1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

07 Prius Steering noise. I need help?!

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by AllanK530, Mar 8, 2018.

  1. AllanK530

    AllanK530 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2014
    2
    0
    0
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    One
    Hello there. I have a 07 Prius and every time the steering wheel is turned counterclockwise there is a squeaking sound, similar to the sound when power steering fluid is low on fluid. I can only hear this at slower speeds. I just learned this car uses an electric motor for steering. Also occasionally when driving the steering pulls to the left. When breaking it wants to turn to the left occasionally.

    My question is do you think this is the rack and pinion? Also, should this be fixed immediately?

    Thanks,

    Allan
     
    #1 AllanK530, Mar 8, 2018
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2013
    16,470
    8,383
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    When was the last time you got your front shocks/suspension checked? Might be the strut tower bearing that's worn
     
    #2 JC91006, Mar 8, 2018
    edthefox5 likes this.
  3. AllanK530

    AllanK530 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2014
    2
    0
    0
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    One
    I haven't had that checked. How do you check that?
     
    #3 AllanK530, Mar 8, 2018
  4. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2007
    10,096
    4,795
    0
    Location:
    Clearwater, Florida
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Yes I thought the Same thing Jc the strut bearing. I hope it’s that as the rack is expensive to replace but very few posts on this site about issues with the rack.

    The strut bearing is at the top of the strut and allows the wheel to turn. It’s usually replaced with the strut. It feels like a new steering system with that bearing replaced. I had the struts and that bearing
    Repkaced on my 07 and the steering effort was very noticeable in that it was so much easier to turn the wheel.

    How many miles on the car?was it ever in a front end accident or caught a curb?

    You can take it to any tire shop for free inspection. Outside of the electric rack it’s a standard car suspension.
     
    #4 edthefox5, Mar 9, 2018
  5. Sezy

    Sezy Active Member

    Joined:
    Oct 19, 2013
    427
    225
    37
    Location:
    Saint Charles, Missouri
    Vehicle:
    2020 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Limited
    Sound like this?



    My VIN was not included in any steering recalls after checking with Toyota and some other recall sites.
     
    #5 Sezy, May 24, 2018
    Last edited: May 24, 2018
  6. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2007
    10,096
    4,795
    0
    Location:
    Clearwater, Florida
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Did the car get the steering link TSB update done to it. No updated steering will cause that sound.
    That update was years ago.
     
    #6 edthefox5, May 24, 2018
  7. Sezy

    Sezy Active Member

    Joined:
    Oct 19, 2013
    427
    225
    37
    Location:
    Saint Charles, Missouri
    Vehicle:
    2020 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Limited
    Sadly mine was not part of that recall and the part in the recall from what I've seen is way lower from where I'm hearing the clunk.
     
    #7 Sezy, May 24, 2018
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)