Is there a way to make the steering easier?

Cathy K · 09-28-2004, 03:48 PM

Is there a way to make the steering wheel easier to turn? My daughter has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. It affects the connective tissue of the ligaments and makes the joint dislocate very, very easily. Her wrists are sort of permanently subluxed so having to crank the wheel with any effort is difficult for her. Is there any modification the dealer can make to the steering to make it easier? Thanks. Cathy

john1701a · 09-28-2004, 03:57 PM

I'm not sure about a sensitivity adjustment, but I do know that reducing friction helps. To do that, just pump the tires up to their maximum.

44 PSI (when measured cold, meaning at least 2 hours after driving) is what I'd recommend for the standard tires, in front. In back, us 42 PSI.

And the easiest way to maintain the tire pressure is to use a battery-operated pump. They start at about $29.

**efusco** · 09-28-2004, 04:58 PM

I'd suggest one of those little knobs that spins that you can attach to the steering wheel to change the pivot/hold point.

The wheel isn't all that difficult to turn in any case.

Cathy K · 09-28-2004, 05:33 PM

Evan, where can you get the knobs at? I'm not familiar with them. Thanks. Cathy

removeum · 09-28-2004, 09:37 PM

They are called suicide nobs. You should be able to find them at any truck store.

Ben

Varko · 09-28-2004, 09:42 PM

They are illegal in some states. But for medical reasons she probably could get a perscription for it or something like it.

IsrAmeriPrius · 09-28-2004, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Evan, where can you get the knobs at? I'm not familiar with them. Thanks. Cathy

Simply type "Steering Wheel Spinner" in a Google search box. You'll get dozens of hits.

Frank Hudon · 09-28-2004, 10:56 PM

if your in a large metro area try one of the local forklift truck dealers most have them in stock or can order on for you.

**efusco** · 09-28-2004, 11:15 PM

Cathy,
Another thought is to ask your daughter's physician to refer you to an Occupational Therapist. They should be able to fit her with an orthotic brace well suited for tasks like driving. Even something as simple as a bowling brace might work, but a properly fitted orthotic device would be better and probably be well suited for other purposes.

There's no reason something like ED should prevent almost any normal activity.

naterprius · 09-29-2004, 01:02 AM

Cathy K, I've noticed this is your second disability related question. Were you aware Toyota has a special program to assist you? They even offer up to $1000 to help pay for modifications! I hear they will coordinate you with a local customization shop to address your daughter's issues, and can do so with professional results.

See here:

http://www.toyota.com/html/mobility/

Nate

09-28-2004, 03:48 PM	#1
Cathy K Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Western Colorado Posts: 28 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Is there a way to make the steering easier? Is there a way to make the steering wheel easier to turn? My daughter has Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. It affects the connective tissue of the ligaments and makes the joint dislocate very, very easily. Her wrists are sort of permanently subluxed so having to crank the wheel with any effort is difficult for her. Is there any modification the dealer can make to the steering to make it easier? Thanks. Cathy

09-28-2004, 03:57 PM	#2
john1701a Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,715 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: Pioneer #3 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 3	Re: Is there a way to make the steering easier? I'm not sure about a sensitivity adjustment, but I do know that reducing friction helps. To do that, just pump the tires up to their maximum. 44 PSI (when measured cold, meaning at least 2 hours after driving) is what I'd recommend for the standard tires, in front. In back, us 42 PSI. And the easiest way to maintain the tire pressure is to use a battery-operated pump. They start at about $29.

09-28-2004, 09:37 PM	#5
removeum Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: El Paso, TX Posts: 404 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Re: Is there a way to make the steering easier? They are called suicide nobs. You should be able to find them at any truck store. Ben

09-29-2004, 01:02 AM	#10
naterprius Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: USA Posts: 1,830 My Car: Other Non-Hybrid Package: N/A Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Re: Is there a way to make the steering easier? Cathy K, I've noticed this is your second disability related question. Were you aware Toyota has a special program to assist you? They even offer up to $1000 to help pay for modifications! I hear they will coordinate you with a local customization shop to address your daughter's issues, and can do so with professional results. See here: http://www.toyota.com/html/mobility/ Nate

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09-28-2004, 04:58 PM	#3
efusco Troll Slayer Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Nixa, MO Posts: 14,227 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 1 Time in 1 Post TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 24	I'd suggest one of those little knobs that spins that you can attach to the steering wheel to change the pivot/hold point. The wheel isn't all that difficult to turn in any case.

09-28-2004, 05:33 PM	#4
Cathy K Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Western Colorado Posts: 28 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Evan, where can you get the knobs at? I'm not familiar with them. Thanks. Cathy

09-28-2004, 09:42 PM	#6
Varko Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: North of Seattle Posts: 113 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: #7 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	They are illegal in some states. But for medical reasons she probably could get a perscription for it or something like it.

09-28-2004, 10:56 PM	#8
Frank Hudon Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 4,144 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	if your in a large metro area try one of the local forklift truck dealers most have them in stock or can order on for you.

09-28-2004, 11:15 PM	#9
efusco Troll Slayer Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Nixa, MO Posts: 14,227 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 1 Time in 1 Post TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 24	Cathy, Another thought is to ask your daughter's physician to refer you to an Occupational Therapist. They should be able to fit her with an orthotic brace well suited for tasks like driving. Even something as simple as a bowling brace might work, but a properly fitted orthotic device would be better and probably be well suited for other purposes. There's no reason something like ED should prevent almost any normal activity.