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squeaky steering wheel in cold weather

Discussion in 'Prime Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by luiset83, Dec 27, 2017.

  1. luiset83

    luiset83 Member

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    Have 5k on the odometer on my Prius Prime Premium and noticed this first about 2 weeks ago. Video shows it pretty clearly. Car does not have to be moving for it to happen, but also happens when car is moving. This video just happens to be taken while waiting at a drive-thru.

    I told the dealership about the issue last time, but they did not want to add any lubrication the last time around and said to make another appointment if it persisted after they adjusted some plastic part in the steering wheel area (which I knew was not the issue, but unfortunately it was warm that day and they could not replicate noise) YouTube link:

     
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  2. luiset83

    luiset83 Member

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    Brought it to my local Toyota dealer where they replicated the noise and consulted with Toyota corporate and apparently corporate wants to send someone out to look at the issue. Currently in a no-charge model year Corolla LE rental until I hear further, possibly tomorrow or the day after. Don't mind putting the driving wear on a different car for a few days for now... will report back with what they do when I get word.
     
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  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    glad to hear they're taking it seriously. all the best!(y)
     
  4. Lucifer

    Lucifer Senior Member

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    If you had the tool yanking off the steering wheel and finding the piece of whatever stuck in the steering Chanel would be nice, good luck
     
  5. DavidA

    DavidA Prius owner since July 2009

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    Thanks for the video. I don't like fingernail sounds on chalkboards either. That sounds about the same. Eeek!

    I was surprised by my first high-pitched steering wheel squeal yesterday in -3 degree weather on the way home. (right now its -9). I am hoping it is due to the low humidity and cold, and won't be happening often.
     
  6. BScholl

    BScholl New Member

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    Exact same thing is happening in my 2017 Prius, just started a couple days ago. Also 5K miles on it. Took me a while to figure out where it was coming from. It has been consistently cold here in Maryland of late as well, but guess I should contact the dealer too. Please keep us posted. Thanks
     
  7. luiset83

    luiset83 Member

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    I got word the other day that they hard ordered a part to replace, but didn't get a chance to speak to the service advisor at the time to see what exactly it was. I'll probably call tomorrow at some point if I get a chance to see if I can get more info / ETA on when I'll get it back.
     
  8. luiset83

    luiset83 Member

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    So I finally got around to calling this morning. The service advisor don't have any notes in front of him, apparently the shop foreman has not trickled them down to where the service advisor can see them or maybe he's just lazy or just doesn't want to give out information before a repair, no idea, but sounds odd.

    The mentioned they were waiting on an ECM, which sounds strange given it seemed to be some sort of a mechanical issue. The previous time I had called they said they would be replacing the steering column and were waiting on a computer, so at least the wait for the ECM seems to be reason why the repair hasn't been done. When I asked for an ETA for the part, he couldn't provide one; mentioned part might take a while because it's a first year model year release, which I suppose makes sense.

    I'll update again when I have more info.
     
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  9. BScholl

    BScholl New Member

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    I brought my car to the dealer last weekend as well. They held it there and called Toyota on Monday. I was told definitively that they will be replacing the steering column but that it could take several weeks to receive a part because they were in very short supply. Was also told it was perfectly safe to drive, and I picked it up same day. Will update when they do the repair.
     
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  10. luiset83

    luiset83 Member

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    Got mine back this morning. Parts replaced and fairly extensive dealer notes attached :)

    Basically they replaced the steering column, electric power steering damper, power (steering?) computer assy and an air/heat duct under the column that cracked with the presumable removal of parts.
     

    Attached Files:

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  11. Mark57

    Mark57 2021 Tesla Model 3 LR AWD

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    Your tech was very through and methodical in his diagnosis. Glad it worked out and you got a good tech.
     
  12. Dook

    Dook Junior Member

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    Bump,
    I have heard this noise today. It happens when I move the steering wheel a little from left to right quickly. It's not loud I barely hear it.
    Changing the whole steering wheel column seems too much...
    The noise is coming from inside, too bad the video is not available anymore.
    Any idea ?
     
  13. luiset83

    luiset83 Member

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    Not sure why it was removed, but reuploaded so you can hear what it sounded when it happened on mine.

     
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  14. Dook

    Dook Junior Member

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    Than you for reposting the video.
    The noise is the same but not so loud (or maybe it's just the video). I could barely hear it.

    It didn't happen since the last time, because weather is not cold here (around 10 to 15°C).

    Looks like a plastic noise it doesn't look like to an electric noise….
     
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  15. MTN

    MTN Active Member

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    We just had this occur on a trip. Morning temps were only in the low to mid 40s, not "cold" by many standards. Noise only occurred in the morning. Only 1600 miles on the Prime. Will mention at first 5k service.
    (we also took video to document the date and the issue - it is likely that they won't be able to replicate without cold enough weather at the dealership here)
     
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  16. lowkey6

    lowkey6 Junior Member

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    Thanks for posting this. Noticed something similar on my 2019 Prime Premium this morning. Also close to that 5k mile mark most people are mentioning. Mine was more minor, but noticed the steering wheel tightened up a bit and faint squeaking whenever I turned for a while. It eventually went away near the end of the commute. I checked power steering fluid and that all seemed fine. Wonder if it is the beginning of your same problem you had with it. Will definitely bring up at 5k maintenance - assume this is something Toyota would cover if it needs a fix?
     
  17. MTN

    MTN Active Member

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    Yes, would definitely be a warranty fix. Just quite annoying if they have to replace an entire steering column on a car with 2k miles! and for an issue that seems to go back to 2017!
     
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  18. lowkey6

    lowkey6 Junior Member

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    totally agree, was hoping it would've been fixed in the 2020's but if yours is acting up sounds like it is not the case. Was your noise as loud as the OPs? Did you notice any tightening up of of the wheel while driving? And does it come in and out at times?
     
  19. MTN

    MTN Active Member

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    Yes, it was loud. The colder, the louder. And the wheel felt "grabby" when the issue occurs. Also, I'd describe it as "digital" - as in electronic and not hydraulic, in the steering feel/grabbiness.
    Was worse turning right at times, from what we remember. Would be fine when tracking straight, then get worse during turns.
     
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  20. lowkey6

    lowkey6 Junior Member

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    Thank you, that's good info, good way to describe it. Mine may be trending that way.