Problem Symptoms Table
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Toyota Prius. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
HINT:
Use the table below to help determine the cause of the problem symptom. The potential causes of the symptoms are listed in order of probability in the "Suspected area" column of the table. Check each symptom by checking the suspected areas in the order they are listed. Replace parts as necessary.
Steering system
PROBLEM SYMPTOMS REFERENCE
| Symptom | Suspected area | Refer To |
|---|---|---|
| Hard steering | 1. Front tires (improperly inflated, unevenly worn) | HOW TO PROCEED WITH TROUBLESHOOTING |
| 2. Front wheel alignment (Incorrect) | FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT | |
| 3. Front suspension (Lower ball joint) | FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT | |
| 4. Steering intermediate shaft | STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY | |
| 5. Steering column | STEERING SYSTEM | |
| 6. Steering gear | STEERING GEAR | |
| 7. Power steering ECU | STEERING CONTROL ECU | |
| Poor return | 1. Front tires (improperly inflated, unevenly worn) | HOW TO PROCEED WITH TROUBLESHOOTING |
| 2. Front Wheels Alignment (Incorrect) | FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT | |
| 3. Steering column | STEERING SYSTEM | |
| 4. Steering gear | STEERING GEAR | |
| 5. Power steering ECU | STEERING CONTROL ECU | |
| No free play or excessive play | 1. Steering intermediate shaft | STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY |
| 2. Steering gear | STEERING GEAR | |
| Knocking (or clanking) sound occurs when turning steering wheel back and forth while power steering is in operation. | 1. Steering intermediate shaft | STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY |
| 2. Front suspension (Lower ball joint) | FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT | |
| 3. Front axle hub (Hub bearing) | FRONT AXLE HUB | |
| 4. Steering gear | STEERING GEAR | |
| Friction sound occurs when turning steering wheel during low speed driving. | 1. Power steering motor | STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY |
| 2. Steering column | STEERING SYSTEM | |
| High-pitched sound (squealing sound) occurs when turning steering wheel slowly with vehicle stopped. | 1. Power steering motor | STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY |
| Steering wheel vibrates and noise occurs when turning steering wheel from lock to lock. | 1. Power steering motor | STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY |
| 2. Steering column | STEERING SYSTEM |