Stiff steering wheel

[caineroad]

Recently my steering wheel is noticeably harder to turn, I am suspecting is the power steering, but it is electric, so no need to change fluid.. I checked the tire pressure, both front tires are 37PSI, which is not under-inflated. What is the problem?

thanks

[Astroman]

Did the power steering light turn on? I know it's electric but there is a light in the dash for it. CTscott might have some ideas, the steering is speed adaptive so it's possible it thinks you're at highway speeds at all times.

[CTScott]

Check to see if the EPS fuse is blown. If not, like astro said, does the PS light come on?

[Mittelklasse]

This might sound weird, but on my Yaris the more tire pressure -- the harder to turn the steering wheel.

I think it has to do with how the EPS sensor reads inputs from the tires. Angular friction and stuff.

It might think 'Oh, his tires were so over-inflated it's so easy to turn. Guess I don't have to assist him much, eh?' :laugh:

[Mittelklasse]

Oh, had an alignment job recently? You caster angles could be off, too.

[honestabe]

I smacked into a curb this morning at a 40 degree angle. Now my steering wheel is stiffer and doesn't turn back as easy. I couldn't see any damage besides the curb rash on my rim. Is it possible I popped the EPS fuse or broke the EPS sensor?

[CTScott]

I smacked into a curb this morning at a 40 degree angle. Now my steering wheel is stiffer and doesn't turn back as easy. I couldn't see any damage besides the curb rash on my rim. Is it possible I popped the EPS fuse or broke the EPS sensor?

It is easy enough to check the fuse in the under-hood fuse panel. If the sensor was bad (which is part of the steering column) the PS light would stay on all the time.

[honestabe]

Fuse isn't blown and the PS light isn't on. Maybe I damaged a servo or my alignment is off?

[CTScott]

Fuse isn't blown and the PS light isn't on. Maybe I damaged a servo or my alignment is off?

Alignment being off is definitely an option. There is one big motor that provides the power assist. The zero point calibration of the torque sensors may be off as well. That calibration can be done with the Toyota Techstream tool.

[fbq262ken]

I have this problem too. I hit the curb, in fact I replaced my wishbone due to this, now the steering is harder (noticeable when I am trying to park).

My alignment was off and so I did an alignment exorcise, the problem is that when I need to turn a complete rotation, it is harder to turn upon reaching the very end of the rotation. What could be the problem?

[fbq262ken]

I have this problem too. I hit the curb, in fact I replaced my wishbone due to this, now the steering is harder (noticeable when I am trying to park).

My alignment was off and so I did an alignment exorcise, the problem is that when I need to turn a complete rotation, it is harder to turn upon reaching the very end of the rotation. What could be the problem?

Bump for someone who is perhaps viewing the post at this time of the day.

[CTScott]

I have this problem too. I hit the curb, in fact I replaced my wishbone due to this, now the steering is harder (noticeable when I am trying to park).

My alignment was off and so I did an alignment exorcise, the problem is that when I need to turn a complete rotation, it is harder to turn upon reaching the very end of the rotation. What could be the problem?

Did you replace the wishbone with a genuine Toyota one or with an aftermarket one?

[Bluevitz-rs]

It's possible the steering rack itself is damaged.

[fbq262ken]

Did you replace the wishbone with a genuine Toyota one or with an aftermarket one?

Nope with a Toyota one.

[fbq262ken]

It's possible the steering rack itself is damaged.

How much would that cost?

[dj92]

was 1k€ for me.

[Bluevitz-rs]

First confirm the rack is bent then if it is get a used one from an auto wrecker.

Get the front wheels off the ground and turn the wheels back and forth.


Sent from my iPod Touch

[matchap801]

Hi, i had a similar issue, it turned out to be a very weak vehicle battery. Removed it and charged it for a few hours and has improved the steering no end. The car only does lots of short journeys these days so never gets a decent charge. Good luck. Matthew

[tmontague]

another thought although not likely due to you hitting a curb. The strut bearing could be worn which will cause more difficulty steering. I agree with the above, it is likely the steering rack or even a dying battery.