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Steering problem with a 2002 Prius

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Jixil, Dec 8, 2009.

  1. Jixil

    Jixil New Member

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    I'm having a problem where when I turn left with my car, the steering doesn't "reset" back to the center when I release the wheel. This works fine when I'm making a right turn, but when I make a left turn, when I loosen my hands to try to have the wheel auto-center, it just stays there and I have to turn it back to center automatically. I'm not sure if anyone else has had this problem before and there's no indicator light or anything showing something is wrong with my steering. Any help would be appreciated.
     
    #1 Jixil, Dec 8, 2009
  2. tochatihu

    tochatihu Senior Member

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    Typically if the steering does not recenter, your front alignment is out, either insufficient toe in or negative toe in . That is to say, toe out. But you say it happens on one side only, suggesting a diffierent mechanical problem. Somebody needs to inspect the steering system.

    Tell us what you find out please.
     
    #2 tochatihu, Dec 9, 2009
  3. Mrsstockcar

    Mrsstockcar New Member

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    Has anyone had issues with the 2002 Prius steering being "squirrely" - I have to over-steer, constantly moving the wheel to keep the car straight in a lane. I have checked it for pulling from one side or the other but nothing! The rack was replaced while under the extended warranty with about 80,000 miles on it. Also, I am going thru tires like crazy - had an alignment just before winter. HELP! :confused:
     
    #3 Mrsstockcar, Jun 8, 2011
  4. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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    ^^
    Do you have an alignment printout showing the before and after values?
     
    #4 cwerdna, Jun 8, 2011
  5. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Thats pretty simple in a standard car but the Prius is not a standard car. In a sc first thing I would look at is the top bearing in the struts or maybe the ball joints.
    You give us little info. How many miles? Whats been replaced up front? Original struts?
     
    #5 edthefox5, Jun 9, 2011
  6. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Nice hijack:eek:

    Yeah this drove me crazy on my 07 too. No dead band in the center. Steering needs constant attention. You can't relax and just let your hand rest on the wheel. Its an issue with the car for sure imho.
    Its most notable if you drive another car especially if that car is an american made car. That back and forth comparison makes this zero dead band very noticeable.
    Most people who only drive a Prius get so used to it they don't even notice it.

    This issue is mitigated alot by increasing tire pressure.
    Try pumping the front tires to 46 pounds and the back to 44 lbs.
    Then go higher if not satisfied. It will really ehlp your mileage too.
    For some reason much higher tire pressures on this car make the tires last longer.
    What kind of tires do you run?
     
    #6 edthefox5, Jun 9, 2011
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