Steering column mod?

[brick]

Does anybody think it would be possible to modify the steering column to bring it an inch or so closer to the torso? It's at the point where my collar bone kills me every time I drive the thing. The obvious solution, making the seat back more vertical, eats into precious leg room and just transfers the stress to my knees.

Barring that, maybe it's time to petition Toyota for a few bottles of ibuprofen.

[BerkshirePrius]

I think it is very do-able. It is on my list of projects for the winter. I agree with what you are saying 100%. Toyota did not design these cars with much adjustability to various body shapes.
Basically from my investigation of the steering column, the mounting points will have to be modified, and a longer intermediate shaft made, or the existing one lengthened. Yes, I am sure that there might be some small implication as to how the airbag works. No biggie IMO. I am not going to live my life worrying about being in a car wreck. I feel that it is more dangerous to drive the car with my arms completely outstretched in order to give my legs the room they need.

[brick]

The airbag part I have thought about, and believe that moving the seat position sensor accordingly would maintain proper operation. (If not for airbags these seats would be going away entirely!)

What irritates me the most is that my first car (old Volvo) didn't even have a tilt steering column yet the ergonomics were great for me. Guess that's the difference between Sweden and Japan: height!

[BerkshirePrius]

Good point on the seat sensor.

Again I agree with you on European cars! This is my first Japanese car. I do love the technology, and Toyota quality is word-renowned, but they do lack on ergonomics for the rest of the world. I have owned Saab, Audi, and Peugeot, all of which seemed very comfortable and classy. More than likely I would have purchased a comparable European hybrid if they were available.

[Boo]

Doesn't matter how tall or short you are, or whether the car is Swedish or Japanese.

The Prius steering wheel is uncommonly far away for almost anyone adjusting their driver's seat to reach and switch between the acceleration and brake pedels comfortably and safely.

It's not a short person or Japanese thing. The Prius' long steering wheel distance is unlike other Japanese cars, including other Toyotas, as well.

[dogfriend]

Toyota should have used some models with long torsos to help position the seat/steering wheel. That is why the Volvo worked for you; the Swedes tend to be long in the torso too. I have Norwegian blood in my family and also have a long torso.

I modified the seat so I can see out the windshield, but I understand your issue with the steering wheel position as well. I am trying to retrain myself to hold the bottom half of the wheel where it is closer, but often find that I am leaning forward with my hands in the 10 and 2 position that I learned in driver's training a few decades ago.

[Jiipa]

Originally Posted by dogfriend

I am trying to retrain myself to hold the bottom half of the wheel where it is closer, but often find that I am leaning forward with my hands in the 10 and 2 position that I learned in driver's training a few decades ago.

I was also taught to hold the wheel at 10 & 2, but isn't the recommended position now 8 & 4 due to the air bag?

[dogfriend]

Originally Posted by Jiipa

I was also taught to hold the wheel at 10 & 2, but isn't the recommended position now 8 & 4 due to the air bag?

Yes, but I drove vehicles for 20 years before getting one with an air bag. Old habits die hard.

[echase]

Prius was designed for a more upright seating position. A more vertical back gives greater visibility, and makes your legs effectively shorter, and arms effectively longer.

Of course this may be contrary to your personal preference.

[BerkshirePrius]

Originally Posted by echase

Prius was designed for a more upright seating position. A more vertical back gives greater visibility, and makes your legs effectively shorter, and arms effectively longer.

Of course this may be contrary to your personal preference.

It's not about personal preference when you are 6' 2" tall. I have less visibility sitting upright. Perhaps this goes back to the non-height adjustable seat issue? Hmmm...