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Unstable steering

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by srivenkat, Oct 23, 2014.

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  1. srivenkat

    srivenkat Active Member

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    Folks,

    One issue I have always had with my Prius is that I can NOT find a steering position that will keep the car going straight even at city speeds such as 30 MPH. Once I set it to what I think is the center position and hold it there, the car will initially start going straight but then starts slowly going to either left or right over a few seconds time. I then give the steering an ever light input to try to center it and then it starts moving in the other direction over a few seconds time. I go over this process again and again. This is of course much more perceptible on the highway but the important thing to note is that it happens at city speeds as well (not just on the highway).

    I did have the dealer look at it when I first noticed it when I bought the car used but after an alignment adjustment, the dealer simply blamed it on road crown.

    I would like to again look into this fixed based on what others may have done over the years to fix this kind of an issue.

    Thanks in advance.
     
    #1 srivenkat, Oct 23, 2014
    Last edited: Oct 23, 2014
  2. srivenkat

    srivenkat Active Member

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    I should also add that the dealer did (claim to) do zero-calibration after the alignment adjustment.
     
    #2 srivenkat, Oct 23, 2014
  3. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    It's a built-in "feature" that keeps you on your toes, or engaged in the driving process. ;) :D

    SCH-I535
     
    #3 xliderider, Oct 23, 2014
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  4. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

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    Sounds abnormal to me, or at least I haven't noticed that feature.
     
    #4 Former Member 68813, Oct 23, 2014
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  5. Tande

    Tande Active Member

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    Yes....this has been discussed, not sure how to find the "Thread"......we (wife & I) each have a "Gen.III" ......one does this, the other, not......the one that wanders also has "Stiff" steering; takes more effort to turn the steering wheel from center......it really is a PITA to drive.....the other is a pleasure......FWIW
     
    #5 Tande, Oct 23, 2014
  6. srivenkat

    srivenkat Active Member

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    Yes, mine also has a "stiffer" steering when compared to say my 2007 Camry Hybrid. Considering the steering is electric, does this point to the steering sensors being out of calibration? Has anyone with a similar issue fixed the issue by getting their sensors recalibrated and if so what are those specific sensors?

    Tande: is the problem Prius manufactured earlier than the other one?
     
    #6 srivenkat, Oct 23, 2014
  7. Tande

    Tande Active Member

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    I would say yes.....both "2010" but the "Problem/Child" was purchased approx. 10 mo. before the other......(I am not educated on how to read the mfg. date).....
     
    #7 Tande, Oct 23, 2014
  8. nicoj36

    nicoj36 Active Member

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    Same with mine, even after countless of wheel alignments. It's like a hit and miss when you buy a Prius.. Lol
     
    #8 nicoj36, Oct 29, 2014
  9. lester williams

    lester williams Member

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    My 2014 did the same thing, I even started a thread here about it. A lot of my problem was the Yokohama S33 factory tire--- someone pointed this out. I then ordered a set of 16'' Konig wheels and 215-55-16'' Michelin Premier tires, that helped a lot. Still not satisfied with being blown around somewhat on interstate I installed a TRD sway bay[ rear ] and that also helped some. I then added Cusco front and middle body braces and finally a Cusco STB to complete the package. It is now very stable and solid, I can justify the expense of this as I plan to keep this one for a while. A big improvement might be new tires-- I have no idea of the current ones now.
     
    #9 lester williams, Oct 29, 2014
  10. srivenkat

    srivenkat Active Member

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    Thanks for the replied. The highway wander is a well known issue for many Prii. What I have on hand is one that "wanders" even at low city speeds where wind and some of the other factors don't have much influence. I feel like my steering doesn't know "center" although when centered it does "generally" go straight with continual minute adjustments.

    Lester: did you have the issue at city speeds as well?
     
    #10 srivenkat, Oct 29, 2014
  11. lester williams

    lester williams Member

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    Yes, somewhat, especially on ''rutted'' highway. It was especially bad going through Montgomery, Ala on vacation last summer. After complaining about it here--- I was advised that the S33s were really bad to follow ''truck ruts''. The 1'' larger diameter, wider tires helped considerably.
     
    #11 lester williams, Oct 29, 2014
  12. DaneH5

    DaneH5 Member

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    Is road flat and level? Correct toe in is important
     
    #12 DaneH5, Oct 29, 2014
  13. Tande

    Tande Active Member

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    FWIW....in my case (post #5), I'm convinced the "Stiff" steering interferes with the car's steering geometry "Self/Centering" ability......by the time you input enough effort to make a micro/steering/correction, it is "Too/Much", & now you have to correct for the correction.......repeat & then repeat again......my wife's Gen.III does not require this "Chase/Your/Tail" method of trying to keep it between the ditches! .......
     
    #13 Tande, Oct 29, 2014
  14. srivenkat

    srivenkat Active Member

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    Did you try pursuing it with the dealer since you have a reference Prius? I remember reading somewhere in the past that there are various sensors in the steering system such as a torque sensor, etc. Perhaps that is the culprit? I think someone like you that has a reference car is really in the best position to go after this issue with the dealer. If we know exactly what the fix is that will make your problem car behave like the good one, I think many of us will try the same fix.
     
    #14 srivenkat, Oct 29, 2014
  15. DaneH5

    DaneH5 Member

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    Is your wife's the same year? If not are they the same generation? Wouldn't think there would be a difference if so.
     
    #15 DaneH5, Oct 29, 2014
  16. lester williams

    lester williams Member

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    No, ''truck rutted'' road is not ''flat and level''--- and, the car would ''follow'' the indentions/wallows make by numerous trucks. I understand that 18 wheelers are a ''necessary evil'', but the weight of them tears/wears road surfaces slam out. With the junky-nice person Yokohama tires the car would ''wander'' all around.
     
    #16 lester williams, Oct 29, 2014
  17. Tande

    Tande Active Member

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    Yes......again, please see post #5.......
     
    #17 Tande, Oct 29, 2014
  18. Tande

    Tande Active Member

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    Thanks for your suggestions....... you may have some valid points.......at first I blamed it on the different tire "Brands" between the two cars......I now think that was foolish/thinking......to late now; to old & out of warranty ......
     
    #18 Tande, Oct 29, 2014
  19. DaneH5

    DaneH5 Member

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    Has the car always behaved this way? Any front end work ever done? Compare toe-in of your wife's and your car to see if different.
     
    #19 DaneH5, Oct 30, 2014
  20. Tande

    Tande Active Member

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    Yes & No......Thanks
     
    #20 Tande, Oct 30, 2014
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