Anyone else using a steering wheel knob? (1 Viewer)

[PatrickBateman]

As many of you know, the steering on our 200’s are pretty stiff.

Just put this steering wheel knob on last week and definitely enjoying it.

On a side note, just hit 73k miles and everything feels like day 1. Wonder how the prado/gx’s will feel like at this mileage.

 

[gaijin]

As many of you know, the steering on our 200’s are pretty stiff.

Just put this steering wheel knob on last week and definitely enjoying it.

On a side note, just hit 73k miles and everything feels like day 1. Wonder how the prado/gx’s will feel like at this mileage.

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When I was growing up, we called them "Suicide Knobs" because they would catch on clothing, etc. and inhibit use of the steering wheel - that means it would literally drive you into an accident (after several moments of pure panic).

I thought these were gone more than 50 years ago - definitely a dangerous, bad idea.

HTH

 

[PatrickBateman]

When I was growing up, we called them "Suicide Knobs" because they would catch on clothing, etc. and inhibit use of the steering wheel - that means it would literally drive you into an accident (after several moments of pure panic).

I thought these were gone more than 50 years ago - definitely a dangerous, bad idea.

HTH

Oh wow this is good info. Might have to take it off now. Never knew they were a safety hazard. Thanks for the info.

 

[Heckraiser]

I thought they were illegal. Maybe depends on location?

 

[doru]

These were used back in the day when there was no power assist and the steering wheels where enormous in diameter by today standards, or the lock to lock required a lot of wheel turns. They worked well on busses! They also helped handicapped people to be able to turn the wheel. Think hook instead of hand, no I'm not joking as the prosthetics were primitive by today standards.

Nowdays with airbags, steering wheels that return to center position, etc. they are a very bad idea and with power assist they are not necessary. Also bad idea for off road use. If the front wheels are suddenly forced in a big move, the steering wheel will violently move and hurt your hand if caught into that knob.

 

[TheComedian]

When I was growing up, we called them "Suicide Knobs" because they would catch on clothing, etc. and inhibit use of the steering wheel - that means it would literally drive you into an accident (after several moments of pure panic).

I thought these were gone more than 50 years ago - definitely a dangerous, bad idea.

HTH

Looks like a international thing. They’re called the same here in Germany besides the fact that you’re only allowed to use them if you’re disabled.
My cousin has had a bad arm since she was little so it was allowed for her to have it registered in the papers.

Besides that I agree. Very dangerous

 

[DallasTide]

I've never noticed stiff steering. Is your power steering working properly?

 

[PatrickBateman]

I've never noticed stiff steering. Is your power steering working properly?

My 2019 was the same. It’s just stiffer then other vehicles.

 

[OregonLC]

I've never noticed stiff steering. Is your power steering working properly?

My 2019 was the same. It’s just stiffer then other vehicles.

If you're coming from any vehicle with electric assist or from a full-size domestic truck you're most likely used to (depending on your viewpoint) over-boosted steering. The 100/200 aren't stiff per se, it's just that you can't spin the wheel with your pinky as you can in other makes.

 

[Cruisin911]

I have read the 200 steering described as "heavy." I think that is accurate.

 

[bhsdriller]

no it's not a forklift

 

[arun1]

Most SUVs have stiffer steering on purpose due to high center of gravity. They are intentionally set that way to prevent rollovers. You may want to remove that knob. My 2016 LC 200 does feel firm but not any stiffer than my 5th gen 4runner.

 

[PhuckItImDone]

My sister-in-law has one because of her CP, as such it's registered like a disability tag. Otherwise illegal here in NJ.

 

[bloc]

I remember reading that the steering on 200s got more firm at some point later in the production range.. 2018 or something?

 

[Slow Paddler]

I had one on my 1928 Ford Model A back in the late 60s. It made it easier with power steering. Of course I didn't have shock absorbers or seatbelts, either. Some things are better left in the past.

 

[nakman]

I had one on my Scout 80 plow truck years back... you could pull the knob out and only a "hole" was left behind on the wheel... which meant you could set the knob aside, and wasn't a fully operational suicide knob. Not sure if there's a way on the one you have, but could be a consideration where you leave the knob off most of the time, but then pop it in when you have to navigate the boat ramp or something. Pretty sure they're illegal here also, it sure worked well for plowing though! what the heck, here's a pic:

 

[ryanCA]

I've never noticed stiff steering. Is your power steering working properly?

My 08 steering was much "easier/softer" than other vehicles. After steering rack failed, OEM one installed, it is lot stiffer.

Not sure if there was a design change.

Now my 67 Caddy Deville, I steer that boat with my pinky...