1997-2003 Toyota Prius (1st Generation) Recall
===================================
Toyota has issued a volunteer recall for \
106,000 first generation Prius Hybrids globally
for a possible power steering defect for the nuts
which secure the pinion shaft in the electric-
power steering assembly. If the steering wheel
is repeatedly and strongly turned to the
full lock position, there is a chance that
the nuts securing the pinion shaft in the
steering gear box assembly may become loose.
If the vehicle is continously operated in
this condition, over time it will become
increasingly difficult to make a left turn.
48,000 Prius vehicles in Japan which were made
from 1997 to 2003 are affected by this recall.
About 52,000 Prius vehicles which were sold
between 2001 through 2001 in the USA are affected.
The recall fix which will be done at no charge
to the vehicle's owner will take about four hours
and the suspected assembly will get
improved nuts. Owners will recieve notification
letters in early July. For more information
visit toyota.com/recall or call
1-800-331-4331
sources
http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2011/06/02/toyota_recalls_106000_prius_hybrids/
http://www.ocregister.com/news/steering-302720-toyota-officials.html
http://pressroom.toyota.com/releases/toyota+voluntary+safety+recall+prius+june+2011.htm
http://green.autoblog.com/2011/06/01/toyota-recalls-52-000-prius-hybrids-for-steering-defect/
> 1997-2003Toyota Prius (1st Generation) Recall
> ===================================
> Toyota has issued a volunteer recall for \
> 106,000 first generation Prius Hybrids globally
> for a possible power steering defect for the nuts
> which secure the pinion shaft in the electric-
> power steering assembly. If the steering wheel
> is repeatedly and strongly turned to the
> full lock position, there is a chance that
> the nuts securing the pinion shaft in the
> steering gear box assembly may become loose.
> If the vehicle is continously operated in
> this condition, over time it will become
> increasingly difficult to make a left turn.
I'm probably not going to be at the head of the line on this one until
I learn more about how they torque the nut. The NHW11 has a weakness
in the steering torque sensors. They get dirty contacts and start
oscillating or uneven steering response. The only know fixes are:
1) $,200 steerring assembly replacement (and then it needs the new
nut)
2) power down the electronic power steering, making it a manual
steering car with a warning light
Since I don't fit their profile, I may just wait and see what happens
to the pioneers.
Bob Wilson
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> ===================================
> Toyota has issued a volunteer recall for \
> 106,000 first generation Prius Hybrids globally
> for a possible power steering defect for the nuts
> which secure the pinion shaft in the electric-
> power steering assembly. If the steering wheel
> is repeatedly and strongly turned to the
> full lock position, there is a chance that
> the nuts securing the pinion shaft in the
> steering gear box assembly may become loose.
> If the vehicle is continously operated in
> this condition, over time it will become
> increasingly difficult to make a left turn.