Steering problem

[jorizk]

Hello guys how are you doin ?

I recently crashed into a tree. I had the insurance garage fix the car, but now the steering is heavy. When the car is at full stop the steering is normal but when driving I feel that the steering is heavier than it used to be. In fact heavier than it should. Like it takes some force to turn the steering wheel. What could be the problem in your opinion ? thanks !

[CTScott]

The power steering ECU has a calibration procedure for the torque sensor which has to be done through the Toyota intelligent tester. Depending on what the garage had to replace, that may need to be done.

[jorizk]

Aha and it would take how much time in your guess ?

[CTScott]

Aha and it would take how much time in your guess ?

It literally takes less than a minute. There's no adjustments to be made. One simply center the steering wheel and then selects the torque sensor calibration option on the service tool and the value gets updated.

[detroiter]

One other option you can try is pulling the power steering fuse....start the car up with out it and let it run for a few minutes. Make sure the steering wheel and wheels are straight, shut the car off. Re install the power steering fuse and then turn the car back on. Don't touch the steering wheel and let the car run for a few minutes.

I had a similiar issue and that method worked for me.

[swidd]

One other option you can try is pulling the power steering fuse....start the car up with out it and let it run for a few minutes. Make sure the steering wheel and wheels are straight, shut the car off. Re install the power steering fuse and then turn the car back on. Don't touch the steering wheel and let the car run for a few minutes.

I had a similiar issue and that method worked for me.

Would simply disconnecting the negative battery connector work the same?

[detroiter]

That might work as well. I did what I described and I also disconnected the battery for good measure, I left the car running idle on it's own after reinstalling the powersteering fuse to let the car recalibrate itself. steering felt 10x better and normal after doing so.

[YarisSedan]

First and foremost check tire pressure. Very low tire pressure will have more resistance and cause the wheel to feel "heavier". Having tires set properly or even slightly over inflated will cause the wheel to feel very "light"

[detroiter]

any update?

[jorizk]

Hey guys. Thanks a lot for your replies. I did the fuse unplugging thing and the problem persisted. I took it to a specialist and it turned out there's a defect in the power steering system, probably caused by the crash. The insurance will replace the defect part. I can't wait any longer I want my caaaaar. It's been four weeks since the last time I drove it normally !!:P

Anw cheers :)