My steering was ratting over bumps and had annoying rotational play, or a "dead spot". Wandering while driving too. The cause was wear of the collapsible slip joint within the upper steering shaft. Turning the wheels with the engine off stresses the joint and can loosen it over time, in my case 290k miles and two previous owners. Others have posted about it and from what I've read it's an issue with other Toyota models.
I replaced the upper steering shaft and related small parts and the issue is totally gone. Steering feels tight now with no play or clunking anymore. Parts cost was $214 total. "Shoulda done it a long time ago" is an understatement...
It's super simple to check the shaft for play: Reach under the dash above the brake pedal and feel for the shaft junction circled below. When you wiggle the steering wheel the small shaft should mimic the movements exactly. If there's any play between the steering wheel movement and this shaft it'll be very obvious.
Here's a step-by-step procedure if anyone wants to tackle the job themselves. Took me about 4 hours including taking pics & notes along the way. Parts listed are for a 1998 LC, so check your vehicle's year/model for correct P/Ns. Enjoy!
I replaced the upper steering shaft and related small parts and the issue is totally gone. Steering feels tight now with no play or clunking anymore. Parts cost was $214 total. "Shoulda done it a long time ago" is an understatement...
It's super simple to check the shaft for play: Reach under the dash above the brake pedal and feel for the shaft junction circled below. When you wiggle the steering wheel the small shaft should mimic the movements exactly. If there's any play between the steering wheel movement and this shaft it'll be very obvious.
Here's a step-by-step procedure if anyone wants to tackle the job themselves. Took me about 4 hours including taking pics & notes along the way. Parts listed are for a 1998 LC, so check your vehicle's year/model for correct P/Ns. Enjoy!
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