Steering Wheel Does Not Return
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: PA
Steering Wheel Does Not Return
Hey folks, I purchases a 2009 ES350 (Starfire Pearl) on Tuesday. I searched but did not find anything in the forum on what I am about to post. Here's the problem - and I want to make sure it's not just on my car. The turning radius on this vehicle is wonderful. HOWEVER, I noticed that when I turn the steering wheel ENTIRELY to the left or right (like while parking in a tight space, turning around, whatever), the steering wheel just kind of "stays" there when you let go. So if I am in a parking lot turning sharply to go the other way, for example, if I let go of the wheel to let it return to center, it does not move! I have to kind of help it along before I can let go and have it return on its own. Hope that makes sense. Is this common for this vehicle? Thanks!!
Driver
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 82
Likes: 4
From: TX
I have a 08 ES 350, and I think I know what you are talking about, I've had the front end aligned in hopes that this would remedy the problem, but it didn't and surpisingly when I took it in for the 40,000 mile scheduled maintenance, they did not mention this to me.
Lead Lap
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 432
Likes: 6
From: OH
I've found in dealing with dealerships in the past is that you have to tell them about the issue. I've had issues with ball joints/suspension components on other cars in the past, and all of them got past the alignment stage without them mentioning an issue. Definitely take it to the dealer and show them in the car; have them grab one of their loaners at the same time and walk through the same scenario. If they both react differently - and they should, that's your cue to ask for a repair since obviously something isn't right.
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: MA
Hey folks, I purchases a 2009 ES350 (Starfire Pearl) on Tuesday. I searched but did not find anything in the forum on what I am about to post. Here's the problem - and I want to make sure it's not just on my car. The turning radius on this vehicle is wonderful. HOWEVER, I noticed that when I turn the steering wheel ENTIRELY to the left or right (like while parking in a tight space, turning around, whatever), the steering wheel just kind of "stays" there when you let go. So if I am in a parking lot turning sharply to go the other way, for example, if I let go of the wheel to let it return to center, it does not move! I have to kind of help it along before I can let go and have it return on its own. Hope that makes sense. Is this common for this vehicle? Thanks!!
Pit Crew
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 105
Likes: 22
From: Ontario
Had similar/identical situation with my 2005 Toyota 4Runner a few years back. It has an intermediate steering shaft connecting the shaft from the steering wheel to the pinion stub from the rack & pinion assembly. The connecting hardware at both ends of this IS shaft are small u joints and due to their locations do not see regular maintenance like a dab of oil/grease now and then. They rust and the tiny bearings at the joints get stiff from neglect, so they hinder the steering wheel from returning to centre after a right or left turn without help from the driver. The problem was solved by spraying/squirting oil and greasing up the whole joint and it returned to normal after. Check your steering shaft for u joints. Lift up front of vehicle and turn steering wheel from full left to full right. If it takes some effort to turn, look for rusty joints. With the weight of wheels off the ground, normal operating steering wheel should turn effortlessly like hot knife thro butter. Hope this helps.
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