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90k service gave amber warning for intermediate shaft (steering)

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by 1980s_john, Jan 15, 2015.

  1. 1980s_john

    1980s_john Junior Member

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    Just had my 90k (mile) service on my Prius (Gen III) which I have had since new (October 2009). Under 'health check' the service tech has put an amber warning under the 'steering / suspension - front' section, with the comment:

    Intermediate shaft knocking. New one required. Quote £390.52

    I asked what this meant and was told that the tech noticed the problem on a test drive, they drive many different Prius cars and noticed mine had this problem.

    I don't understand how they can tell without dissembling the steering that one part has failed, and that it doesn't just need some bolts tightening. I haven't noticed any knocking or tapping noises whilst turning the steering wheel, or any vagueness with steering (I had a 2014 Vauxhall Corsa on hire this week - that had vague steering!)

    I've read about the Gen II recall for the intermediate shaft, but was told by the dealer there was no recall for Gen III as the part had been improved. Not sure how that happened as the recall was in 2012 and the Gen III was made in 2009 but hey whatever.

    I'm planning on carrying on driving and keeping an eye out for any noises, or maybe asking for the bolts to be checked. Any Gen III owners out there whose cars have had an actual problem with the intermediate shaft?

    Regards,
    John
     
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  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i agree with you. i wouldn't do anything if you don't hear or feel anything. and i wouldn't go back to that dealer, even for a check of the bolts. all the best.(y)
     
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  3. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    With the car off and in park, gently turn the steering wheel back and forth. Do you hear a slight clunk/knock?
     
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Intermediate shaft? Maybe means a Constant-Velocity joint in the front wheel drive shaft is failing? Listen for rhythmic noise as you take corners, both left and right turns.
     
  5. drewble

    drewble New Member

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    I would like to revive this thread, as I have just started to notice this on my 2010 Prius III. I have detected the symptoms as you have described. Do you have more information?
     
  6. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

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    can be fixed by simple greasing of the part. it's a problem area in many toyota cars, but prius is least affected.
     
  7. electrontechnik

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