Heavy Steering

[binswood]

I purchased my Avenis from a Toyota main dealer in August last year - it was first registered in March 2002.

From the start the steering felt heavy, it required a noticable force to make small directional corrections - quite unlike any other car I've driven in my almost 50 years of driving. Eventually the dealer agreed there was a problem and (I'm told) the rack and steering column were replaced under warranty. It didn't make a lot of difference; its still heavy enough to make driving a rather miserable experience. Directional stability and cornering is very good, but the effort of steering is enough to make my arms ache after 40 mins or so. It will self-centre after taking a sharp corner, but shallow corners require a helping hand. The speed of the car has no effect.

With all other vehicles I've driven its possible make small steering corrections when holding the wheel with my finger tips; on this car its impossible. Its been back to the dealers several times but they now say there is nothing wrong, and the Toyota warranty finished in March. I still have the dealer's warranty until August.

This is the first Toyota I have driven and I have no personal experience of what is normal. A friend thought that the "dead spot" of the power steering seemed rather too wide - is this possible? Can it be adjusted? Suggestions and ideas would be welcome.

[Desmond22]

I noticed a similar problem when I changed from a Carina to a 2003 Avensis. There wasn't anything actually wrong with the steering but it had 17" low profile tyres. Going back to 16" wheels with standard tyres has made a big difference.

[binswood]

I noticed a similar problem when I changed from a Carina to a 2003 Avensis. There wasn't anything actually wrong with the steering but it had 17" low profile tyres. Going back to 16" wheels with standard tyres has made a big difference.

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It can't be that, I've got 195/60s on 15" rims - nothing special.

There is always a slight resistance to turning the steering wheel - it doesn't "glide" like all the other vehicles I've driven. And both the rack and steering column have been replaced.

Any other suggestion?

[buzlby]

Hi There

Why not try and drive a few other Avensis - dealers, private ads etc. You'll very quickly get a feel for whats right etc.

Hope this helps

Cheers

Buzlby

[Brok]

I agree about the steering; after driving a Mercedes A Class the steering on my Avensis D4D T3  estate felt like I was driving something from the '60's.

I notice there was a recall of Avensis models regarding steering rack and poor metal and wondered if there is a way I can find out whether my car had been recalled and fixed. I could find out whether the particular car I have had been recalled at that time (2012).

There is a facility on the Toyota website but this is not comprehensive. So the next thing, I suppose is to check through Agents.

 

 

[JARC1]

15 hours ago, Brok said:

I agree about the steering; after driving a Mercedes A Class the steering on my Avensis D4D T3  estate felt like I was driving something from the '60's.

I notice there was a recall of Avensis models regarding steering rack and poor metal and wondered if there is a way I can find out whether my car had been recalled and fixed. I could find out whether the particular car I have had been recalled at that time (2012).

There is a facility on the Toyota website but this is not comprehensive. So the next thing, I suppose is to check through Agents.

 

 

I too have found that the Toyota OnLine Recall check is not exactly very comprehensive/reliable for information.

Regards, John

[Konrad C]

Just wondering, is the power steering system functioning properly? Also has the cars steering geometry like castor checked? What about the ball joints and strut bearings? The rack was replaced with no difference according to the OP. When the car is lifted off the wheels, doe the steering lighten? I assume tyre pressures have been checked.

[PCM]

On 10/19/2022 at 9:12 PM, Brok said:

I agree about the steering; after driving a Mercedes A Class the steering on my Avensis D4D T3  estate felt like I was driving something from the '60's.

I notice there was a recall of Avensis models regarding steering rack and poor metal and wondered if there is a way I can find out whether my car had been recalled and fixed. I could find out whether the particular car I have had been recalled at that time (2012).

There is a facility on the Toyota website but this is not comprehensive. So the next thing, I suppose is to check through Agents.

 

 

I think... when you check the MOT History there is a Recall option as well?

https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history 

[Brok]

Thanks, John, PCM Konrad and other comments. Every one of them has been helpful I did go to  Gov.UK site and there is indeed an outstanding recall. Goodness know how much grief you could have saved me.