01 prius steering shudder

[statultra]

this morning i was reversing out of `my driveway when the steering started to shake very violently, then stopped, it didnt happen again until i was leaving the parking garage to come home and it only lasted for 2-3 seconds, loss of p ower steering and strong shudders.

Can i take this car to the dealer for recall work? even though there isnt any codes registered or PS warning light?

this happened since the temp dropped below 50 overnight, and i could imagine how worse it would be at 30 degrees.

[Frank Hudon]

this is a known problem with the 2k1 and if I recall some 2k2's as well. It was covered under an extension to the warranty but your best bet is to contact Toyota Customer Service and start the paper work if it's still in effect. If not it's time to contact your banker for a loan. It's quite an expensive repair as it involves the replacement of the steering rack.

[tochatihu]

Hi Statultra, do I remember correctly that you did a salvage vehicle rebuild? If so Toyota may not help with the steering rack replacement.

AFAIK they are not fixable (that opinion may be worth something because I have dismantled one and it ain't simple as the accel pedals are). New total replacement from Toyota is in the $2000 range. If I were looking, I would see what the salvage vehicle dismantlers could provide out of a 2003, and then address the 'who's is going to install this' question.

Your PS shakes may or may not get worse in terms of violence. I had that symptom only rarely, until on the road the PS assist simply failed and the bad lights came on. There never was a 'wild shaking while driving' phase.

[statultra]

yea i had done a salvage vehicle repair, but this is the first prius we bought in 2000 brand new, the other one hasnt gave us trouble.
So yea its under warranty, i really hope the dealer here doesnt give me a hard time, their so called "prius techs" arent that knowledgeable and very hard headed.

So if i contact customer service and arrange the appointment or something, the dealer has no right to charge me right? i know its under warranty, i have the paperwork stating there is a extension on my VIN range, but the major problem is my local dealer, i honestly have a hard time everytime i go there.

also the steering shakes in these conditions,

turning the wheel when starting out after the car is at rest for a night ( very bad shaking 2-3 seconds )

while driving and slowing down below 20 mph without engine running ( minor vibration until im stopped, and i know the engine isnt on, had a scanner connected )

in reverse ( once in a while, violent shaking )


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(tochatihu @ Oct 14 2006, 09:24 AM) [snapback]332687[/snapback]</div>

Hi Statultra, do I remember correctly that you did a salvage vehicle rebuild? If so Toyota may not help with the steering rack replacement.

AFAIK they are not fixable (that opinion may be worth something because I have dismantled one and it ain't simple as the accel pedals are). New total replacement from Toyota is in the $2000 range. If I were looking, I would see what the salvage vehicle dismantlers could provide out of a 2003, and then address the 'who's is going to install this' question.

Your PS shakes may or may not get worse in terms of violence. I had that symptom only rarely, until on the road the PS assist simply failed and the bad lights came on. There never was a 'wild shaking while driving' phase.
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