Problem Symptoms Table

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Toyota Prius. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

PROBLEM SYMPTOMS TABLE - POWER STEERING SYSTEM

Symptom	Inspection Area
Steering is heavy.	Front tires (improperly inflated, unevenly worn) Front wheel alignment (Incorrect) Front suspension (Lower ball joint) Steering gear assy Torque sensor (built into steering column) Steering column assy Power steering motor Battery and power source system Power steering ECU
Steering effort differs between right and left or is uneven.	Steering center point (zero point) (not recorded completely) Front tires (improperly inflated, unevenly worn) Front wheel alignment (Incorrect) Front suspension (Lower ball joint) Steering gear assy Torque sensor (built into steering column) Steering column assy Power steering motor Power steering ECU
While driving, steering effort does not change in accordance with vehicle speed or steering wheel does not return properly.	Front suspension Speed sensor Skid control ECU Combination meter Engine speed detection circuit Torque sensor (built into steering column) Power steering motor Power steering ECU
Knocking (or clunking) sound occurs when turning steering wheel back and forth while power steering is in operation.	Front suspension Steering intermediate shaft Steering gear assy
Friction sound occurs when turning steering wheel during low speed driving.	Power steering motor Steering column assy
High-pitched sound (squeaking) occurs when turning steering wheel slowly with vehicle stopped.	Power steering motor
Steering wheel vibrates and noise occurs when turning steering wheel from lock to lock.	Power steering motor Steering column assy