Hello, Thanks And A Question

[toyota_pjs]

Hello everyone,

Firstly a big thank you to everyone here for all the information posted here on the Prius. I have just become the proud owner of a 2008 Vermilion Red Gen 2 Prius T-Spirit with which I am extremely pleased so far (just under a week). The first-hand experience I found here certainly helped my buying decision and a return to the Toyota family (Celicas, MR2, Corollas in the past). I am already returning over 50mpg just on short runs which doubles what I was getting in my recent gas-guzzler.

The only issue I have noticed so far is that when driving straight ahead the steering wheel is slightly off centre (I am talking just a few degrees) but, after my previous car without all the switches on the steering wheel and hence less of an issue, I am finding that I tend to straighten the steering wheel as I operate switches and obviously start to veer from straight ahead. There's no indication of vibration or anything else untoward so it's just an annoyance currently. Does any other owner have or had this issue and, if so, can it be adjusted by the dealer? In the back of my mind I am wondering if it as a result of an accident or a previous mechanical problem. I'm sure I can live with it but any information from owners with similar experience would be much appreciated before I contact the dealer.

Thanks in advance.

[Mistermena]

Hello everyone,

Firstly a big thank you to everyone here for all the information posted here on the Prius. I have just become the proud owner of a 2008 Vermilion Red Gen 2 Prius T-Spirit with which I am extremely pleased so far (just under a week). The first-hand experience I found here certainly helped my buying decision and a return to the Toyota family (Celicas, MR2, Corollas in the past). I am already returning over 50mpg just on short runs which doubles what I was getting in my recent gas-guzzler.

The only issue I have noticed so far is that when driving straight ahead the steering wheel is slightly off centre (I am talking just a few degrees) but, after my previous car without all the switches on the steering wheel and hence less of an issue, I am finding that I tend to straighten the steering wheel as I operate switches and obviously start to veer from straight ahead. There's no indication of vibration or anything else untoward so it's just an annoyance currently. Does any other owner have or had this issue and, if so, can it be adjusted by the dealer? In the back of my mind I am wondering if it as a result of an accident or a previous mechanical problem. I'm sure I can live with it but any information from owners with similar experience would be much appreciated before I contact the dealer.

Thanks in advance.

Sounds like your wheel tracking is out... Some deals on at National tyres at half price atm. £15

[dervdave]

Sounds like your wheel tracking is out... Some deals on at National tyres at half price atm. £15

Yep its probably knocked the tracking out on a kerb

[dervdave]

Sounds like your wheel tracking is out... Some deals on at National tyres at half price atm. £15

Yep its probably knocked the tracking out on a kerb, it will be scrubbing off the tread

[r04drunner1]

It's also possible that the tracking was knocked out and has been fixed by a company who didn't bother to ensure that the steering wheel was kept straight throughout the process. (It's a bit more hassle to do properly, apparently you have to strap the steering wheel and some places just don't bother: they just adjust the tracking at the front wheels and leave the steering wheel angle to go where it may.) That happened to me on an X-Type I owned, the car came back with the tracking fixed but with the steering wheel askew. My X-Type was an AWD version which made the process more complex; I ended up having to take it to my local Jaguar dealer to get sorted properly. But it was an easy fix.

[Chris Dance]

I would suggest you take it to your Toyota dealer and get it sorted. The steering wheel on my previous Gen 2 was not off centre.

[korat102]

Yep, get it sorted. The wheel in my 2nd gen Prius is dead centre. No need to put up with things like that.

I can imagine an off centre wheel would make using the controls annoying as well. I had a car with an off centre steering wheel once, was annoying to drive, my eyes kept getting drawn to the wheel when I was turning it.

[toyota_pjs]

Thanks for the suggestions which confirmed my opinion. Dealer came to collect it, did a 4 wheel alignment check and adjustment including a centred steering wheel, and returned it nicely clean. It obviously handles and feels so much better. All under warranty so excellent service. They believed it was almost certainly kerbing and could find nothing else to concern me.

Did my first long run over the last couple of days - nearly 300 miles and returned with nearly half a tank of petrol, whereas my last car with a larger tank would have left it breathing fumes when I got home. It was also a very relaxing and comfortable drive, particualrly with nice sounds from the great CD player. The only downside is that it's dirty again now! :)

Thanks for your feedback and everyone for the information posted here. I've now confirmed I made a good choice!

[dervdave]

Lets hope your problems get no more serious than that