Avensis 05 Power Steering Issue

[Phil F]

Hi All,

My 2005 1.8 Auto has what appears to be an unusual fault.The power steering intermittently goes heavy,then rights itself.The only suggestion I have had is that the alternator is faulty,although there are no warning lights and no lack of starting power.

Anybody shed any light on this please?

Cheers...Phil

[canberra_27]

Hi Phil, mine is the 2.0L diesel same year as yours and it has done the same. I thought I was imagining it at the time. Then this recall came to light so mine is due to go to Toyota for checking.

The recall is for a shaft splines fault, I suspect this is the cause.

Have you had yours in to Toyota yet?

[Devon Aygo]

Hi All,

My 2005 1.8 Auto has what appears to be an unusual fault.The power steering intermittently goes heavy,then rights itself.The only suggestion I have had is that the alternator is faulty,although there are no warning lights and no lack of starting power.

Anybody shed any light on this please?

Cheers...Phil

Your Avensis has electronic steering powered by an electronic motor fitted to the steering shaft, the symptoms you describe can be caused by several issues:

* Battery failure, the start of a failing Battery can cause low voltage to the steering motor when under load making the steering go heavy from time to time.

* Steering shaft issues such as sticking universal joints.

* Steering ECU failure , very unlikely but possible.

* Steering motor failure , very unlikely but possible.

Your car is also most likely outstanding the steering shaft recall, this will not be causing the above issue though.

Devon

[Devon Aygo]

Hi Phil, mine is the 2.0L diesel same year as yours and it has done the same. I thought I was imagining it at the time. Then this recall came to light so mine is due to go to Toyota for checking.

The recall is for a shaft splines fault, I suspect this is the cause.

Have you had yours in to Toyota yet?

Canberra

Your Diesel Avensis has a totally different steering system to Phil's, his has electronic shaft power steering yours has hydraulic pump based power steering and is not subject to a recall only 1.6 & 1.8 petrol Avensis with electronic steering have been recalled.

Probable causes of your heavy steering are likely to be a slipping power steering belt ( may not squeal ) or a low or poor power steering fluid issue. Beyond that its going to be a mechanical issue such as a failing power steering rack or sticking universal joints on your steering shaft these are unusual though.

Devon

[Phil F]

Hi,

Thanks for your replies.Devon,the Battery was replaced in February by a mobile mechanic who said the original had failing capacity...It was he who suggested that the alternator may be the cause now.

The car was in to my local Mr T. on Friday for the steering shaft recall so I asked them to look out for any problems,but nothing showed up.They did say that the diagnosis of the mobile sounds logical,although a failure of the alternator was rare.

The complete steering motor assembly was actually replaced when I bought the car,four years ago.

Looks like further investigation may be reqd?!

By the way,I see you drive an Aygo.Mr T. loaned me one for the day on Friday,I was very impressed,what a cracking little car!

If I had got the bottle I would trade my Avensis for one of those,in fact it may be cheaper to than fix the steering.........

Thanks again,

Phil.