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Steering Shaft recall and alignment

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Fifine, Aug 21, 2014.

  1. Fifine

    Fifine Member

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    Good morning,

    Seeking clarification and some advice please:
    My 2008 (132k mi.) recently had all the necessary recall work done, inverter, steering shaft and carpet clearance check.

    Having read somewhere in this forum that a wheel alignment should be done after the steering shaft work, I asked the Toyota service rep to check my car's alignment. He said the dealership was not equipped with the new magnet-wheel measuring machine thingie and they'd have to put the car through a more time consuming process to determine whether an alignment is needed. Besides, the Tech looked at the tires and determined there's no wear irregularity.

    It was past 6pm and I wanted my car back, so I ignored that "visual check" nonsense.

    Should I go to another dealership that has the new, quick check magnet equipment and have the alignment verified?

    If a new alignment is needed, due to the shaft recall work, does the dealership "pay" for it?

    Anyone with similar experience or circumstances? Thanks!
     
    #1 Fifine, Aug 21, 2014
  2. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    The impact of the steering shaft recall upon your alignment is only that the steering wheel potentially might be off-center. When the steering wheel is centered, does the car travel in a straight line? If yes then the recall had no negative effect on wheel alignment.

    It is certainly possible that your car's alignment should be checked. Usually this can be determined by unusual tire wear patterns.

    Any shop with a wheel alignment machine can verify the alignment on your car.
     
    #2 Patrick Wong, Aug 21, 2014
  3. jdenenberg

    jdenenberg EE Professor

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    The steering shaft work can only affect whether the steering wheel is level when going straight. It will not affect toe, caster, or camber of your wheels.

    Pat you beat me to it.

    JeffD
     
    #3 jdenenberg, Aug 21, 2014
  4. Fifine

    Fifine Member

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    On these oh-so solid LA freeways, the car veers to the left ever so slightly. It didn't do so before.
    I haven't checked tire pressure, if that plays a role.

    So Jeff: as I understand it, the steering shaft recall work does not affect wheel alignment. If there's any mis-alignment it is not due to putting the new bolt on the steering column. (y)
     
    #4 Fifine, Aug 21, 2014
  5. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

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    Correct. If you are having issues with your Prius pulling to one side or another, more than likely your alignment is off and needs to be adjusted. Remember that banked pavement will cause any vehicle to travel towards the lower side of the road. The "steering shaft recall" does NOT affect the alignment of the tires, but it CAN affect the alignment of the "steering wheel" IF the technician does NOT follow the "standard procedure".

    Refer to the attached file for more information concerning the recall.

    Ron (dorunron)
     

    Attached Files:

    #5 dorunron, Aug 21, 2014
  6. Fifine

    Fifine Member

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    Thank you Patrick, Jeff and Ron.
     
    #6 Fifine, Aug 22, 2014
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