does anyone else have a heavy steering feel on their 2010's with the 215 45/17 tires? It seems much heavier than previous Prius's and also have noticed that mine when it is really cold the steering wheel gets a little twitchy until it is fully warmed up
The steering on my 2010 v is also pretty tight. I think it's normal. However i don't have the twitchy feel
I'm on my THIRD steering motor. The other two failed in the taxi work at approx 30k mile intervals. There were two versions of steering motors on the early gen3's and the cheaper one used on the lower spec models (UK t3) was unreliable. The one used on the top 2 models is much better (UK models t4 & t-spirit). I believe in 2011 all Prii got the stronger motor. When mine failed it would almost judder like a normal car would when the steering fluid was low. It starts doing it occasionally and just gets worse and worse. It mainly happened when going from lock to lock quickly but then started happening more and more often.
I may be wrong but I believe the V level (Five beginning with 2011 model years) is equipped with a quicker steering ratio that may contribute to higher steering effort.
First, try adding air to your tyres. It may help a lot. The hint is when cold, the tyre pressure is lower.
It is a jutter type feeling. In fact at first I thought steering fluid was low but no idea where to check the fluid. As far as quicker steering response yes it does have that. In fact lock to lock is only 1-3/4 turns of the wheel in either direction from center. My last prius was a little over 2. I've only noticed it when it was really cold out with the juttering though. No power steering light comes on however. It comes on when the car is first started but then goes out signaling everything is ok
I too have the 17's. I was used to my '07 Touring, but when I switched to the Gen III, I immediately noticed the heavy feel. I am sure the low profile 17's have something to do with it...
