Is This Normal?

[blackivory69]

Hi everybody. Newbie here. And I already have a question about my 2009 Corolla XLE. I read about the bad review on the Electric Power Steering (EPS) on 2009 Corolla and I thought maybe it was not that bad. But now that I drove my (actually my wife's) Corolla, I think the review was on the money. We drove the car for 400 miles, mostly freeways, and most of the time I found my self steering just to stay on my lane. I couldn't even let go of the steering on a straight road.

Now my question is, is this normal? Does EPS can be adjusted or corrected? Should I bring it back to the dealer? I mean, it wasn't really pulling to the side but it feels like it will not stay on a straight line if you let go of the steering. The steering of our 97 Corolla is a lot better comparing to this one. Your response will be highly appreciated. Thanks.

[John Mo]

The thing that I've found with the EPS on my S is that it's extremely sensitive and it seems to behave better the less I think about it. Focus far down the road and just drive and it seems to take care of itself. I'm not sure if I'm actually correcting less or if I'm actually correcting more when focusing my attention on the steering wheel, but this seems to work for me. Other factors could be that I'm just getting used to it after 3k miles or that I don't spend that much time on straight highways. I drive a lot of country roads where straight line driving occurs for a few hundred yards between curves.

[Rolla4Life]

I have noticed that the powersteering is relativley sensative and precise when comparing it to most cars. I thin your problem might just be you are not used to the feel of it yet. Of course another problem could be wheel alignment. If you feel its a serious problem consult the dealer and have them check it out, its their responsibility to make sure you get what you paid for.

[bond220]

[quote=John Mo;2341492]>>and it seems to behave better the less I think about it. Focus far down the road and just drive and it seems to take care of itself. <<

I think that's it. My impression is that it takes a lot more effort to turn the wheel while on the highway than in town so you're conscious of every little correction that you make whereas before it all used to be more or less below the radar. It seems to me that the 2009 actually tracks better and it just appears to be a problem because you are more aware of every little thing that is done.

[YOHAN]

Yep. The steering is extremely light. So light that you can barely feel the road at all. My first weeks were like that... I was struggling to stay in a straight line. But after getting used to it, it was okay.

I switched to larger and fatter tires... now the steering is heavier. I feel the road more. It's awesome.

[VisualSpoiler++]

Originally Posted by YOHAN

Yep. The steering is extremely light. So light that you can barely feel the road at all. My first weeks were like that... I was struggling to stay in a straight line. But after getting used to it, it was okay.

I switched to larger and fatter tires... now the steering is heavier. I feel the road more. It's awesome.

I though 17's were supposed to be thinner?

[PuffyC]

It's not just perception or 'getting used to it'. It's squirrely, sometimes more than others. I don't know if more toe-in would help but I suspect Toyota will have to address it sooner or later. Since it's electronic they may be able to fix it with a firmware update - who knows.

[YOHAN]

Nope. They're bigger so they're also fatter. I went from 205 to 215mm.

[blackivory69]

YOHAN<

Did you use the stock rim or you got an aftermarket?

[YOHAN]

Nope. Changed to new rims. Click the Car Domain link in my signature below. It's on page 3.