Able To Slightly Wiggle/Teeter Steering Wheel When Held At 3 And 9 & Pushed Back & Forth

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by fishingtimoteo, Nov 24, 2025 at 10:21 PM.

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  1. fishingtimoteo

    fishingtimoteo Junior Member

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    Hello,

    Any experts that could tell me how to troubleshoot this? My 07 Prius has developed a little wiggle/teeter in the steering wheel (No turning of the steering wheel is involved). It doesn't matter if the car is off or on, driving or parked, when I hold the steering wheel at 3 and 9, and then push and pull, there is some movement/play. Is this a problem with the steering column?

    Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
     
    #1 fishingtimoteo, Nov 24, 2025 at 10:21 PM
  2. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    I doubt it, but to be sure grab your front wheels and see if there's any play in them when car is off and trying to term them left and right... Also look for uneven tire wear. That's the other end of your steering rack and that's where the concerns will most likely be.

    But please clarify what you mean by "some play" in terms of measuring the amount of movement? Are you talking1/32nd of inch or more than that?
     
    #2 PriusCamper, Nov 24, 2025 at 10:27 PM
  3. fishingtimoteo

    fishingtimoteo Junior Member

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    Thanks for your reply. I just tested with the car off while in the garage. When I push (not turn) the steering wheel back and forth at 3 & 9, there is close to I would say 1/8 inch of play. and a small clunk noise at both sides (3 & 9). when driving, the car drives smoothly without any vibrations or noises when turning. It almost feels like upper part of the steering column is loose or something.
     
    #3 fishingtimoteo, Nov 24, 2025 at 10:37 PM
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    It's probably just the nut that's holding the steering wheel to the steering column, needs to be torqued down.
     
    #4 JC91006, Nov 24, 2025 at 10:38 PM
  5. fishingtimoteo

    fishingtimoteo Junior Member

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    Thanks, do you happen to know how long of a job that would be? I'm sure I will get around to checking that, its just bad timing with the holidays coming.
     
    #5 fishingtimoteo, Nov 24, 2025 at 10:48 PM
  6. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    it takes 5 minutes or less to tighten a nut....if that's the problem.
     
    #6 JC91006, Nov 24, 2025 at 10:51 PM
  7. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Go to another vehicle and take the assist system out of another car I can send pics thres a few things that could wear. Once on floor there's a bit to look over. You're talking about pulling up on the steering wheel and door pushing down not turning on its intended path .?
     
    #7 Tombukt2, Nov 25, 2025 at 7:01 AM
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