Power steering sometimes doesn’t unlock and is stiff

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by V31kov, Jun 9, 2023.

  1. V31kov

    V31kov Junior Member

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    Hello guys, i had a look everywhere in the internet and couldn’t find same problem. I bought a prius gen 2 2008 and i have a problem with the power steering sometimes it doesn’t unlock and the wheel is heavy what i had to do most of the times is turn the car off press the brake few times turn it on again and the wheel is unlocking, but today it didn’t help so i start driving it as it is half way to home the steering wheel unlocked after i’ve stoped on purpose it locked again so literally sometimes it does unlock sometimes it doesn’t any ideas where to look for the problem.
     
    #1 V31kov, Jun 9, 2023
  2. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    What do you mean by "the steering unlocking"? There is no steering lock on a Gen 2, so I'm wondering if you mean that the power steering is not working causing the steering to be very heavy.

    Are there any warning lights on the dash? If so, have you had the DTCs codes read?
     
    #2 dolj, Jun 10, 2023
  3. V31kov

    V31kov Junior Member

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    Yes power steering is not aways working, there is warning light check engine is on but it’s for the catalyc converter sensor as it has been stolen and the previous owner out an aftermarket, and that’s the only DTC’s codes come up nothing else. The thing is last night after i get home i test it few times as usual sometimes working but when it’s working i can hear some noise behind the wheel like it’s from the power motor
     
    #3 V31kov, Jun 10, 2023
  4. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    What are you using to scan the car? Many budget devices can only talk to the ECM (engine computer) - maybe a few other systems. You need a fully capable tool to scan the 15-16 systems on a Gen2 Prius.

    Here's a thread that reviews several different apps and devices. I would start with a complete scan of the car.

    I would expect the power steering warning light to be on, and would be very surprised if you lost boost without some codes set somewhere.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #4 mr_guy_mann, Jun 10, 2023
  5. MCCOHENS

    MCCOHENS Member

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    I may have a similar problem. My car has heavy steering, compared to the other 2 gen 2s in the family. Also, going around a corner in the other 2 if you let go of the steering wheel the car automatically unwinds and the car goes straight. This should happen, it is due to the suspension geometry design like all cars. So in my car you take a corner and if you let go of the wheel it will just go in a circle. I am checking the suspension now, right strut rotates freely with the car in the air and steering tie rod off. Other side knuckle has not let go of the tie rod but a soaking overnight and some heat today should fix it. Open to other things to look at, the car failed state inspection so this is in the must fix category.
     
    #5 MCCOHENS, Jun 11, 2023
  6. Bob C

    Bob C Junior Member

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    Sounds like your rack and pinion has a o-ring go bad and is leaking fluid to the other side of the piston.
    Had this happen to my Acura. Took it to a reputable shop and they repaired it in one hour and $125.00.
     
    #6 Bob C, Jun 11, 2023
  7. dolj

    dolj Senior Member

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    The Prius has electric power assist so no fluid to leak. It is more likely something to do with the power steering motor.
     
    #7 dolj, Jun 12, 2023
  8. mr_guy_mann

    mr_guy_mann Senior Member

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    #8 mr_guy_mann, Jun 12, 2023
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