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Getting the waterpump and steering column recall work done. Should I get anything else done?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Ryan Bennett, Dec 10, 2012.

  1. Ryan Bennett

    Ryan Bennett Junior Member

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    Hey everyone.

    I'm taking my '09 Prius in soon for the waterpump and steering column recall. Is there anything else I should have done when everything is apart for the water pump? My car has 54K on it.

    Thanks!

    Ryan
     
  2. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    Have you ever changed the transaxle fluid with new ATF WS?

    I would. One failure mode for the transaxle is metal shavings shorting out the Motor Generators. Clean new fluid may help.
     
  3. Ryan Bennett

    Ryan Bennett Junior Member

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    Is that only possible to do when the waterpump is out though?
     
  4. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    No.

    It is an easy two person DIY job (4 quarts of ATF WS and 2 crush washers for the fill and drain plugs, 3 foot long funnel and correct wrenches/bits) so long as you can make one of the people fit under the car. (ramps, jacks, etc.)

    Reconditioning a Toyota Prius - Changing the CVT Transmission Fluid | NotPetroleum Blog

    As a dealer service, it may run about $100 to $125.

    If I was in charge of Toyota's Service intervals, I would make it a 30,000 mile change, then every 60,000 miles after that. (Most wear happens early) I am not in charge.
     
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    do you already know if they are replacing the steering?
     
  6. Ryan Bennett

    Ryan Bennett Junior Member

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    Yeah, there's been a recall on the steering shaft knuckle for 04-09 models in the last couple of weeks. I looked up on Toyota's website too just to make sure.
     
  7. Ryan Bennett

    Ryan Bennett Junior Member

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    Thanks for the great idea about the transaxle fluid. My car only has 55,000 miles on it though. When I had Volvos I 'd change the tranny fluid every 30,000. Should I do it now then?
     
  8. Joe 26

    Joe 26 Member

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    The general concensus on PC is that you should drain and fill the transaxle every 60k. Don't listen to the stealer if he tells you it needs a flush, because that is basically impossible on this model.
     
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  9. bugly64

    bugly64 Junior Member

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    Has anybody been notified by Toyota or their dealer and had this recalled performed?
     
  10. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

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    Bugly,

    From what I have seen and heard here on PC, it seems that the folks in the UK are able to get the work done. As far as those in the USA, it seems that the powers to be are holding back. One poster joked that maybe they are waiting to see what happens on 12/21. Word from the local dealer here is they know about it, but do not have the parts and at this time have advised me to wait for the letter from Toyota. No letter here yet.

    You are not the first to ask this question. I have basically asked the same thing in another post.

    Ron
     
  11. bugly64

    bugly64 Junior Member

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    thanks, Ron
     
  12. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

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    Here's some more info for you, might help to share all I have with you and others. I found this here on PC. Read the pdf that is attached. It gives the lowdown on the recall straight from the horses mouth.

    If you find this useful and you like it, please click the "like" button.

    Ron
     

    Attached Files:

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  13. Ryan Bennett

    Ryan Bennett Junior Member

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    You can go to the recall section on Toyota's website. When I did, I entered my VIN number and was notified specifically that my car was included in the waterpump and steering column recall.
     
  14. imOCD4a_prius

    imOCD4a_prius Member

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    *******My Dealer Earl Stewart Toyo. in West Palm called me a week ago left 3 messages & 2 e-mails !! How's that !! I will wait until after Christmas. I NOW HAVE 65,k on my "Dream-super-go cart" I guess that means I should get the trans done ?? Ouch if that's $125.00 but i better have it done.
    Everyone, I'm getting 52._MPG since I filled last week in orlando, fl. I'm now on the coast and have gone 388miles w/ 3 pips left
     
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  15. KK6PD

    KK6PD _ . _ . / _ _ . _

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    Since the Serpentine belt has to come off, like mine did when I had my water pump replaced last week, it was frayed and cracked. Time to replace. Since things were already apart, all it cost was the cost of the belt! No labor to charge. That's a deal! If yours is still fine, all the better! If not, do it now!
     
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  16. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

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    Don,

    It would be a very good idea to have the transaxle drained and refilled. Don't fall for a trans flush that some folks offer. To service the transaxle on your Prius, you simply drain and refill with the correct Toyota fluid. The cost should be around $125 or maybe a little more depending on the labor charge. It takes just about 4 quarts of the correct Toyota fluid (can't remember the actual part name) to fill the transaxle. Just had ours done by Tejas Toyota a couple of months ago. No problems to report on this end concerning the service.

    Good luck to you and I hope this information helps you.

    Ron
     
  17. Prius504

    Prius504 Junior Member

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    We just had both of these recalls taken care of yesterday and the car pulls badly to the right now. I asked if an alignment was part of the recall and the service writer said "I don't know". I'll have to call them and have them fix it. What was your experience with your alignment? Was it ok after the recall?
    Thanks, Mike.
     
  18. Britprius

    Britprius Senior Member

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    When they replace the steering shaft they do not affect the alignment but they may need to carry out a zero point calibration to the power steering ECU. The power steering motor could be powering you into a steering angle that is not strait ahead.
     
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  19. Ryan Bennett

    Ryan Bennett Junior Member

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    Thank you for sharing that. I was wondering about that.
     
  20. ski.dive

    ski.dive Active Member

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    [quote="
    "We just had both of these recalls taken care of yesterday and the car pulls badly to the right now.
    Thanks, Mike.[/quote]

    Now your Prius pulls badly to the right, because you took it in to fix a perfectly fine steering column.
    If it ain't broke don't fix it...
    My brother has 220k miles on his 2008 Prius without ever having any work done on the steering column or water pump,I know alot of Prius owners with 150k-175k miles with no work on the steering column or water pump.
    Enjoy your Prius, put lots of miles on it and don't be PARANOID.