When I go over a rough gravel road, there is a rattle that is definitely in the steering column. How is this fixed? Is it a simple tightening of something? My Prius is a 2006 with 180,000 miles.
Have you done all the recalls on the car? there was a recall on the steering Recall Date: NOV 14, 2012 Model Affected: 2006 Toyota Prius Summary: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 Prius vehicles manufactured August 5, 2003, through March 30, 2009. The affected vehicles have a steering intermediate extension shaft assembly built with metal splines that complete the connection from the steering wheel to the steering gear. These splines may have been manufactured with an insufficient hardness. Consequences: Over time, the splines may wear and eventually fail resulting in a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the extension shaft and replace it if it is one with insufficient hardness, free of charge. The recall began during December 2012. Owners may contact their Toyota dealer or the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331. Potential Units Affected: 669705 Notes: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/cars/2006/toyota/prius/recalls/#ixzz2pDcaTp3N
I hate to say this but I think the problem is the steering column. They are known to go bad even in the 2nd Generation. Do you feel a tug when you turn your steering wheel more than 90 Degrees? I tried to get Toyota NA to cover this entirely but Jim Lentz's secretary only offered a 50% discount to the a total repair costs of $2650 from the stealership.
Get the car to the dealer for the recall ASAP. The shaft can completely let go, and you can loose control. A very serious situation.
There was a recall on the steering column this year. Check with your local dealer to see if it applies to your car. Definitely get your car checked out. Details on the recall are attached to this message.
