Is there a way to make the steering easier?

I'm not sure about a sensitivity adjustment, but I do know that reducing friction helps. To do that, just pump the tires up to their maximum.

44 PSI (when measured cold, meaning at least 2 hours after driving) is what I'd recommend for the standard tires, in front. In back, us 42 PSI.

And the easiest way to maintain the tire pressure is to use a battery-operated pump. They start at about $29.

 

They are called suicide nobs. You should be able to find them at any truck store.

Ben

 

They are illegal in some states. But for medical reasons she probably could get a perscription for it or something like it.

 

Simply type "Steering Wheel Spinner" in a Google search box. You'll get dozens of hits.

 

if your in a large metro area try one of the local forklift truck dealers most have them in stock or can order on for you.

 

Cathy K, I've noticed this is your second disability related question. Were you aware Toyota has a special program to assist you? They even offer up to $1000 to help pay for modifications! I hear they will coordinate you with a local customization shop to address your daughter's issues, and can do so with professional results.

See here:

http://www.toyota.com/html/mobility/

Nate

 

Evan could we put this address in the data base under a heading for "person's with disabilities" or some such heading to make the info available to all that need it?

 

get a new steering rack with a smaller ratio than the prius's. smaller ratio = tires turn more with same amount of steering wheel pushed

 

can you specifiy what you purchased? a steering rack as i suggested might actually make it harder to steer since the sensitive electric steering may make it waver more easily...i'd be nice to get a smaller ratio without that happening. so if you could elaborate, that would be helpful to me ^_^

 

Toyota is wonderfully responsive to such situations.

As I understand it, this is an electric (mostly "fly by wire") system with mechanical resistance that is 100% artificial. It therefore can be reduced or even removed. I'd bet that someone at Toyota can get this done...

 

I agree with Eisenson, Toyota may be able to help. I don't think the dealer themselves could do anything, but a specially programmed PS module may be made under their mobility program that makes the steering more sensitive, or rather 'responsive' As for being 100% artificial, not quite. There is a direct connection between the the steering wheel and the steering rack (you can turn the wheel with power off and a dead battery), but there is a torqe sensor in the column that detects how much force you are putting on the steering wheel, and operates an electric motor that is also on the column to help you. Probably more accurately, the electronics moves the motor to negate the excess torque you apply.
They could make it truely near zero effort, as the car steers itself for parkinng with the parking assist in Japan.
Of course, as I said before, it does depend on the physical limits of sensitivity provided by the tourqe sensor in the column.

But if a spinner is adequate, that is the lowest cost solution. If it is not adequate, see if Toyota HQ can help.

 

I recently had left shoulder surgery and installed a knob on the right side of the steering wheel at about four o'clock. Purchased at a Pep Boy Store for $10. Acquired a prescription from my surgeon. Keep it it my glovebox if asked by police. Works fine.