Yaris Mk1 Woolly Steering Help !

[raffytwed]

Hi folks,

I'd appreciate some help with my steering please.

I recently picked up a 2004 1.3 vvti Yaris blue...its had very light use over the last 10 years (genuine 27k miles as owner lived abroad and only used it once in a while)...as soon as I bought it I noticed that the alignment was out so after buying some new front tyres (rears were fine) and having it all laser aligned etc I was back on the road...what I have noticed is that I'm suffering what seems to be a common Yaris issue...the steering is vague and 'wooly' on the straight and doesn't self centre very well at all..always having to correct it somewhat...being a 1.3 mk1 its electric PS...I can't spot anything from a quick visual underneat, all boots appear ok, I wouldn't think the strut mounts are an issue given the low mileage etc (no noise when turning)...fingers crossed its not a problem with the rack...I do suffer an occasional clunk when turning slowly to the right so wondering if the ARB bushes are on the way out but can't see how that would cause my steering issues....? again any help very much appreciated !

cheers

D

[Madasafish]

If the ARB bushes are shot, the anti roll bar will not work properly.. It's a safety issue. Cheap to replace..(ECP sell them).

It could also so:

steering rack bushes perished, worn springs (broken rust), etc.

[raffytwed]

Cheers for the reply mate...took the Yaris to my usual trusted garage while I was passing..unfortunately they didn't have a ramp free but they took it for a road test...agreed that the turning clunk is probably the droplinks so well worth replacing...as for the steering not centring, plugged in the diagnostics and reset/set the EPS sensor...no change...he can't get into the steering knuckle to lubricate that as its a sealed unit...he's gonna have a word with his Toyota contacts to see if there are any other known issues causing the problem but I've to take it back to get it on the ramp for a proper look...suggestions were problems with the rack (although with ignition off and I turn the steering there's no play/noise etc)...car has such low mileage we don't think its the strut mount bearings...possibly steering bearings need lubed / replaced ?...I'll mention the steering rack bushes...I;ve had a look at the springs and they in fine condition...again cheers for the help but any other suggestions very welcome folks :-)

[Cyker]

We've had the odd report of this over the years; Fixes have varied from things like replacing tyres, wheel alignments, replacement steering rack and PAS motor, and in once case a replaced ECU!

There are a few threads of you do a search, here are a few I've seen before:

http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/73453-yaris-steering-does-yours-return-to-centre-properly/

http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/111435-yaris-power-steering-problem-help/

http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/topic/152416-yaris-steering-not-centering/

[raffytwed]

Many thanks mate..I'd read the first two threads before but the third one referring to a new EPS motor and ECU is a bit concerning ! Only picked the car up a month ago and noticed straight away that the alignment was well out...had the front tyres replaced and re-aligned and it did help a lot but obviously not cured the lack of self centering...annoying with a car with such low miles...fingers crossed my garage guru can identify a what the problem is and its a simpler fix ie bearings, bushes or some lubing ! cheers again guys...

[raffytwed]

I should add that the PS does appear to work fine with no noise or P/S warning light on the dash...no problems with slow manoevering etc and handles grand at speed...it does begin to centre itself if I have taken a wide corner or 90 degree turn but doesn't quite get to that central position...its like night and day driving my wife's civic !

[jimgerost88]

Did you solve the problem;