Prius Leans

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by ghatid, Jul 8, 2007.

  1. ghatid

    ghatid Junior Member

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    I recently bought a new 2007 Prius (2 weeks ago) and I noticed that it seems to lean either one way or the other when I try to drive straight. I know if it leans one way exclusively, the wheels are probably unbalanced, but if it leans either way, I don't know what could be wrong.
    Does anyone know the problem? Are they all like this?
    It feels kind of like it's at unstable equilibrium...
    Thanks for your help
     
  2. Godiva

    Godiva AmeriKan Citizen

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    Try a BT tech stiffening plate.
     
  3. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    New Prius drivers tend to over-control. The steering is very tight, with virtually no dead band, so new drivers wiggle down the road. I don't know if this is what you are feeling, but it's a fair guess that's what is happening. Use a very gentle grip, and make very small adjustments, and soon it will feel much more stable.

    Tom
     
  4. Bill Merchant

    Bill Merchant absit invidia

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    Another possibility is that the front wheels are out of alignment. They should be parallel or very slightly toed in. If they are toed out (slightly wider apart on the front side of the tire than the rear side) your car will try to go left, then right, then left, etc., and feel unstable.

    Ask your dealer to check the alignment. Many Prius are delivered with poor alignment caused by the tie-downs used during shipping. Your first alignment during the first year is free.

    And welcome to PriusChat, Ghatid!
     
  5. ghatid

    ghatid Junior Member

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    Thanks:)

    Do I have to go to the same dealer to get my wheels aligned? and is poor alignment a common problem? I can't seem to find anyone else who has experienced this

    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bill Merchant @ Jul 9 2007, 12:26 AM) [snapback]475361[/snapback]</div>
     
  6. patrickindallas

    patrickindallas Shire rat

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Ghatid @ Jul 9 2007, 01:42 AM) [snapback]475386[/snapback]</div>

    #1. No. Go to any Toyo service department, and tell them that it has
    pulled to one side ever since you bought it.

    #2. Considering the fact that the first alignment is free (but not advertised), I
    would assume that misalignment coming off the boat was a common enough
    problem that the company noticed it.
     
  7. 1fixitman

    1fixitman Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Ghatid @ Jul 8 2007, 04:39 PM) [snapback]475160[/snapback]</div>
    go to this URL listed below and read this. Copy this line (highlight it and right click and hit copy)
    Put your cursor in the web brouser line...backspace all and right click and click paste. Then Read. There is a forum search at the top of the forums.....many topics available for people with the same issue from dealer.

    http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=3...mp;hl=alignment

    D Rock