Bent tie rod from being towed

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by DaveGoodrich, Nov 30, 2014.

  1. DaveGoodrich

    DaveGoodrich Member

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    When my ignition switch lock cylinder broke the other day I had it towed home (flatbed, AAA). Once the ignition was fixed, I discovered that the steering wheel was pointing right of center (new) and it is pulling pretty hard to the right. Looks like the tow guy hooked the d/s tie rod along with the a-arm when loading the car.

    [​IMG]

    I know the tie rod end has a bend built into it, but the tie rod itself is not supposed to be bent like that, right?

    I will be calling AAA to see what my recourse is.
     
  2. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Hmm, I see a shiny new tie rod in your future.

    -Chap
     
  3. DaveGoodrich

    DaveGoodrich Member

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    Is the tie rod replaceable without changing the rack? If it was my jeep, I'd just bend it straight with a bfh and call it good.
     
  4. sfv41901

    sfv41901 Masta S

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    Ouch. I'd call AAA ASAP
     
  5. Britprius

    Britprius Senior Member

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    Looks like the AAA owes you a new steering rack. I would not be happy driving any car that the steering rack has had this sort of punishment. It was never designed to have side loads of that magnitude.

    John (Britprius)
     
  6. 69shovlhed

    69shovlhed Surly tree hugger

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    get a check for rack replacement, and replace the inner tie rod yourself. if the rack doesn't develop a leak into the boot, keep the difference.
     
  7. valde3

    valde3 Senior Member

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    Isn’t Prius gen 1 power steering electric also? Is there really anything to leak out?
     
  8. Britprius

    Britprius Senior Member

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    There is no oil in the Prius steering rack according to the manual.

    John (Britprius)
     
  9. DaveGoodrich

    DaveGoodrich Member

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    Anybody have any info on diy tie rod replacement? How does it attach to the steering rack?
     
  10. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    Service manual volume 2, techinfo.toyota.com. There's a curious sort of tabbed washer involved, and a special tool that is really just a stubby adjustable wrench with a square socket-drive hole in the handle, so you can turn it with a torque wrench. Somebody here did the job recently (using an alternative tool, IIRC); a thread search on inner tie rod ought to find it.

    -Chap
     
  11. DaveGoodrich

    DaveGoodrich Member

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    Thanks. I'll look for that thread. Hopefully AAA will take care of it. Calling this am.
     
  12. DaveGoodrich

    DaveGoodrich Member

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    Called AAA. They said I have to try to work through the tow operator, but if I don't get satisfaction, come back to AAA. I am now waiting for a call back from the tow company manager.
     
  13. GregP507

    GregP507 Senior Member

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    I'd bet money that someone cinched down on it instead of something sturdier. The tow operator is probably at fault. I'd say that picture is your proof. I wouldn't take denial for an answer.
     
  14. DaveGoodrich

    DaveGoodrich Member

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    The tow company will be replacing the tie rod tomorrow (assuming I am comfortable with their mechanic and shop when I drop it off tomorrow).
     
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  15. GregP507

    GregP507 Senior Member

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    It would be hard to screw up a tie-rod replacement, but you'll need an alignment also.
     
  16. sfv41901

    sfv41901 Masta S

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    Yep, don't forget to have them cover the alignment