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Video of my Prius steering issue, I need someones advise!

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by That_Prius_Car, Aug 1, 2012.

  1. That_Prius_Car

    That_Prius_Car Austin Kinser

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    Firstly, here is a link to the YouTube video I documented of the issue in action. You may have to turn your volume up, and you can especially here it around 26 seconds into the video. I can also feel a vibration in the wheel when it makes those cracking / creaking noises.

    I took it in to Toyota and they had it for two days and said that they couldn't duplicate the issue I was describing. (It will do it randomly, but very often.) So today I went to pick the car up. They said if it acted up again to bring it to them and as I left and started to pull out of the lot, it started to go wacky. So I stopped and went back inside and had one of the service tech guys follow me out; and he finally got to see it act up.

    He seems to think that it's a steering pump or gear. There's no way it's a pump because it's electric power steering, so they are saying it's the steering gear making this noises and causing the vibrations. They quoted me $1,200 to fix it, but I don't have faith in them. Maybe you would have some ideas?

    Below are two videos I shot. In both videos, it seems to happen around the 25~ second range where you can really hear it. Please someone help me.

    PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU WATCH THE VIDEOS, WATCH THE WHOLE THING SO YOU DON'T MISS IT BECAUSE IT HAPPENS RANDOMLY.




     
    #1 That_Prius_Car, Aug 1, 2012
  2. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Wow thats crazy. Has to be a bad rack. Make another video and don't talk because when we try to turn it up loud then you talk and thats really loud.
    If it was me I would jack up both sides in the front on jackstands. Start the engine and let it do its warm up cycle and shut off. Then with someone in the car turning the wheel and you under the car see if you can pin point the noise under there. If its even under there and not the steering wheel bearing assy. Inside or out?
    It may be road damage to the suspension or rack. Run over anything lately or really bad road or pothole?
     
    #2 edthefox5, Aug 1, 2012
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  3. That_Prius_Car

    That_Prius_Car Austin Kinser

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    I'll make one when I go for another drive. It does it randomly. Like today, I went to my sisters, 35 minute drive, didn't do it at all. Came back home, realized I left my MacBook there, had to drive all the way back, and the whole way there, it did it.

    I don't think it's on the outside of the car because you can't hear it outside. It's on the inside. I don't think it's suspension, or a bearing. It does it even when the car is at a stop and in par. Or when it's moving too. I think if it was serious like a bearing or suspension, Toyota would have at least seen that and told me. Thanks for your reply though! I'll try what you said.
     
    #3 That_Prius_Car, Aug 1, 2012
  4. a_gray_prius

    a_gray_prius Rare Non-Old-Blowhard Priuschat Member

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    I wouldn't bet on it. Check it yourself.
     
    #4 a_gray_prius, Aug 1, 2012
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  5. That_Prius_Car

    That_Prius_Car Austin Kinser

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    Will do. I've never looked before, but I'll check.
     
    #5 That_Prius_Car, Aug 1, 2012
  6. That_Prius_Car

    That_Prius_Car Austin Kinser

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    I just wouldn't think suspension or a bearing would make this continuous noise, especially when at a dead stop. I could see if the car was moving and going around a curve, but not at a stop. That's why I think it is something within the steering system itself. But I guess crazier things have happened, so I'll keep my mind open.
     
    #6 That_Prius_Car, Aug 1, 2012
  7. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    No thats a very good point. Its making crazy sounds just sitting there turning the wheel. Got to be inside with the steering resolver. Maybe put the camera on the floor so we can hear under the dash. And then whisper.
     
    #7 edthefox5, Aug 1, 2012
  8. ahmeow

    ahmeow Prius Lover

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    Well, I think the electric steering motor or the related mechanism got something wrong.
    Loosen or some small parts broken. We can notice it produced strange sound when you steer the wheel.
    No sound when stop.
     
    #8 ahmeow, Aug 1, 2012
  9. That_Prius_Car

    That_Prius_Car Austin Kinser

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    I just made another video about 2 hours ago. I'll upload it now. One moment...
     
    #9 That_Prius_Car, Aug 1, 2012
  10. That_Prius_Car

    That_Prius_Car Austin Kinser

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    & HERE IT IS! This time you can really hear it!!
     
    #10 That_Prius_Car, Aug 1, 2012
  11. Britprius

    Britprius Senior Member

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    To me this sounds as though the PS motor brushes are worn or stuck giving and removing the PS at a given time. This would account for both the noise, the vibration, and the intermittent nature of the problem.
     
    #11 Britprius, Aug 2, 2012
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  12. priusro

    priusro Junior Member

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    Any updates on the outcome? Was it the motor? I have the same symptoms and also suspecting the motor.
     
    #12 priusro, Jul 2, 2013
  13. That_Prius_Car

    That_Prius_Car Austin Kinser

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    No outcomes. I decided to get rid of it and get a different Prius for that reason. It's a shame, I loved the car but couldn't afford the "guesses" the dealer was giving me. Luckily, (knock on wood) my older model Prius hasn't given me a lick of issues. Though, I think I heard about Toyota doing a recall on the steering in the second generation, it's something new. Here's a link for you to read more about

    it.Luscious Garage | Blog | Prius Steering Intermediate Shaft Recall C0T - Details for Owners

    Also, here's a video clip of the sound it makes, which is the same exact sound mine was making... Figures Toyota would have a recall after I get rid of it. Oh well. I plan on getting another Gen.2 in a few months anywayshttp://Prius Steering Intermediate Shaft Recall C0T Part I (stripped splines) - YouTube
     
    #13 That_Prius_Car, Jul 3, 2013
  14. priusro

    priusro Junior Member

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    Thanks for the response, I did go to the dealer for this recall and my intermediate shaft is in mint condition.
    The grinding sound seems to be coming from the motor, even if the wheel is turned slightly and held steady, no mechanical parts of the steering are moving but the motor keeps grinding until I take my hands of the wheel.
    Found a salvaged steering column for 85$ and will install it next week.
    Also I will dismantle the faulty motor and will post an update.
     
    #14 priusro, Jul 4, 2013
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  15. That_Prius_Car

    That_Prius_Car Austin Kinser

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    So that's what was wrong with mine... Huh. Oh well. Live and learn. Good to know now though! I'm excited to see the results you post!
     
    #15 That_Prius_Car, Jul 7, 2013
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