Yaris - steering wheel not straight!!!

Wig

I don't understand how changing tyres can result in suddenly offset steering. It just does not make any sense to me. However, by your accounts that is exactly what did happen.

You had them change tyres, and balanced, and refitted, and when you left the garage your steering was to the left... And you are sure it was not to the left before?

Then you went back and they adjusted the tracking.... What they should have done is lock your steering wheel in a straight line position - there is a special tool which clamps onto the steering wheel for this purpose. THEN they should have adjusted your tracking to set the wheels straight. and for £30 I would bl00dy well think they would do it right!

But I still don't understand why your steering would have gone out of line in the first place.


My advice, go back and ask for a refund of your £30 because they said it would fix the problem and it hasn't. Then go somewhere else.

ginvzt

Ok, booked my car in at a Toyota garage where I bought it (still have 2 months waranty left) so they can have a look and tell me what is wrong. If they say it is tracking, I will have something to bring to the other guys and can ask for refund. If it something else - the car is still under waranty, so they can fix at their own cost!

I also asked themto have a look at passenger's seat belt and to tighten it as it stops you quite far when breaking suddenly. They said it cannot be tightened, but surely there should be something they can do??? I was feeiling very unsecure when going to Heathrow couple of weeks ago - my OH was driving, so I could have the full experience of flying towards the windscreen.

Wig

Seatbelt:

Plug the seat belt into the lock mechanism.

Grab the seat belt firmly, and yank it as hard as you can downwards away from the top anchor point - the bit above the passengers shoulder. The seat belt should stop almost immediately - place your finger from your other hand on top of your fist holding the belt, when you jerk your hand downwards your other finger will remain where your fist was originally, so you will see how many inches the belt travelled before it locked.

Could be anything from 1 - 5 inches (not official figures, just what I would expect) and you won't be flying through the window.

Oh and btw, I think you mean that with the brakes slightly applied you find yourself moving forward slowly, yes, that does happen on some cars, if it makes you nervous, what I do sometimes, is wind the seat back angle down a little, then sharp tug the belt to lock it, now wind the seat back up again and you will find the belt cannot release from its locked position.

goldspanners

ginvzt wrote: »

I also asked themto have a look at passenger's seat belt and to tighten it as it stops you quite far when breaking suddenly. They said it cannot be tightened, but surely there should be something they can do??? I was feeiling very unsecure when going to Heathrow couple of weeks ago - my OH was driving, so I could have the full experience of flying towards the windscreen.

there is nothing they can do other than replace it.
if i knew someone had opened my seatbelt and tried to repair it i would be a lot more nervous knowing that,than knowing it was a little slow to catch.

as wig said,give it a sharp pull downwards away from top anchor point,it should catch fairly quickly.

ginvzt

Well, just kleft my car with Toyota. The guy was so certain it will be the the tracking!!!!! I told him to have a look if there is anything else. If it is tracking - don't do anything, I'll go back to HiQ to argue (hate it, but not leaving my £30 to them!) Can I see the light in the end of the tunnel? Not really....

About the seatbelt - he said they can't repair it. If there is anything wrong, they will have to replace it. I just wanted to have it sorted now, while I still have warranty.

ginvzt

Well, had a call from the garage. They said it was tracking problem and they adjusted it 'out of good will'. Could it be solved finally - will see later!!!!

On the other hand - the seat belt was faulty and they have ordered a replacement. I knew I was not dreaming!

Update: The steering wheel is straight!!!! Finally! I went back to HiQ to request my money, but they just said - manager is not here, we can't do anything. Come back next week. I am planning to send them a letter of complaint... What do you think? Should I just forget it and put down as never go back?