Brakes pulling in turns

[GAGendel]

I have another braking question...

When coming to a slow stop I notice that something disengages just before it stops. I then have to brake harder to stop where I wanted to.

Am I alone on this?

[randalla]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(GAGendel\";p=\"87499)</div>

I have another braking question...

When coming to a slow stop I notice that something disengages just before it stops.  I then have to brake harder to stop where I wanted to.

Am I alone on this?
[/b]

The regenerative braking is actually doing the work until you slow to around 8mph and then the friction brakes take over from there to complete stop.

[Sky]

I just drove my wifes Civic yesterday, and it really drove home to me that the steering in my Prius, far from being "sensitive", is actually very stiff, unresponsive, with lots of "strange" feedback feelings coming through the steering wheel. I had a job where I drove lots of brand new cars, and I've never driven one like this as far as the steering. It seems like I'm always having to "push and resist" steering feel feedback. Definitely no fun on curvy mountain roads.
I drove some of those curvy roads the first week I had my car, and thought I was being way over-protective of my new car, the way I was driving. Now I realize that I was feeling incredibly insecure about the feel of the steering.
My car is almost due for it's 1000 mile checkup, and I will have them check the alignment and toe. I certainly hope they can do something about this, as it does not make for a relaxing ride.
Thank you all for your input.

[GAGendel]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Sky\";p=\"88169)</div>

I just drove my wifes Civic yesterday, and it really drove home to me that the steering in my Prius, far from being \"sensitive\", is actually very stiff, unresponsive, with lots of \"strange\" feedback feelings coming through the steering wheel. I had a job where I drove lots of brand new cars, and I've never driven one like this as far as the steering. It seems like I'm always having to \"push and resist\" steering feel feedback. Definitely no fun on curvy mountain roads.  
 I drove some of those curvy roads the first week I had my car, and thought I was being way over-protective of my new car, the way I was driving. Now I realize that I was feeling incredibly insecure about the feel of the steering.
 My car is almost due for it's 1000 mile checkup, and I will have them check the alignment and toe. I certainly hope they can do something about this, as it does not make for a relaxing ride.
 Thank you all for your input.
[/b]

I think you're seeing the true Prius. It has been written up several times noting it's "lack of feel" and "understeering". Darn thing scared me silly the first few days of driving. However, like all new car quirks, I soon adjusted and found it reasonable. I understand that the 2006 (at least in Europe) will have a completely redesigned steering and suspension systems. Not soon enough for us existing owners, but it means that Toyota is listening.

[cc_prius]

I got my Prius on Sat, and in my commute today had my first hard stop. At first, the brakes felt too soft, and didn't slow the car quick enough for my tastes. Right at the end of the stop, something kicked in and stopped the car on a dime. I guess it was the brakes engaging at 8mph. Good for me, as long as the guy behind me can stop as quick. That will take some getting used to.

[Sky]

Well, my Prius has been in the shop today for it's 1000 mile servicing, and I told them about the steering. They said they checked the steering and that, during the time they drove it, the steering was normal. So now my car is in the shop for at least an extra day so they can drive it some more. I understand about "intermittent" problems, but it doesn't take too many right turns putting the brakes on gently to feel the wheel give a tug left.
This last weekend I was up in the mountains visiting my friend again, and it's really a bit scary on the curvy, not quite wide enough for 2 cars at a time two way country roads, to have the steering periodically bump my hand left, as I brake going around a blind right turn.
This is certainly not what I expected when I plunked down my $28,932.00 for a brand new Toyota. I've driven $500.00 to $4,000.00 vehicles all my life, including a number of woderful toyotas, and I've got to admit, right now I'm feeling a good bit of disappointment.

[KTPhil]

Alignment check is, surprisingly, not a part of the pre-delivery checklist. Have it checked, both to be in spec, as close side-to-side as they can adjust it, and make sure the front toe-in is in fact, toed-in, not zero or a little out (which the spec allows). It can affect braking stability as well as handling.

[NuShrike]

Any possibility you can borrow and drive another Prius to verify things?

[Sky]

Got my car back from the Maita Toyota of Sacramento service department, who by the way were fantastic, but no luck getting the "intermittent" tug on the steering to show itself. They had a couple of different people test drive it, allowed me to ride with still another test driver, who had me drive it to see if I could duplicate the problem. No luck.
The steering was on totally good behavior till the next day. The people at Maita said "bring it in any time during business hours that it's acting up" and they will have somebody ride with me in hopes of getting an idea of what's happening.

[raybon]

I'm curious if weight distribution may effect the problem. Do you usually see the problem when you are the only one in the car? Do you ever notice it when there is someone riding in the front passenger seat? What if people are in the back seats?

It may help troubleshooting... Just throwing out some ideas.

Glenn