Steering wheel jerked to left - Toyota Yaris Forums

tambasher · 08-31-2014, 05:17 PM

Why would my 2009 Yaris suddenly jerk to the left while doing 60-65 mph? It would jerk hard only once, but did it 3 times within a few minutes tonight and once earlier today.

bronsin · 08-31-2014, 08:17 PM

Could be several things. First I would check your tires for bulges/damage. Also check tires pressures.

If possible get the front end up in the air and spin the tires checking for suspension damage/problems.

tambasher · 08-31-2014, 08:46 PM

Thanks for the reply.
I few days ago I did have a low air pressure in the front. I filled it and checked the rest and have checked them each day, but they have all kept the correct pressure. I have not checked today, but will now.

bronsin · 09-01-2014, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tambasher

Thanks for the reply.
I few days ago I did have a low air pressure in the front. I filled it and checked the rest and have checked them each day, but they have all kept the correct pressure. I have not checked today, but will now.

Tire pressure sounds OK.

Have you inspected the tires for bulges in the sidewalls or damage of any kind?

CrankyOldMan · 08-31-2014, 10:22 PM

I had that happen on wet pavement once. I think it was bump steer, but it scared me.

CTScott · 09-01-2014, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrankyOldMan

I had that happen on wet pavement once. I think it was bump steer, but it scared me.

That's a good question for the O.P. - Was the pavement wet when it happened?

A sudden shift in which wheel the differential is driving definitely has an odd feel in slick conditions at speed.

tambasher · 09-01-2014, 12:03 PM

It happened o the highway and it was bone dry.

tambasher · 09-01-2014, 12:09 PM

Drove it last night and there seemed to be a slight shake in the steering wheel while driving. I will be crawling under it today to have a look.

bronsin · 09-01-2014, 02:00 PM

If the steering wheel shakes that's a sign of unbalanced tires. Taking the tires to have them balanced might help and the shop can inspect them for damage like bulges and tread squirm too.

tambasher · 09-01-2014, 05:57 PM

Jacked up the front end and removed both tires. Everything looked ok, but the front driver's side tire was low again, 28 psi. I usually run all tires at 32 psi, when this all started, that tire was about 25 psi. After doing the inspection, I ran the car a little hard on the streets and also got it up to 80 on the highway, no shaking of the steering wheel and no pulling. I did not see any bulges and could not find a leak. Next I guess I will take it to the shop and have them check the balance and look for a leak.

bronsin · 09-01-2014, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tambasher

Jacked up the front end and removed both tires. Everything looked ok, but the front driver's side tire was low again, 28 psi. I usually run all tires at 32 psi, when this all started, that tire was about 25 psi. After doing the inspection, I ran the car a little hard on the streets and also got it up to 80 on the highway, no shaking of the steering wheel and no pulling. I did not see any bulges and could not find a leak. Next I guess I will take it to the shop and have them check the balance and look for a leak.

OK if the tires look good that's all I can advise you. I doubt the 25-28 psi would make any difference. Good luck and tell us what you find out!

sheekeebut · 09-01-2014, 06:27 PM

Check your struts for undampened bounce?
Check your steering for bent or loose parts next time it's hoisted?

Was the jerk motion violent? A reaction to road irregularities, or apparently random?

tambasher · 09-03-2014, 11:14 AM

Struts react normally when I push down and bounce them myself.
I didn't see anything bent or loose.
it was a quick jerk and the car moved, but stayed in my lane.

WeeYari · 09-01-2014, 07:33 PM

Crosswind!

j/k...maybe

enviri · 09-01-2014, 11:11 PM

Did you ever had your control arm bolt replaced at dealer?

sheekeebut · 09-03-2014, 11:35 AM

I'd try to retrace my steps on that stretch of road, see if I can repeat the symptom. Of course, my knuckles will be white and my heart rate up to like 120.

tambasher · 09-03-2014, 10:28 PM

is there a recall on the control arm bolt and would that cause the jerk?

bronsin · 09-04-2014, 06:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tambasher

is there a recall on the control arm bolt and would that cause the jerk?

Yes theres a recall and if the bolt breaks or is dammaged that could concievably cause your problem.

08-31-2014, 05:17 PM	#1
tambasher View User's Garage Drives: 2009 Yaris Liftback Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: 626 Posts: 19	Steering wheel jerked to left Why would my 2009 Yaris suddenly jerk to the left while doing 60-65 mph? It would jerk hard only once, but did it 3 times within a few minutes tonight and once earlier today. __________________

08-31-2014, 08:17 PM	#2
bronsin Drives: 2009 Base Hatch 2 Dr Auto Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: nj Posts: 4,792	Could be several things. First I would check your tires for bulges/damage. Also check tires pressures. If possible get the front end up in the air and spin the tires checking for suspension damage/problems. __________________ Synthetic Oil: Its All In Your Head

08-31-2014, 08:46 PM	#3
tambasher View User's Garage Drives: 2009 Yaris Liftback Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: 626 Posts: 19	Thanks for the reply. I few days ago I did have a low air pressure in the front. I filled it and checked the rest and have checked them each day, but they have all kept the correct pressure. I have not checked today, but will now. __________________

09-01-2014, 12:03 PM	#7
tambasher View User's Garage Drives: 2009 Yaris Liftback Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: 626 Posts: 19	It happened o the highway and it was bone dry. __________________

09-01-2014, 12:09 PM	#8
tambasher View User's Garage Drives: 2009 Yaris Liftback Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: 626 Posts: 19	Drove it last night and there seemed to be a slight shake in the steering wheel while driving. I will be crawling under it today to have a look. __________________

08-31-2014, 10:22 PM	#5
CrankyOldMan 2ZR swap. DO IT! Ask how! View User's Garage Drives: 09 Meteoric Metallic HB Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: West Michigan Posts: 2,333	I had that happen on wet pavement once. I think it was bump steer, but it scared me.

09-01-2014, 02:00 PM	#9
bronsin Drives: 2009 Base Hatch 2 Dr Auto Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: nj Posts: 4,792	If the steering wheel shakes that's a sign of unbalanced tires. Taking the tires to have them balanced might help and the shop can inspect them for damage like bulges and tread squirm too. __________________ Synthetic Oil: Its All In Your Head

09-01-2014, 05:57 PM	#10
tambasher View User's Garage Drives: 2009 Yaris Liftback Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: 626 Posts: 19	Jacked up the front end and removed both tires. Everything looked ok, but the front driver's side tire was low again, 28 psi. I usually run all tires at 32 psi, when this all started, that tire was about 25 psi. After doing the inspection, I ran the car a little hard on the streets and also got it up to 80 on the highway, no shaking of the steering wheel and no pulling. I did not see any bulges and could not find a leak. Next I guess I will take it to the shop and have them check the balance and look for a leak. __________________

09-01-2014, 06:27 PM	#12
sheekeebut Minimalist Drives: 07 silver sedan Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Mississauga, GTA, Toronto, ON Posts: 432	Check your struts for undampened bounce? Check your steering for bent or loose parts next time it's hoisted? Was the jerk motion violent? A reaction to road irregularities, or apparently random?

09-03-2014, 11:14 AM	#13
tambasher View User's Garage Drives: 2009 Yaris Liftback Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: 626 Posts: 19	Struts react normally when I push down and bounce them myself. I didn't see anything bent or loose. it was a quick jerk and the car moved, but stayed in my lane. __________________

09-01-2014, 07:33 PM	#14
WeeYari View User's Garage Drives: 06 Polar White 5dr, 13 Soul 4u Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Georgetown, Ontario, Canada Posts: 5,795	Crosswind! j/k...maybe __________________

09-01-2014, 11:11 PM	#15
enviri View User's Garage Drives: 2010 Yaris Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: CT Posts: 1,518	Did you ever had your control arm bolt replaced at dealer?

09-03-2014, 11:35 AM	#16
sheekeebut Minimalist Drives: 07 silver sedan Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Mississauga, GTA, Toronto, ON Posts: 432	I'd try to retrace my steps on that stretch of road, see if I can repeat the symptom. Of course, my knuckles will be white and my heart rate up to like 120.

09-03-2014, 10:28 PM	#17
tambasher View User's Garage Drives: 2009 Yaris Liftback Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: 626 Posts: 19	is there a recall on the control arm bolt and would that cause the jerk? __________________

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