Steering Wheel "Sluggish" and Not Returning to Center

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by The Critic, Mar 12, 2011.

  1. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2005
    3,193
    2,325
    0
    Location:
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    My friend has a 06 Prius with about 85,000 miles.

    Ever since he purchased the car (used) at about 67,000 miles, I've noticed that the steering wheel is slow to return to center and the steering lacks the "springy feel" of the low-mileage Priuses that I have driven. I noticed abnormal tire wear on the car so I suggested 4 new tires and an alignment-- which was done without any improvement. The front toe was set to 0, and the rear toe is minimal (0.05 and 0.1 on the LR and RR, respectively). However, I did not have a zero-point calibration performed at the time of the alignment.

    There is no obvious damage or wear to the suspension, as far as I know. Recently though, the steering wheel has decided to clock itself to the right so I know it needs another alignment. It has only been 17k since the last one. Are there any parts that I should consider replacing before doing this alignment?

    Thanks.
     
    #1 The Critic, Mar 12, 2011
  2. sktn77a

    sktn77a Member

    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2007
    303
    13
    0
    Location:
    NC
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Tires/tire pressures?
     
    #2 sktn77a, Mar 12, 2011
  3. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2005
    3,193
    2,325
    0
    Location:
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Pressures are set to 40F/38R. Lower pressures don't make much of a difference either.
     
    #3 The Critic, Mar 12, 2011
  4. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

    Joined:
    Mar 8, 2008
    18,200
    6,489
    0
    Location:
    Green Valley, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    This doesn't sound good. There may be worn parts in the suspension or the steering gear itself.

    Considering that the steering system is vital to safe operation of the vehicle, I recommend that the steering and suspension should be checked out by a local Toyota dealer.
     
    #4 Patrick Wong, Mar 13, 2011
  5. sstk100

    sstk100 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2010
    15
    4
    0
    Location:
    Ne
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Could well be the steering rack.....they do what your describing when going bad.
     
    #5 sstk100, Mar 18, 2011
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)