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Want to modify steering to decrease turning radius. Can it be done?

Discussion in 'Prius c Accessories and Modifications' started by john1113, Jun 18, 2013.

  1. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    In general, U Turns are allowed in Ohio.
    -
    Lawriter - ORC -
    4511.13


    [Effective 7/1/2013] Highway traffic signal indications; section not applicable to railroad crossings.


    However they are prohibited on the turnpike.
    -
    Lawriter - OAC -
    5537-2-12


    U-turns.


    And in Columbus:
    So while U turns are not illegal in Ohio, it is true there are roads and cities in Ohio where they are prohibited.
    And yes, the law may have changed.
     
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  2. ztanos

    ztanos All-around Geek!

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    Yeah, my guess is they changed. I got a ticket while visiting my parents in 2002. The judge told me that the law at the time was all U-turns were illegal unless otherwise marked.
     
  3. Mr Incredible

    Mr Incredible Chance favors the prepared mind.

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    Am i the only one that would drive a little farther, make proper turns, and get back on track legally and effectively without looking like i just got my license?
     
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  4. ztanos

    ztanos All-around Geek!

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    Have you never made a turn on accident in a city you've never been to?
     
  5. Rob.au

    Rob.au Active Member

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    In Australia it used to be confusing... on U-Turns here in New South Wales we have never been able to do a U-Turn at traffic lights whereas in neighbouring Victoria you could (and this was far from the worst discrepancy). A few years ago we largely standardised to the Australian Road Rules thankfully, so we got rid of most of this kind of confusion

    Fairly straight forward here now... you must have a clear view of approaching traffic, must be able to safely complete the turn without unreasonably obstructing traffic, you must give way to everything including pedestrians and you can't do it at an intersection with traffic lights. Where centre lines indicate you can't overtake, these also naturally mean you can't make a u-turn either.
     
  6. Mr Incredible

    Mr Incredible Chance favors the prepared mind.

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    Yes. Many times. I've done U-turns before, but they are few and far between, well thought out, and many more were abandoned before being initiated.

    U-turns are a danger to everyone. I avoid them like I avoid going through red lights.

    Tip: Review route, make notes BEFORE going out to the car to start a trip.
     
  7. Mr Incredible

    Mr Incredible Chance favors the prepared mind.

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    Sounds sensible. That's the way to do it if you're going to.
     
  8. ztanos

    ztanos All-around Geek!

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    Sorry, I was referencing the 3-point turn. I avoid u-turns like the plague...
     
  9. Mr Incredible

    Mr Incredible Chance favors the prepared mind.

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    Same, only worse with the increased exposure time and dead stop several times.

    Minimise exposure = minimise risk.

    I guess it comes down to how lucky a person feels. I no longer tempt fate. I've beat it enough times that I think it knows my name now.
     
  10. ztanos

    ztanos All-around Geek!

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    I only do them if I come across a dead end street and have passed the last driveway. But even then, the PC has such good turning radius that most of the time I can just turn around.
     
  11. Mr Incredible

    Mr Incredible Chance favors the prepared mind.

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    My CRX had an awesome turning radius. No 3pt turns required evar. I tried a u-turn in the C in the same place I had to u-turn not long before in the CRX and it simply did not work. 3pt turn required.

    The wife's 2009 Hatchback has a great turn radius.

    It's almost better in the F250 Super Duty. At least in that I can ignore the curbs and continue with the u-turn as desired.
     
  12. ztanos

    ztanos All-around Geek!

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    Do you have the 16s?
     
  13. Mr Incredible

    Mr Incredible Chance favors the prepared mind.

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    I do.

    Some day I'll get underneath there and see what kind of travel stop it has.
     
  14. ztanos

    ztanos All-around Geek!

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    Ah, that explains the poorer turning radius.
     
  15. Mr Incredible

    Mr Incredible Chance favors the prepared mind.

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    Yeah. I'd heard about it, but didn't think it was all that big of a deal. After all, I have a big 4wd truck and understand all that kind of stuff.

    Yet seeing it in use on a tiny car, it seems awful big. I wouldn't trade for the 15" tire/wheel combo, but it does take some forethought on occasion.
     
  16. ztanos

    ztanos All-around Geek!

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    Yeah... 6' on a 13' car adds a lot.
     
  17. AdrenalineKing

    AdrenalineKing New Member

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    In addition to the solution involving adjusting the limits of the control arm, you can also purchase modified steering knuckles, or if you know your way around a weld, make them yourself. These are designed to allow further rear-end swing in drift cars, giving you the ability to bring your car to nearly 90 degrees sideways mid-drift. An additional option, if you don't mind a little uneven tire wear, is to change your caster angle on your wheels. this will keep your wheels pointed forward, but tilt your steering upward, causing your wheels to ride their inside edge through turns, reducing your turning radius by a good bit. (just don't overdo it... you want to ride the inside edge, not your sidewalls. :p )
     
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  18. Motov8r

    Motov8r Member

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    There are no steering stops on the prius c. The limiter is the rack. There are different part numbers for both the rack and the tie rod ends for prius c equipped with 16" tires. I put 16x6.5 wheels with 205/50 tires on my c2 and get some rubbing at full lock which is why I investigated the stops and the difference in racks. Looking online you can find the rack and tire rod ends for less than $500 total.


    iPhone ?
     
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  19. NickBaker9

    NickBaker9 Junior Member

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    Who's drifting a Prius though?
     
  20. ztanos

    ztanos All-around Geek!

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    Who's not drifting a Prius? :D
     
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