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Steering Noise

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by MinneMiss, May 31, 2006.

  1. MinneMiss

    MinneMiss New Member

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    I have a fairly new 2006 Toyota Prius, Package 5. This is the first car I've owned with power steering, power breaks, etcetera, so this noise may be normal?.... I've noticed when I'm parking the car in the garage (so it's quiet and the car is going verrry slow) that there is a soft grinding when I turn the wheel. It's similar to the sound you hear when you first brake after the brakes have had a light dusting of rust on them due to a car washing or high humidity.

    Is this sound normal -- maybe due to the power hydraulics or something?
     
    #1 MinneMiss, May 31, 2006
  2. nyprius

    nyprius Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(MinneMiss @ May 31 2006, 07:36 AM) [snapback]263303[/snapback]</div>
    Sounds like you might be getting spooked by the steering recall, which doens't apply to 06 models. I've never heard or felt anything wrong with the steering on my 05 Prius.
     
    #2 nyprius, May 31, 2006
  3. jamesfchumbley

    jamesfchumbley New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(MinneMiss @ May 31 2006, 06:36 AM) [snapback]263303[/snapback]</div>

    This is just the sound of the tires moving on the concrete floor of your garage. It is perfectly normal. Every single car ever made in the world will make this exact same sound if the wheel is turned when the car is not moving. This is because the wheels aren't turning and therefore cannot roll. Each wheel supports just under 500 pounds of weight, and it is this weight that makes the tires complain.

    You are a very observant driver driver! Keep it up. All these observations that you make will help a service consultant diagnose real problems in your car. Best of luck.

    Jim (mechanical engineer for 40+ years)
     
    #3 jamesfchumbley, May 31, 2006
  4. MinneMiss

    MinneMiss New Member

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    It wasn't the recall making me nervous -- just that the recall made me think of posting to the chat since I was already logged in to get more info about the recall -- not even sure if mine will be affected. I recently got my Toyota survey card, and wanted to be sure that I fill in anything that might be wrong with the car. (I'm actually more concerned about the dark spot under the front of the car -- hoping it's just condensation from the abominable heat and humidity we've been having...)

    Thanks for the info James. What you said makes sense. My last car was quite a bit smaller than this one and lower to the ground. So, it was easy to distinguish the noise of the wheels turning on the concrete. This one being heavier and further off the ground is somewhat more disconnected from the road noise. It also makes sense that the noise would transmit up through the steering column with a different sound as well.
    Thanks again.
     
    #4 MinneMiss, May 31, 2006
  5. usbseawolf2000

    usbseawolf2000 HSD PhD

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    Mine does make some sound as well. I did not notice until I park with the music/radio off. Because the ICE was off, I could hear everything. I think because the steering is by wire, I thought it was the sound an electric motor.

    BTW, my Prius has manufacturing date of Jan 2006. It is not part of this Special Campaign.

    Dennis
     
    #5 usbseawolf2000, May 31, 2006
  6. stevedegraw

    stevedegraw Member

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    Mine makes the same noise, like a very slight soft scrapping of the steering wheel housing on the steering column. I only hear it when it is very quiet. I had this on another vehicle and it went away. I figured that since it was new it would go away with use. Maybe I'll have it checked out at the 5000 mile.

    Anyone had this issue and had it fixed by the dealer ?
     
    #6 stevedegraw, May 31, 2006
  7. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Does it occur when you're going forward (in EV, radio and fan off) and backward?

    If so, then it's normal operation. It sorta sounds like those steering wheels for computer games or console games.
     
    #7 Tideland Prius, May 31, 2006
  8. Oxo

    Oxo New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(MinneMiss @ May 31 2006, 06:36 AM) [snapback]263303[/snapback]</div>
    I had a much more serious noise from the steering in my late 2005 Prius. From the first day it always complained with a loud noise when I turned a sharp corner. At first I thought it was the horn of another car. To test it I found a lonely wide open space where I was free to turn in tight circles and here it kept the noise going all the way round, both ways. The steering assembly was replaced 3 months later under the guarantee. I have heard of someone else who had exactly the same noise in early 2005.
    I suggest you do a similar test, with the window open. It might help to have someone else in the car to listen too.
     
    #8 Oxo, May 31, 2006
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