Steering wheel off center

Tell your dealer to fix it, if they use the right equipment they should be able to get it right. Did you ring Toyota? If not then I suggest you do, or try another dealer.

 

You will also have to properly set Zero Point Calibration if you have the wheel centered. This requires the dealership scantool

 

Its not normal for the steering wheel to be off center. In fact, the dealer is supposed to check for this and correct it during PDS (pre delivery service)

 

TSB ST003-01 is supposed to address this, but I can't find it online anywyere.

 

I am wondering about tire chain stores like Firestone/Bridgestone, Goodyear, etc. These places do allignments all the time, and offer "lifetime" alignment packages. Does anyone know if any of these shops can do the Zero Point Calibration?

On the original topic: after driving my 2009 for a couple of weeks, I noticed that my steering wheel was off center. Don't really know why it wasn't obvious to me when I first bought the car. Anyway, I told the dealer that the car was not "pulling", but that the steering wheel was off center. They fixed it right the first time.

 

OK// my steering column is pointed 5 degrees to the left/the wheel is level with the ground. I think the prius is designed this way. I will check two other units on the lot this weekend. Also, does it feel like the car if leaning to the left with just the driver? I weigh 174 pounds.

 

I recently purchased the a 2009 prius touring and it seems to have the same problem i will be bringing to the dealer soon to have my firt oil change and to see if they can correct this problem...

 

3/8 of an inch empty and who knows with a driver but I suspect 3/4 of an inch. It is real distracting to say the least and I will complain but the usual it is in factory specs will be their reply.
The steering wheel column in a non fixer for sure as it was designed that way. I am surprised very few people in this forum own up to it unless it is a touring 2009 only. Not.

 

There is a tire thread I would read and yes, you can get your tires anywhere. Be advised it may affect your mileage if the new tires are shorter, wider, and have a greater rolling resistance. If you are gun shy go to discounttires.com or tirerack.com and buy the exact OEM and go find a local shop that will install them on your own (don't buy the package deal). Big savings! Or just go to SAMS and get the cheapest tires they have in stock and pump them up to 44psi or higher and hope for the best.
As for alignment you need to check a local shop that has newer equipment and calibrates their rack once a year.

The rear axle is fixed and requires a full or half contact ring to adjust camber and toe. I have not had a chance to check the front yet but the toe is adjustable and worst case scenario they may need to put alignment bolts in the struts to adjust the camber//no big deal BTW.

OnlineTires.com - Discount Tires, Continental Tires, Hankook, Uniroyal, Nexen, Uniroyal Tires.

 

I agree. Mine is centered as delivered.

 

Mine is centered as deliverd also. The whole assembly just points 5 degrees towards the drivers window. No big deal, just wanted someone else to acknowlegde it or it is a fluke.

 

OK, check several units on the lot and mine seems to be the only one that is slightly angled towards the drivers window. (Steering column angle not wheel centering)

 

Also every Prius on the lot is lower in the left front than the right front.

 

Is the 5 degrees measured against the horizon or the dash? I don't think the dash is a good reference.

 

Yes there was a thread about this. Apparently some cars are lower on the left.

 

Standing outside the car and look accross the front surface of the steering wheel on a level plane.
Also you have a thread link for the lower on left issue?

thanks man,