90k service gave amber warning for intermediate shaft (steering)

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by 1980s_john, Jan 15, 2015.

  1. 1980s_john

    1980s_john Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 24, 2009
    41
    21
    0
    Location:
    England
    Vehicle:
    2016 Prius
    Model:
    Business Ed. Plus


    Just had my 90k (mile) service on my Prius (Gen III) which I have had since new (October 2009). Under 'health check' the service tech has put an amber warning under the 'steering / suspension - front' section, with the comment:

    Intermediate shaft knocking. New one required. Quote £390.52

    I asked what this meant and was told that the tech noticed the problem on a test drive, they drive many different Prius cars and noticed mine had this problem.

    I don't understand how they can tell without dissembling the steering that one part has failed, and that it doesn't just need some bolts tightening. I haven't noticed any knocking or tapping noises whilst turning the steering wheel, or any vagueness with steering (I had a 2014 Vauxhall Corsa on hire this week - that had vague steering!)

    I've read about the Gen II recall for the intermediate shaft, but was told by the dealer there was no recall for Gen III as the part had been improved. Not sure how that happened as the recall was in 2012 and the Gen III was made in 2009 but hey whatever.

    I'm planning on carrying on driving and keeping an eye out for any noises, or maybe asking for the bolts to be checked. Any Gen III owners out there whose cars have had an actual problem with the intermediate shaft?

    Regards,
    John
     
    #1 1980s_john, Jan 15, 2015
    Fostel likes this.
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

    Joined:
    May 11, 2005
    111,568
    50,804
    0
    Location:
    boston
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    i agree with you. i wouldn't do anything if you don't hear or feel anything. and i wouldn't go back to that dealer, even for a check of the bolts. all the best.(y)
     
    #2 bisco, Jan 15, 2015
    Fostel likes this.
  3. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2005
    3,193
    2,326
    0
    Location:
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    With the car off and in park, gently turn the steering wheel back and forth. Do you hear a slight clunk/knock?
     
    #3 The Critic, Jan 17, 2015
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 17, 2010
    58,432
    40,235
    80
    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    Intermediate shaft? Maybe means a Constant-Velocity joint in the front wheel drive shaft is failing? Listen for rhythmic noise as you take corners, both left and right turns.
     
    #4 Mendel Leisk, Jan 21, 2015
  5. drewble

    drewble New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 4, 2015
    1
    0
    0
    Location:
    nashville, tn
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I would like to revive this thread, as I have just started to notice this on my 2010 Prius III. I have detected the symptoms as you have described. Do you have more information?
     
    #5 drewble, Jul 4, 2015
  6. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 3, 2010
    3,524
    983
    8
    Location:
    US
    Vehicle:
    Other Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    can be fixed by simple greasing of the part. it's a problem area in many toyota cars, but prius is least affected.
     
    #6 Former Member 68813, Jul 5, 2015
  7. electrontechnik

    electrontechnik Member

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2012
    117
    31
    21
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tesla Model 3
    Model:
    N/A
    #7 electrontechnik, Jul 6, 2015
    Fostel likes this.
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)