How to choose a steering rack for your Toyota Prius

The third generation Toyota Prius (ZVW30), the world's first hybrid car, had a number of innovations over previous generations. This gave the car even more consumer qualities – primarily fuel efficiency. Thanks to it, as well as the trademark reliability of the Japanese company, most of these cars are still in operation. However, some nodes in the process of operation require attention, especially at high mileage. One of them – steering rack.

Main Prius 30 rack and pinion problems

The steering rack of the Toyota Prius 30 – is quite a reliable unit, but like other parts of the car, it too is subject to natural wear and damage. Although regular maintenance, checking the condition of dust covers and diagnostics of EPS system help to prolong the life of the rack, it is not always possible to avoid problems completely. The most common failures are as follows:

• knocking or play due to wear of the gear train (pinion and rack), bushings or bearings
• electric power steering malfunction – EPS unit overheating or electronics failure;
• damage to dust covers or seals, which leads to moisture ingress and, as a result, corrosion of internal elements;
• shocks and mechanical damage leading to deformation of the case;
• stabilisation system failures (VSC).

If the unit fails, the choice between repair or replacement depends on the nature of the damage and its extent. The decision should preferably be made after diagnostics and consultation with specialised specialists with the necessary equipment and experience – for example, with the masters of STS. In most cases, the mechanical part of the steering rack and EPS electronics can be restored. But if the unit is still beyond repair for one reason or another (critical exhaustion, severe damage to the housing, burnout of the control unit, etc.), it is necessary to select the correct replacement rack.

How to choose a steering rack

There are three types of steering mechanisms that are used on the Toyota Prius 30. Let's qualify and list their characteristics according to the article numbers of our own brand MSG – one of the leading manufacturers of new and reconditioned steering racks in Eastern Europe.

How to choose a steering rack

TY104

The so-called «short» rack. Number of revolutions of the spool (rod) from stop to stop: 2,75. This rack is used on sporty versions, such as Touring or for cars with the package of improved steering. It provides the sharpest possible steering, suitable for active and dynamic driving. Also available on other Toyota models:

Suitable for other Toyota models.

• Auris E150 06-12
• Corolla 07-13

TY116

«Standard» steering rack for Toyota Prius (ZVW30), most cars of the model were equipped with it. Steering RPM: 3,2. Combines comfortable steering and predictable feedback. Also for use on: 

• Toyota Avensis 09-18
• Toyota Prius 09-17
• Lexus CT 200h 10-22

TY131

The rack and pinion that was fitted to cars designed for the North American regional market. It is characterised by a slightly more "lazy" steering, designed for comfortable driving in typical American conditions (long roads, minimum number of sharp manoeuvres). This unit was only used on the 2009-17 Toyota Prius.

Compatibility of different types of steering racks

All three rack types for TOYOTA PRIUS 2009-2012 have the same mounting points and dimensions, the steering shaft and connection remain identical for all rack types, allowing physical installation without additional modifications. Therefore, from a mechanical point of view, theoretically any unit can be fitted to any vehicle and it will work – turn the wheels.

But, since we are talking about an electric power steering, there are several nuances due to the need for electronic compatibility of the unit with other equipment of the car. It's important to remember that even if the racks are fundamentally compatible, replacing them can change the car's handling, which may not always be comfortable or safe.

There are a few nuances, however.

And certainly in any case it will require reprogramming of the EPS control unit – at least calibration. This procedure should be carried out in a specialised service with professional equipment – for example, with us at STS.

And definitely in any case it will require reprogramming of the EPS control unit – at least calibration.

When these conditions are met, steering racks TY104 and TY116 are fully interchangeable between themselves, with their proper installation and professional adjustment and calibration can achieve adequate performance. But the introduction of TY131 instead of other articles, as well as their instead of «American» rack can be considered only as a temporary step, because in this case the EPS will definitely work with errors (including they will be lit on the dashboard), it will be impossible to delete them from the memory.

Conclusion

The best way to find a steering rack for Toyota Prius 30 is to use the VIN-code of the car. Additionally, the owner can independently check the number of revolutions by turning the steering wheel from stop to stop. But if for some reason you want to install a unit, the characteristics of which are different from what is already used on the car, it is better to consult with experts before buying.

The best choice is to entrust the selection and replacement of the steering rack to professionals – STS, which not only has many years of experience in servicing and repairing steering mechanisms of all types, but also always has in stock reconditioned and new racks of its own brand MSG.