Power steering: is this normal?

[JayGoldstein]

I've got 7,000 km (about 4,200 mi) on my car. I've noticed that every now and then, I can feel a momentary resistance as I'm turning the steering wheel. This only happens right after the car has started and it is either stationary, or moving very slowly (e.g., backing out of a parking spot).

I know the Prius has its ideosyncracies. Is this one of them, or do I have an issue that needs to be brought to the attention of my dealer at the first service?

[qbee42]

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

[Tideland Prius]

I'll be bold and say it's normal. It's the way the electric power steering works.

Try this experiment: (always keep the car moving so you don't wear the tyres down)

Rotate the steering wheel one way to full lock, then try rotating it the other way (e.g. doing a 3 point turn). When rotating it "the other way", you'll feel a strong resistance. I assume that's the same type you're talking about. So it is normal.

[tumbleweed]

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.

[JayGoldstein]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Tideland Prius @ Oct 13 2006, 03:40 PM) [snapback]332471[/snapback]</div>

Rotate the steering wheel one way to full lock, then try rotating it the other way (e.g. doing a 3 point turn). When rotating it "the other way", you'll feel a strong resistance. I assume that's the same type you're talking about. So it is normal.[/b]

Describing something you "feel" in the steering is tough. The momentary "resistance" I feel is not when the steering wheel is at full lock (I'm familiar with that sensation). When it happens, it is during the first 360 degrees of steering wheel rotation to the left or right (with the car stationary or moving very slowly). The best way I can describe it is that for a split second it feels like the steering stiffens/binds slightly, and then feels normal.

As I mentioned in my original message, since this only has happened when moving off right after the car engine has started, I'm wondering if it has anything to with an increase in pressure in the power steering. Obviously, I need to learn more about how the Prius' power steering works.

[galaxee]

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.

[JayGoldstein]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(galaxee @ Oct 13 2006, 09:35 PM) [snapback]332580[/snapback]</div>

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.
[/b]

Let me try to do a better job of describing the condition about which I'm concerned. What I'm noticing sometimes is a slight "knock" that can be felt through the steering wheel as the wheel is turned quickly while the car is stationary or moving very slowly.

I mentioned the above at the first service visit. Unfortunately, as seems to be typical with intermittent issues, the technician couldn't duplicate the behaviour, so nothing was done.

Now that overnight temperature are below 0C (32F), I've experienced the following on two occasions:
1) the car has been sitting overnight,
2) as soon as the Ready light comes on, I shift into Reverse and slowly back up using only the electric motor, and
3) a second or two later, the ICE starts, and simultaneously I can feel the "knock".

I'm curious about whether anyone else's Prius exhibits the same behaviour as mine.

[pinball]

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 ?

[JayGoldstein]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(pinball @ Nov 20 2006, 10:56 AM) [snapback]352087[/snapback]</div>

It might be the suspension settling ?
Is it only first thing in the morning ?[/b]

No, the "knock" also can happen when the car is thoroughly warmed up.

Have you had your steering recall yet ? [/b]

When I took the car in for the 8,000 km service, the first thing the service manager did was to see if there were any recalls/bulletins affecting my Prius. There were none.

What were the symptoms (if any) of the steering problem that led to the recall?

[pinball]

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

No, the "knock" also can happen when the car is thoroughly warmed up.
When I took the car in for the 8,000 km service, the first thing the service manager did was to see if there were any recalls/bulletins affecting my Prius. There were none.

What were the symptoms (if any) of the steering problem that led to the recall?
[/b]

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 !