheel noise

One drives into a competent dealer

 

Is the sound coming from inside the car or outside?

SPH-D710 ? 2

 

Try to sense if the noise is from the steering wheel itself as my 2004 has some looseness between the outer material and the steel core which produces some noise. If the noise comes from the steering column, get thee to the dealer at once as there have been problems and a recall in earlier model Prii steering columns.

JeffD

 

I was talking about the material covering the steering wheel itself in my case. Check that the steering wheel tilt adjustment is locked down.

There was a recent recall on Gen2 steering columns. Some metal fatigue caused looseness in the assembly. I had mine repaired before the recall and am waiting for a reimbursement of almost $1000 (there is a paperwork gauntlet that takes weeks to traverse).

JeffD

 

I only know of one Prius owner that reported a loss of steering control, but in that case symptoms were noticed and ignored too long. We all need to be aware of and new noises coming from steering, suspension or braking systems and take remedial action for safety.

Since Toyota Customer service asked for some additional documentation (Visa receipts - proof of purchase) 6 weeks after the first round, I see some light at the end of the tunnel.

JeffD

 

Have you had any non-OEM accessories installed in that area? Remote start, scangauge, etc.

SPH-D710 ? 2

 

Anyone know the location of these bolts? Can they be checked easily or are they hidden away?

 

My 2012 v has just developed the same thing. There is still the same amount of slop (deadzone) but it is now accompanied with a knock. The sound can be reproduced stationary and +/- 5 degrees. I'll post Toyota's response, of course.

 

Golly, a competent dealer after all, whew

 

It could happen if they didn't torque them properly - particularly if the running torque was too high. Did they remove the bolts before retightening them? High running torque is a fairly common problem where bolts eventrually loosen in my experience. Clamping force that is much lower than expected allows sliding of the item intended to be constrained. The sliding loosens the bolt. Step and repeat. Usually caused by bad threads or crap in them.

 

OK, so we went to the dealer today and it ended up been that two of the steering wheel nuts were loose. We own a 2012 v(agon) as well as a 2012 yaris and I have to say, I'm a little bit disappointed in Toyota. I expected perfection in the first 3 years but we have already had minor issues as well at squeeks and rattles.

 

I have the same problem with my Prius V 2014. The steering wheel nuts were fine. They replaced the spiral cable. I still hear the noise. Any more suggestions?

 

My dealership told me the noise was normal...

I'm just ignoring it unless it gets worse.

 

My son has a Prius V 2013 and his doesn't have the noise. I don't believe it is normal. My Toyota mechanics told me to bring it here when I hear the noise and take them for a ride. I made a video of the noise and steering wheel, but they said they have to hear the noise themselves. I'm frustrated!