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Toyota Corolla Electric-Assist Power Steering (EPS)

664 messages,  Last post on Dec 30, 2012 at 7:28 PM

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What is this discussion about? Toyota Corolla, Steering, Sedan

Messages Page 65 of 67

#638 of 664 EPS Steering Issues by jamaicanred

May 24, 2011 (8:05 pm)

Got my S with a VIN production of 511XXX, made in October 2010 in Canada. So far I have not had any issues with the steering that others have posted about. Yes it does feel a little like golf cart steering, but that's what your trade off is for better gas mileage. Is the EPS as good as a traditional hydraulic rack and pinion? Of course not. In fact it's not even in the same league. I had a 99 civic that I could drive with one finger without a problem, you can't do that with this Corolla. While it does take some getting used to when you've previously had a traditional hydraulic rack, it's effective at operating the vehicle in a safe manor. After reading several posts on this website about steering issues, I knew what i was getting into when I bought this car. To be fair, I don't drive at highway speeds very often. When I have made highway trips I have not noticed any swerving, over-correcting, or any of the other problems that some people have mentioned. I purposely bought a high production VIN hoping that Toyota had cleared up what issues there might have been. So far so good.
 
One positive with this system is it is much cheaper and easier to replace then a traditional rack. To be honest, I don't mind trading some ease of steering for better gas mileage.
 
The bottom line is this, most compact cars are trying to become as fuel efficient as possible. With this system there is no power steering pump running off of a serpentine belt. It's just an electric motor bolted to the steering column that assists in your steering. This puts less drag on the engine allowing better gas mileage. If you want I quality steering system you're gonna have to pony up some more $$$$ because just about all of these compacts are switching to this EPS system. Oh, and of course these are cheaper for Toyota to install on a car than a traditional rack system.

#639 of 664 Re: EPS Steering Issues [jamaicanred] by dchev

May 24, 2011 (9:21 pm)

Replying to: jamaicanred (May 24, 2011 8:05 pm)
It does not matter if you buy cheaper or more expensive car. All new cars come with EPS. I have 2011 Toyota Corolla S, and I love how my car drives and steer.
I had to rent a Chevy Aveo, and after driving it, The Corolla steering was like driving a Lexus or MB, compared to Aveo's steering.....

#640 of 664 ABS Problem by miguel1952

May 26, 2011 (8:57 pm)

I have a 2010 LE w/19K miles on it. The ABS kicks in when turning and braking at the same time under normal driving conditions. Seems to be worse on rough roads. Anyone else have this problem and what is the fix? When I first bought the car the brake pedal would go down almost to the floor at red lights. I complained said it felt like there was air in the lines or a leaky master cylinder. Dealer said there was nothing wrong but they were better "magically" after I complained. Now it's the ABS coming on as if I was going fast and braking hard but I'm just driving normal. I wouldn't be getting 31 mpg around town and 37 on hwy if I was racing or driving fast. Took me 6 months to get used to the steering and now it's the brakes. Plz help!!

#641 of 664 Re: ABS Problem [miguel1952] by circuitsmith

May 30, 2011 (6:13 pm)

Replying to: miguel1952 (May 26, 2011 8:57 pm)
I assume there's no check engine or other trouble light.
I would start by getting the wheel alignment checked.

#642 of 664 NHTSA says no steering issue with corolla by samnoe

Jun 05, 2011 (6:55 am)

How is this possible?
 
http://www.thecarconnection.com/news/1060392_nhtsa-clears-toyota-corolla-on-stee- ring-issues

#643 of 664 Re: NHTSA says no steering issue with corolla [samnoe] by sjarea

Jun 21, 2011 (11:22 am)

Replying to: samnoe (Jun 05, 2011 6:55 am)
I would suggest you go to the NHTSA website and read their report.
 
While they did not find an issue to to make it a safety recall they did also say that a defect may still be present that they did not/were unable at this time todetect.
 
Also, if I remember correctly, 2 out of 10 test drivers were able to tell the difference before and after. So, 20% of the test group without knowing the issue were able to notice it.
 
If you are experiencing the issue I would recommend you have the EPS replaced under TSB-1040. I did and it made a huge difference.

#644 of 664 TSB-1040 by ovybox

Jun 28, 2011 (8:06 am)

Replying to: sjarea (Jun 21, 2011 11:22 am)
Hey sjarea,
 
We have the same problem over in the Sentra forums (wobbly steering, off-center steering feel). I also had some crap replaced in my Sentra's steering system (not the EPS) with no improvement.
Could you detail on TSB-1040? Is it related to Toyota only or is it some NHTSA document applicable to Nissan too?
 
If I was you I would not invest time into convincing terceltom about the EPS problem. Nothing will convince him that we have a problem: just read his posts allover the forums.
 
Thanks

#645 of 664 Re: TSB-1040 [ovybox] by sjarea

Jul 04, 2011 (9:36 am)

Replying to: ovybox (Jun 28, 2011 8:06 am)
Ovy,
 
Here is a link to the TSB-
http://www.toyotapart.com/Steering_Off_Center_Feel_TSB014010.pdf
 
Sorry to hear about the Sentra but I can't think of any way, shape or form a Toyota TSB would impact Nissan. However, it is highly possible that both makers use the same 3rd party components so....that would be worth looking into. But again, TSB-1040 is toyota specific.
 
I suggest you and others start filing complaints w/ the NHTSA and ODI about the sentra and hope they look into it. I would encourage others on the forum board to file as well. That was how NHTSA got wind of the corolla and started their investigation. Bottom line is: If you and others do not get active in filing w/ NHTSA and their ODI and engage them nothing is really ever going to happen.
 
I will say this though - It was mentioned to me that another 'fix' was to pull the fuse for the EPS in the corolla. You'd lose the assist, but I was told that this also rectified the EPS wiggle. I never tried it, but it makes sense to me. I had toyota apply the TSB fix to my vehicle.
 
However, if anyone does pull the proper fuse they assume all responsibility and liability as I am not recommending this, but just passing along what I heard. But, perhaps a sentra owner would be willing to take the risk and see if that corrects the problem on the sentra. Hope that helps and good luck.

#646 of 664 Steering question by windgrace

Jul 07, 2011 (5:22 pm)

I just recently bought a 2010 Corolla and I love the car. Easy to park, comfortable, great mpgs, etc. However, I have a quick question regarding the steering. I don't have a problem with the EPS (I don't think) because I don't notice a need to over-correct the steering at high speeds at all with the car. However, at speeds under 15 mpg I hear the steering wheel a lot. There's no buzzing or clicking or anything. I just hear the steering wheel whirr whenever I turn it at under those speeds. I don't hear the steering wheel moving at all in my sister's '06 Civic or my mom's '10 Legacy. Is it just the electric power steering or something?

#647 of 664 Re: Steering question [windgrace] by mcdawgg

Jul 07, 2011 (5:51 pm)

Replying to: windgrace (Jul 07, 2011 5:22 pm)
Yes, this is the electric power steering.

Messages Page 65 of 67

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