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Quicker steering ratio

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Technical Discussion' started by RobMTG, Dec 13, 2018.

  1. RobMTG

    RobMTG New Member

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    Hello all,

    I recently purchased a 2013 Prius IV. Im liking it so far, im coming from mostly sport cars so this thing drives like a Cadillac to me.

    One thing though that has been bugging me is the extremely slow steering. The first few big curves ive taken on the freeway i ended up crossing over into the next lane.

    I was wondering if there was a way to quicken the steering on these cars? This is my first car with eps.
     
    #1 RobMTG, Dec 13, 2018
  2. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Boosting tire pressure on all four tires a couple psi at a time is first step... Max tire PSI ratings are way low due to liability issues. My tire pressure is in upper 40's and can't stand how slow the car handles at reccomended mid 30's. I get way better mpg doing it that way too.
     
    #2 PriusCamper, Dec 13, 2018
  3. sam spade 2

    sam spade 2 Senior Member

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    I think that is really BAD advice.....to exceed the MAX recommended pressure, that is.
    YOU should worry about YOUR liability issues too.
     
    #3 sam spade 2, Dec 13, 2018
  4. jack black

    jack black Active Member

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    max pressure for passenger tires is usually either 44 or 51 PSI these days. it says on the tire. old tires used to be 35 PSI, so maybe this is what you remember?

    higher tire pressure is the biggest bang for the buck in the terms of performance.
     
    #4 jack black, Dec 13, 2018
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  5. RobMTG

    RobMTG New Member

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    Thank you, ill check my tire pressure.

    Are there any technical manuals available for the eps?
     
    #5 RobMTG, Dec 13, 2018
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    have you checked the mods forum? those folks can do anything
     
    #6 bisco, Dec 13, 2018
    Last edited: Dec 13, 2018
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  7. JimboPalmer

    JimboPalmer Tsar of all the Rushers

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    I find I get the longest tire life near 38 PSI.
     
    #7 JimboPalmer, Dec 13, 2018
  8. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Yeah, like remember the guy who shut down the power steering to get more feedback & responsiveness? Great analysis if what was improved on and what was made worse...
     
    #8 PriusCamper, Dec 13, 2018
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    did it work?
     
    #9 bisco, Dec 13, 2018
  10. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Extensive googling efforts can lead you to summary/answer. I might look for it and post link later when I'm no longer on my phone
     
    #10 PriusCamper, Dec 13, 2018
  11. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I really doubt it. I'd just give it a week or two, you'll get used to it. FWIW the level 5's have slightly tighter steering, and larger turning radius.
     
    #11 Mendel Leisk, Dec 13, 2018
  12. RobMTG

    RobMTG New Member

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    Yeah im not looking to depower my rack lol im not so much worried about feedback from a eps

    Im still getting used to it, this is by far the most comfortable car ive ever had
     
    #12 RobMTG, Dec 13, 2018
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  13. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    Found the thread... This ought to help with perspective about improving handling! It's a lengthy, yet very entertaining post... Here are some excerpts:

    Read the rest of the post and discussion here: Steering "Feel" And That Beautiful Yellow #25 Fuse | PriusChat
     
    #13 PriusCamper, Dec 13, 2018
  14. RobMTG

    RobMTG New Member

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    #14 RobMTG, Dec 14, 2018
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  15. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    thanks!

    funny thing how a few people think a prius should come set up as a sports car. i can see them modding it, but expecting it from the factory just doesn't fit, imo.
     
    #15 bisco, Dec 14, 2018
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