The steering wheel of my Toyota Etios does not return to center
After I installed new Michelin tires of the same size as the manufacturer specs, a few days later, the steering wheel stopped returning to the center. I got it checked by about five different mechanics, and they checked everything possible they could such as to check the steering wheel rod, suspension, tires, any play or loose connections but nothing has solved the problem. The car has been run very few miles though out of warranty i can't get any help from the manufacturer. After taking a turn the steering wheel returns about 70-80% back but not totally to the center as if something is p
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This is an ongoing problem with Toyota and I was unable to find a true fix for this problem. I would recommend having the entire front end checked for any issues and the alignment checked to make sure that the caster is not set too low causing a low return ability of the steering.
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Sticking or binding components, such as a king pin, ball joint, bell crank or even the steering column can prevent the steering wheel from returning to center after a turn. Alignment can also be a factor; improper caster, and to some degree, improper toe-in, can be contributing factors.
This is caused by the caster angle of the front wheels. Turning the front wheels to steer the car causes them to pivot about an axis which is not quite vertical, in fact the pivot axis leans “backwards” at the top of the wheel with respect to the bottom.
Because they have adjusted the toe and haven`t centralized the rack, they need to centralize the steering wheel and then adjust the toe evenly on both sides otherwise the car will have more steering lock on one side than the other. Take it back and ask them to do it properly… Its really not a difficult repair.
Things like hitting potholes, bumping curbs, or even minor accidents are all common causes of one or more of your wheels coming out of alignment. Second, normal wear and tear can all eventually cause your car to come out of alignment.
Wheel alignment info
A skilled mechanic can do it in 30 to 60 minutes. There are some situations that take longer. For example, all-wheel drive and 4×4 vehicles are more work than two-wheel drive vehicles. It will also take more time if there are damaged parts.
Will the steering wheel of a car come to a center position automatically after a turn? Just about every car in the world has a suspension designed in a way such that a car stabilizes itself to go straight when you let go of the steering wheel. However, if the car is not rolling forward, this effect does not take place.
Bad alignment can cause your steering to vibrate, making driving uncomfortable. When accelerating or driving, your steering wheel should not vibrate to the point you feel it in your hands. Many problems could result in your steering wheel vibrating and among them is misalignment.
The power steering leak should not have anything to do with the vehicle`s ability to be aligned properly. However, with that being said, I would not recommend driving the truck much longer with the leak as the longer the leak continues, the more wear and damage is done to the pump.
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The steering wheel of my Toyota Etios does not return to center
ANSWER : This is an ongoing problem with Toyota and I was unable to find a true fix for this problem. I would recommend having the entire front end checked for any issues and the alignment checked to make sure that the caster is not set too low causing a low return ability of the steering.
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Steering wheel does not center
ANSWER : The problem to me sounds like you have worn out bushings that hold the power steering rack and pinion assembly. This is why your steering wheel gets off center in the direction of the turn. Have the steering inspected and the bushings replaced if they are bad. You should have no problems then.
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My steering wheel squeaks when turning left
ANSWER : The problem does need to be fixed. The steering wheel shaft may be binding in the steering column. You may also have another problem with the front end if the squeaking noise is not coming from the steering column. If the column is squeaking then you should have a mechanic come look at it and diagnose the issue. Only a qualified mechanic should inspect it since the air bags on the steering wheel may need to be removed to diagnose and complete the repairs. A certified mobile YourMechanic can come examine the problem at your home or office.
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Problem with steering on one side only.
ANSWER : Hi there. The power steering system has a control valve that sends the fluid through the rack and pinion system. The valve maybe plugged up and causing the fluid to not return to the reservoir fast enough.
For the alignment issue, check all of the suspension and see what is loose or could be damaged. I recommend having an alignment performed on the vehicle after replacing any suspension or steering parts. If you need further assistance with your alignment, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
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Can front wheel drive car engine power rear wheel drive
ANSWER : Anything is possible with enough engineering. The changes you are looking at would take major structural changes and would definitely not be an easy job. You could possibly consult a manufacturing engineer to get more details on how this could actually be carried out and whether it would be feasible.
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steering wheel won’t unlock my key turns only to turn lights on but that’s it can’t unlock steering wheel to start the car what to
ANSWER : The steering lock may not be unlocking either due to a faulty ignition lock housing or more commonly as the cars age a faulty spring at the steering wheel on the under side of the column. If the ignition lock housing is the issue the housing can be replaced. It s a bit tricky as the mounting bolt has break off heads and generally need to be driven out with a punch. If the lock is not disengaging because of a faulty spring on the ignition lock many owners have had the spring removed by having it drilled out of the housing. However, removing the spring may permanently disable the steering lock. The last option would be to replace the steering column. You may want to enlist the help of a mechanic who can recommend the proper repair for your situation.
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Steering wheel off-center, counter-clockwise
ANSWER : It is very possible that something may not have been tightened down enough during the alignment that you had done and that something slipped out of place. Alignments are very sensitive and are measured down to the hundredths of a degree. If something is not tightened to specification, and it moves even a quarter of a degree, this is enough to change the alignment specifications and may very well cause your steering wheel to go off center.
I would recommend taking your vehicle back to where the alignment was last performed and ask them to recheck it. The alignment is the only thing that can cause the steering wheel to be off center other than if the steering wheel was removed recently and not reinstalled correctly. If you want to have this looked at by an independent mechanic, a technician from YourMechanic can inspect your steering system and let you know what should be done.
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Steering wheel isn’t straight after getting an alignment
ANSWER : Hello. In order to properly adjust the steering wheel an alignment must be properly performed. It sounds like you have not had a good alignment. If you get an alignment the steering wheel should always be straight when you are done. If not you should be taking the vehicle back to the alignment shop. You can adjust the steering wheel with the tie rod ends but the toe angle will not stay within specification. If you’d like a second opinion on the issue, consider YourMechanic, as one of our mobile technicians can come to your home or office to diagnose the steering pull firsthand. Good luck.
Read Full Q/A … : The steering wheel of my Toyota Etios does not return to center
