Power steering: is this normal?

The steering on all cars is stiffer when you are not moving or moving slowly. I suspect that is what you are feeling, but it's hard to say with such a vague description. At slow speeds you can feel all of the irregularities in the pavement.

Tom

 

I agree with the other two, I think it may be normal. Depends on how much resistance you are feeling, a little is normal. See if you can find another Prius to drive and see if it does the same thing, or let another Prius owner drive your car.

 

if you feel it when you first start turning the wheel, it's normal. partway through the turn, might not be normal. in that case, ask about it at your service visit.

when you first start to make a turn, power assist doesn't kick on immediately, there is a brief hesitation while the torque angle sensors start to read torsion applied, signal is sent to the power steering ecu, which controls the assist motor.

 

It might be the suspension settling ?
Is it only first thing in the morning ?

But if you are feeling a 'knock' or 'kink' as you turn the wheel ( ie a moment's resistance) then you need to get it checked out by your dealer.
Mine is smooth from lock to lock - although at very low speed it requires more effort (ie 3 point turn.)
The important thing is to be able to show the dealer.

Have you had your steering recall yet ?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JayGoldstein @ Nov 20 2006, 04:33 PM) [snapback]352103[/snapback]</div>

Here's the link to the Recall Thread on PC
http://priuschat.com/Toyota-Prius-Special-...sue-t20240.html

As far as I know there are no symptoms linked to the recall - its was just a Toyota driven initiative for models within a certain chassis range - I think any model that was recalled received a letter from Toyota first.
I understood it was a just a precautionary measure though.
I had to have mine done and it took two visits.

As to the knock - I'd hazard a guess its suspension related as faulty shock absorbers 'knock'- however for a steering knock you should get down to the dealer - as long as you can demonstrate it at will, they can sort it out under warranty I hope.
The only time I have felt a knock/kink on turning a steering wheel, was once on a Volvo I had and it turned out to be worn bushes on the steering linkage and once on my son's car after he kerbed it badly, really badly !

 

I ran into someone who claimed that the Prius has a steer-by-wire system where the steering wheel is not mechanically connected to the wheels as in a "normal" car. I assume they are confused by the meaning of electric power steering. ???

 

They are indeed. It's a mechanical linkage, just with the assist
up near the wheel which is one reason the shaft gets more torque
than you'd expect.
.
_H*

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(CVS @ Nov 27 2006, 09:02 PM) [snapback]354641[/snapback]</div>

Completely removal of any mechanical linkage between the steering rack and steering wheel sounds a bit alarming. Failsafe methods needs to be integrated with this one I guess. Well at least steer-by-wire means less weight and better flexibility in terms of design.

 

crawl under the dash and *look* at the linkage...
.
_H*

 

We get the same thing. I just put it down to the power steering fluid pressure building up for the first time and when it reaches set point there is a slight clunk as it starts to perform normally.

Mark

 

Jay

Mine never does what you describe. Would it help if you could drive another Prius to compare??

jay

 

I've had the same thing on mine a couple of times. Mine is UK spec and 4000K. I first noticed it when reversing in the supermarket car park when I was shifting quickly from right lock to left lock. Not tried to reproduce it but will give it another go tomorrow. The only time I have felt something similar in a vehicle was when the power steering fluid was running low and the fluid flow could not keep up with the rate of steering input demand.

Yep, had it again today. Just quickly turn the steering wheel left a complete turn and then quickly switch right and see what happens.