Prius Leans

ghatid · 07-08-2007, 04:39 PM

I recently bought a new 2007 Prius (2 weeks ago) and I noticed that it seems to lean either one way or the other when I try to drive straight. I know if it leans one way exclusively, the wheels are probably unbalanced, but if it leans either way, I don't know what could be wrong.
Does anyone know the problem? Are they all like this?
It feels kind of like it's at unstable equilibrium...
Thanks for your help

Godiva · 07-08-2007, 04:40 PM

Try a BT tech stiffening plate.

qbee42 · 07-08-2007, 10:39 PM

New Prius drivers tend to over-control. The steering is very tight, with virtually no dead band, so new drivers wiggle down the road. I don't know if this is what you are feeling, but it's a fair guess that's what is happening. Use a very gentle grip, and make very small adjustments, and soon it will feel much more stable.

Tom

Bill Merchant · 07-09-2007, 01:26 AM

Another possibility is that the front wheels are out of alignment. They should be parallel or very slightly toed in. If they are toed out (slightly wider apart on the front side of the tire than the rear side) your car will try to go left, then right, then left, etc., and feel unstable.

Ask your dealer to check the alignment. Many Prius are delivered with poor alignment caused by the tie-downs used during shipping. Your first alignment during the first year is free.

And welcome to PriusChat, Ghatid!

ghatid · 07-09-2007, 02:42 AM

Thanks

Do I have to go to the same dealer to get my wheels aligned? and is poor alignment a common problem? I can't seem to find anyone else who has experienced this

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bill Merchant @ Jul 9 2007, 12:26 AM) [snapback]475361[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Another possibility is that the front wheels are out of alignment. They should be parallel or very slightly toed in. If they are toed out (slightly wider apart on the front side of the tire than the rear side) your car will try to go left, then right, then left, etc., and feel unstable.

Ask your dealer to check the alignment. Many Prius are delivered with poor alignment caused by the tie-downs used during shipping. Your first alignment during the first year is free.

And welcome to PriusChat, Ghatid!
[/b]

patrickindallas · 07-09-2007, 04:54 AM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Ghatid @ Jul 9 2007, 01:42 AM) [snapback]475386[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Thanks

Do I have to go to the same dealer to get my wheels aligned?
and is poor alignment a common problem?

I can't seem to find anyone else who has experienced this
[/b]

#1. No. Go to any Toyo service department, and tell them that it has
pulled to one side ever since you bought it.

#2. Considering the fact that the first alignment is free (but not advertised), I
would assume that misalignment coming off the boat was a common enough
problem that the company noticed it.

1fixitman · 07-09-2007, 05:45 AM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Ghatid @ Jul 8 2007, 04:39 PM) [snapback]475160[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

I recently bought a new 2007 Prius (2 weeks ago) and I noticed that it seems to lean either one way or the other when I try to drive straight. I know if it leans one way exclusively, the wheels are probably unbalanced, but if it leans either way, I don't know what could be wrong.
Does anyone know the problem? Are they all like this?
It feels kind of like it's at unstable equilibrium...
Thanks for your help
[/b]

go to this URL listed below and read this. Copy this line (highlight it and right click and hit copy)
Put your cursor in the web brouser line...backspace all and right click and click paste. Then Read. There is a forum search at the top of the forums.....many topics available for people with the same issue from dealer.

http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=3...mp;hl=alignment

D Rock

07-08-2007, 04:39 PM	#1
ghatid Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 20 My Car: 2007 Prius Model: Package: #2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	I recently bought a new 2007 Prius (2 weeks ago) and I noticed that it seems to lean either one way or the other when I try to drive straight. I know if it leans one way exclusively, the wheels are probably unbalanced, but if it leans either way, I don't know what could be wrong. Does anyone know the problem? Are they all like this? It feels kind of like it's at unstable equilibrium... Thanks for your help

07-08-2007, 04:40 PM	#2
Godiva AmeriKan Citizen Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 10,342 My Car: 2005 Prius Model: Package: #1 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Friends: 7	Try a BT tech stiffening plate.

07-08-2007, 10:39 PM	#3
qbee42 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Northern Michigan Posts: 10,492 My Car: 2006 Prius Model: Package: #7 Thanks: 95 Thanked 392 Times in 290 Posts Friends: 10	New Prius drivers tend to over-control. The steering is very tight, with virtually no dead band, so new drivers wiggle down the road. I don't know if this is what you are feeling, but it's a fair guess that's what is happening. Use a very gentle grip, and make very small adjustments, and soon it will feel much more stable. Tom

07-09-2007, 01:26 AM	#4
Bill Merchant absit invidia Join Date: May 2005 Location: USA \| Oregon \| Portland area \| 97004 \| Posts: 4,100 My Car: 2007 Prius Model: Package: #5 Thanks: 18 Thanked 10 Times in 8 Posts Friends: 60	Another possibility is that the front wheels are out of alignment. They should be parallel or very slightly toed in. If they are toed out (slightly wider apart on the front side of the tire than the rear side) your car will try to go left, then right, then left, etc., and feel unstable. Ask your dealer to check the alignment. Many Prius are delivered with poor alignment caused by the tie-downs used during shipping. Your first alignment during the first year is free. And welcome to PriusChat, Ghatid!