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Old 08-31-2014, 05:17 PM   #1
tambasher
 
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Steering wheel jerked to left

Why would my 2009 Yaris suddenly jerk to the left while doing 60-65 mph? It would jerk hard only once, but did it 3 times within a few minutes tonight and once earlier today.
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Old 08-31-2014, 08:17 PM   #2
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Could be several things. First I would check your tires for bulges/damage. Also check tires pressures.

If possible get the front end up in the air and spin the tires checking for suspension damage/problems.
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Old 08-31-2014, 08:46 PM   #3
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Thanks for the reply.
I few days ago I did have a low air pressure in the front. I filled it and checked the rest and have checked them each day, but they have all kept the correct pressure. I have not checked today, but will now.
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Old 08-31-2014, 10:22 PM   #4
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I had that happen on wet pavement once. I think it was bump steer, but it scared me.
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Old 09-01-2014, 08:05 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tambasher View Post
Thanks for the reply.
I few days ago I did have a low air pressure in the front. I filled it and checked the rest and have checked them each day, but they have all kept the correct pressure. I have not checked today, but will now.

Tire pressure sounds OK.

Have you inspected the tires for bulges in the sidewalls or damage of any kind?
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Old 09-01-2014, 08:14 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CrankyOldMan View Post
I had that happen on wet pavement once. I think it was bump steer, but it scared me.
That's a good question for the O.P. - Was the pavement wet when it happened?

A sudden shift in which wheel the differential is driving definitely has an odd feel in slick conditions at speed.
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Old 09-01-2014, 12:03 PM   #7
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It happened o the highway and it was bone dry.
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Old 09-01-2014, 12:09 PM   #8
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Drove it last night and there seemed to be a slight shake in the steering wheel while driving. I will be crawling under it today to have a look.
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Old 09-01-2014, 02:00 PM   #9
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If the steering wheel shakes that's a sign of unbalanced tires. Taking the tires to have them balanced might help and the shop can inspect them for damage like bulges and tread squirm too.
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Old 09-01-2014, 05:57 PM   #10
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Jacked up the front end and removed both tires. Everything looked ok, but the front driver's side tire was low again, 28 psi. I usually run all tires at 32 psi, when this all started, that tire was about 25 psi. After doing the inspection, I ran the car a little hard on the streets and also got it up to 80 on the highway, no shaking of the steering wheel and no pulling. I did not see any bulges and could not find a leak. Next I guess I will take it to the shop and have them check the balance and look for a leak.
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Old 09-01-2014, 06:27 PM   #11
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Check your struts for undampened bounce?
Check your steering for bent or loose parts next time it's hoisted?

Was the jerk motion violent? A reaction to road irregularities, or apparently random?
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Old 09-01-2014, 07:33 PM   #12
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Crosswind!

j/k...maybe
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Old 09-01-2014, 08:35 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tambasher View Post
Jacked up the front end and removed both tires. Everything looked ok, but the front driver's side tire was low again, 28 psi. I usually run all tires at 32 psi, when this all started, that tire was about 25 psi. After doing the inspection, I ran the car a little hard on the streets and also got it up to 80 on the highway, no shaking of the steering wheel and no pulling. I did not see any bulges and could not find a leak. Next I guess I will take it to the shop and have them check the balance and look for a leak.
OK if the tires look good that's all I can advise you. I doubt the 25-28 psi would make any difference. Good luck and tell us what you find out!
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Old 09-01-2014, 11:11 PM   #14
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Did you ever had your control arm bolt replaced at dealer?
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Old 09-03-2014, 11:14 AM   #15
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Struts react normally when I push down and bounce them myself.
I didn't see anything bent or loose.
it was a quick jerk and the car moved, but stayed in my lane.
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Old 09-03-2014, 11:35 AM   #16
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I'd try to retrace my steps on that stretch of road, see if I can repeat the symptom. Of course, my knuckles will be white and my heart rate up to like 120.
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Old 09-03-2014, 10:28 PM   #17
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is there a recall on the control arm bolt and would that cause the jerk?
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Old 09-04-2014, 06:17 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tambasher View Post
is there a recall on the control arm bolt and would that cause the jerk?

Yes theres a recall and if the bolt breaks or is dammaged that could concievably cause your problem.
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