1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Power steering: more responsive, less stiff in reverse?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by GaryHere, Mar 7, 2015.

  1. GaryHere

    GaryHere Member

    Joined:
    Jul 27, 2014
    147
    27
    0
    Location:
    Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Three
    Been noticing this more and more (didnt really pay attention since I dont use reverse that much -- really) but it seems that in reverse the power steering moves more freely and responds better than in drive.....

    is there any reason for this if it indeed is better in reverse?

    has anyone noticed it?

    My wife says she doesnt know what Im talking about, she feels no change :(
     
    #1 GaryHere, Mar 7, 2015
  2. situationalawareness

    situationalawareness Member

    Joined:
    May 3, 2011
    83
    43
    0
    Location:
    San Tan Valley, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Persona
    The only reason you'd feel any difference at all is because when backing up, your front steering wheels are trailing instead of fighting a forward thrust directly onto it like when going forward.
     
    #2 situationalawareness, Mar 7, 2015
  3. Easy Rider 2

    Easy Rider 2 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 5, 2014
    1,584
    257
    0
    Location:
    Ocala, FL
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius c
    Model:
    Three
    Cars that have variable ratio power steering often work like that as they go to max. assist in reverse.
    Don't know which, if any, Prii are supposed to work like that though.
     
    #3 Easy Rider 2, Mar 7, 2015
  4. css28

    css28 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2012
    1,566
    442
    3
    Location:
    Suburban Detroit
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    It's a function of the caster and the generally less stable dynamics of steering while going backward.
    I've noticed this in my other cars too (including some without power steering).
     
    #4 css28, Mar 7, 2015
    GrGramps likes this.
  5. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2006
    5,963
    1,985
    0
    Location:
    Edmonton Alberta
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Also, while in reverse you are only using electric power, limited to approx. 40 HP peak, though the available torque is pretty high.
     
    #5 David Beale, Mar 7, 2015
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    110,166
    50,060
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    never noticed it myself, but i only reverse to leave my driveway and parking spots typically.
     
    #6 bisco, Mar 7, 2015
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)