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Steering column mod?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by brick, Aug 10, 2008.

  1. brick

    brick Active Member

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    Does anybody think it would be possible to modify the steering column to bring it an inch or so closer to the torso? It's at the point where my collar bone kills me every time I drive the thing. The obvious solution, making the seat back more vertical, eats into precious leg room and just transfers the stress to my knees.

    Barring that, maybe it's time to petition Toyota for a few bottles of ibuprofen.
     
  2. BerkshirePrius

    BerkshirePrius New Member

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    I think it is very do-able. It is on my list of projects for the winter. I agree with what you are saying 100%. Toyota did not design these cars with much adjustability to various body shapes.
    Basically from my investigation of the steering column, the mounting points will have to be modified, and a longer intermediate shaft made, or the existing one lengthened. Yes, I am sure that there might be some small implication as to how the airbag works. No biggie IMO. I am not going to live my life worrying about being in a car wreck. I feel that it is more dangerous to drive the car with my arms completely outstretched in order to give my legs the room they need.
     
  3. brick

    brick Active Member

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    The airbag part I have thought about, and believe that moving the seat position sensor accordingly would maintain proper operation. (If not for airbags these seats would be going away entirely!)

    What irritates me the most is that my first car (old Volvo) didn't even have a tilt steering column yet the ergonomics were great for me. Guess that's the difference between Sweden and Japan: height!
     
  4. BerkshirePrius

    BerkshirePrius New Member

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    Good point on the seat sensor.

    Again I agree with you on European cars! This is my first Japanese car. I do love the technology, and Toyota quality is word-renowned, but they do lack on ergonomics for the rest of the world. I have owned Saab, Audi, and Peugeot, all of which seemed very comfortable and classy. More than likely I would have purchased a comparable European hybrid if they were available.
     
  5. Boo

    Boo Boola Boola Member

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    Doesn't matter how tall or short you are, or whether the car is Swedish or Japanese.

    The Prius steering wheel is uncommonly far away for almost anyone adjusting their driver's seat to reach and switch between the acceleration and brake pedels comfortably and safely.

    It's not a short person or Japanese thing. The Prius' long steering wheel distance is unlike other Japanese cars, including other Toyotas, as well.
     
  6. dogfriend

    dogfriend Human - Animal Hybrid

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    Toyota should have used some models with long torsos to help position the seat/steering wheel. That is why the Volvo worked for you; the Swedes tend to be long in the torso too. I have Norwegian blood in my family and also have a long torso.

    I modified the seat so I can see out the windshield, but I understand your issue with the steering wheel position as well. I am trying to retrain myself to hold the bottom half of the wheel where it is closer, but often find that I am leaning forward with my hands in the 10 and 2 position that I learned in driver's training a few decades ago.
     
  7. Jiipa

    Jiipa MGySgt USMC (Ret)

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    I was also taught to hold the wheel at 10 & 2, but isn't the recommended position now 8 & 4 due to the air bag?
     
  8. dogfriend

    dogfriend Human - Animal Hybrid

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    Yes, but I drove vehicles for 20 years before getting one with an air bag. Old habits die hard. :rolleyes:
     
  9. echase

    echase New Member

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    Prius was designed for a more upright seating position. A more vertical back gives greater visibility, and makes your legs effectively shorter, and arms effectively longer.

    Of course this may be contrary to your personal preference.
     
  10. BerkshirePrius

    BerkshirePrius New Member

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    It's not about personal preference when you are 6' 2" tall. I have less visibility sitting upright. Perhaps this goes back to the non-height adjustable seat issue? Hmmm...
     
  11. ilusnforc

    ilusnforc Member

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    I agree. I'm about 6 foot tall even... and I don't consider myself unusually tall, in fact I feel about average and yet I feel like I'm too tall in the Prius because I often find myself ducking my head down to see through the right portion of the windshield at intersections because I'm trying to look under the rearview mirror. It would be nice if the seats had height adjustment to correct this, then again the steering wheel is a bit far forward too, I feel that I sit reasonably upright and at a safe distance from the steering wheel and try to keep my hands around 10 and 2 on the wheel and my arms are uncomfortably stretched out when I thought they were supposed to be more like at 90 degree angles at the elbow.
     
  12. mingoglia

    mingoglia Member

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    Strange, I initially didn't take into account that how far your seat is slanted back effectively "shortens" your arms. I'm 6'3 (my height is more in my torso) and sit with the seat slid all the way back and the seat back pretty vertical. That's my normal driving position in any car. I find the positioning superb in the Prius. Not just acceptable, but absolutely perfect for my ideal driving position. I guess it's just luck since everyone is built differently... there really does need to be more adjustability though, but for me it's perfect.
     
  13. brick

    brick Active Member

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    What about making the modification where the steeing wheel is attached? Would it be simpler to insert some kind of spacer there rather than replacing or extending something farther down the line? I am curious to know what that fitting looks like.
     
  14. dogfriend

    dogfriend Human - Animal Hybrid

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    Here is the section from the repair manual:
     

    Attached Files:

  15. mrblaise

    mrblaise Go Lakers!!

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    Same with me. I'm also 6'3" and have no problems whatsoever. It wouldn't be bad if the seats could be a bit cushier, but it's really no big deal, and I drive about 150 miles a day.

     
  16. problemchild

    problemchild New Member

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    OMG that is blasphemy. The AIRBAG ranters will eat you alive now. Put on your flame suit. This thread will now turn into 19 pages of airbag ranting.
     
  17. dogfriend

    dogfriend Human - Animal Hybrid

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    I don't think that anyone has proposed selling the modification to others.
     
  18. brick

    brick Active Member

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    Thanks for posting that section of the manual! It looks like the wheel just bolts onto the splined steering column, which opens up the possibility of shimming it out if it can be safely done, or having a machine shop create an extension of some sort. I'm going to have to get brave and take a look at the hardware myself.

    As for the airbags, I'm slowly changing my mind about that. Swapping in an aftermarket seat would defeat the torso airbag but your head is still protected by the side curtain. It stands to reason that a very well-bolstered sport seat would contribute something to keeping you safe. I have also noticed that I currently sit so high that, in a collision, my head stands a good chance of sailing right over the airbag to impact the roofline. No way that's safe, either.
     
  19. echase

    echase New Member

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    I am also 6'2" and find an upright position gives me perfect ergonomics, but I feel he windshield should extend higher, If I pull too close to a light I can't see when it changes. Perhaps a red-light camera mod is in order!
     
  20. BerkshirePrius

    BerkshirePrius New Member

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    It would be extremely difficult and costly to change the windshield design:).
    However, I feel that a steering column mod is definately do-able, and seat mods have been done. I agree that sitting more upright is ergonomically OK (not perfect for me), but in addition to not being able to see a red light, do you not have blocked vision from the mirror, or see the green glare from the dash at night?