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New Gen1 Owner, few questions:

Discussion in 'Generation 1 Prius Discussion' started by Prodarwin, Oct 31, 2013.

  1. Prodarwin

    Prodarwin Junior Member

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    My girlfriend and I just picked up a 2002 w/ 149k miles on it. Runs great, no accidents, returning great mileage. All is in order except for one thing (see below), but I have a few other questions as well. Searching for the internet for technical info on this car is surprisingly difficult, so I see your assistance.

    1) The steering returns to center kind of slowly. It also makes an odd squeak, almost like a binding strut bearing on the driver's side, but I haven't investigated this further. Is this a symptom of the bad rack? Is it enough to get Toyota to do the recall, or does it need to show the vibration-at-speed symptom? Or is the recall no-questions-asked, so long as it hasn't already been done?

    2) Is there a tilt-adjustment for the seatpan I'm missing? I feel like I'm falling forward out of the seat. I like more support under the front of my thighs. Any tricks to accomplish this (get longer seat-bolts and shim the front by 1/2"?)

    3) How much of the chassis, if any, of the car is shared with the Echo? Like most 10 year old 150k mile cars, the struts and most bushings are due for a refresh. I like to get used control arms, clean them, pre-load them with bushings, etc. and just swap it all over. I'd like to have more donors to choose from if possible. Also, if there are any chassis "performance" parts made for the Echo that may be of use, it would be nice to know (mainly poly-bushings and potentially a bigger rear swaybar)

    4) What is the hub bore on the wheels? I always have spare 4x100 wheels around, so its nice to know what fits.
     
    #1 Prodarwin, Oct 31, 2013
  2. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    It sounds like you're handy with a wrench and understand the risks of an older car. Let me suggest:
    • Prius-aware scanner - there are half a dozen computers and without a scanner that can read the specifics, you're going to be blind to what is going on. Search the forum and we'll be happy to discuss the characteristics of each.
    • Volume 1 maintenance manual - this has all the codes and descriptions of faults (check eBay)
    • Volume 2 maintenance manual - more technical details about repairs
    • Electrical schematics - makes fault isolation a lot easier
    You might also update your profile with City, State information. That way we can recommend local resources if you need some experienced help.

    I bought our 2003 Prius, used, in October 2005 with 49,000 miles. It now has over 155,000 miles and still gives 52 MPG. There are some areas to watch out for but without a Prius-aware scanner, you're going to be blind.

    Bob Wilson
     
    #2 bwilson4web, Nov 1, 2013
  3. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

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    If the recall hasn't been done, what are you waiting for? Get it done. I think it is only extended to the end of 2013 but, I'm not positive about that.

    I think that may just be a function of the electric steering though. There are some things about this car that you just have to get used to. They are not the most comfy, luxurious, spacious, etc but they are efficient and fun.

    The car shares many parts with the echo but not all. It is twice the car of the echo though. You will learn to love it the more you drive it. Learn all you can about it on here esp. how to maximize fuel economy. Start with this. It will help you know what's going on while you're driving. Ignore the parts about ev mode as this is for a Gen II but the Gen I stages are very similiar.
     

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    #3 usnavystgc, Nov 1, 2013
  4. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    The rack warranty extension was specific to flakiness with the torque sensor inside the rack, sending confusing signals to the steering ECU, which would "assist" the steering rapidly in opposite directions, making the wheel do a kind of wet-dog shake at low speeds, e.g. when parking. If you can't document that symptom or other clear indications of the torque sensor issue, you might not have a claim under the warranty extension.

    There is also an actual recall on the rack, covering only replacement of a pinion nut. That was a mechanical problem that would lead to unequal steering effort in the two directions, which maybe could also show up as slow return to center. You are certainly eligible for that if it hasn't been done, and it might even solve your problem. I'd definitely look into it.

    -Chap
     
    #4 ChapmanF, Nov 2, 2013
  5. Prodarwin

    Prodarwin Junior Member

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    Well, I first learned about this recall on Thursday. I've only had the car a few days. Will place a call with Toyota first thing Monday morning.

    Thanks, but I don't care too much about maximizing fuel economy. The car easily returns 44ish with no concern for economical driving. My first test commute to work returned 54mpg. I'm sure an EV mode switch would put that # over 60 pretty easily.

    What I'm most concerned about right now is making sure this car is safe and reliable car. As far as other common failures, what am I watching for, and what preventative maintenance can I do besides just fluid changes and basic maintenance?


    Regarding the suspenion, I'm probably going to rebuild what parts of the suspension I can with stock parts, but I prefer to locate performance aftermarket stuff where possible as usually it feels more sporty, is often more durable and cost-effective.

    It appears that many of the control arm and sway-bar bushings in the NHW11 chassis are shared with the 2nd gen NHW20? I found this on Whiteline's website (link removed due to posting restrictions)

    There are two different length swaybar end-links listed... the longer one is the correct one, right? Whats the factory caster on the Prius? It feels pretty low, and I wouldn't mind increasing it as much as possible... anyone have experience with this?

    A bunch of RockAuto cross referencing is showing me the following stuff:

    • Front wheel bearings are shared with Celica, Vibe, Matrix, Corolla, MR2, etc. Great.
    • Spring seat is shared with a bunch of cars too. The same as the NHW20 Prius it appears.
    • Strut mount is the same as the NHW20 Prius as well. Does this mean springs for the NHW20 Prius will fit the Gen 1? This would be nice.
    • Struts seem to be specific to the Gen1? I assume no decent aftermarket ones are available, and only OEM or crappy replacement quality?
    • I see trans mount is shared with xA, xB. What about motor mounts? These feel like they may be semi-shot, but I'll probably wait until after the suspension work is done.
     
    #5 Prodarwin, Nov 2, 2013
  6. usnavystgc

    usnavystgc Die Hard DIYer and Ebike enthusiast.

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    Ok, just trying to help. Have fun and good luck.
     
    #6 usnavystgc, Nov 3, 2013
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