2011 GX460 Column Rattle (circlip/retaining ring slip)

[SteadfastRocky]

Couple of disclaimer statements. Hopefully this helps people who run into undiagnosable rattles. I am certain the amount of time this truck sees on dirt contributed to this issue.

A. I feel like an idiot for not looking at the circlips/retaining rings.

B. I am aware this is not the only steering related rattle that can plague these trucks.

Symptoms: Horrid rattle (sounded like a bolt/nut running around vibrating in a frying pan.) really only appeared at highway speeds with the harmonics of the GX create weird body vibrations that I can't figure out. Could come and go but wasn't an on or off throttle variation, turning right and left would for the most part not affect it. Tilting the wheel did temporarily abate the noise.

Checked all the U joint bolts, the intermediate shaft and the the rack and tie rod ends, all good.

Changed tires and rebalanced the different sets.

Saw a post on Mud in the 4 runner section about a circlip that had walked its way down the upper intermediate shaft. The one specifically for the column collapse.

2 inches down from its groove/land. With the floating shaft it was easy to replicate the noise if the shaft became lodged up into the column.

Worked it back up see pictures of in progress and the ring in question.

I used a set of small Knipex Pliers Wrenches to guide the clip back into place as my circlip pliers were not useful.

You'll also need a small prybar like a 12 inch Mayhew or a large flat blade screw driver to apply pressure towards the fire wall to keep the intermediate shaft from sliding freely obstructing the clip land/groove.


I will report back but so far I cant replicate the noise any longer.

 

[xychromosome]

Thanks for posting this.

I have a rattle that seems to be within the upper steering column, steering wheel area. Only apparent when going over bumps, especially washboard.

I will take a look at that clip you mention. How do you access the area you worked on, did you remove any of the panels under the steering wheel?

 

[SteadfastRocky]

Thanks for posting this.

I have a rattle that seems to be within the upper steering column, steering wheel area. Only apparent when going over bumps, especially washboard.

I will take a look at that clip you mention. How do you access the area you worked on, did you remove any of the panels under the steering wheel?

There is a black panel that covers the steer column it has a phillips screw that faces the drive seat. screw out and 2 clips in the front. There is a alligator clip for the drivers side wire that will need to be pryed off. then just rotate the panel out of the way towards the accelerator pedal. on your back on the floor mat loop up between the universal joint and the column towards the wheel.

It hasn't completely solved the rattle, there is a bolt on the upper have of the U joint you should check as well.

 

[SteadfastRocky]

Well the aggravation of those saga continues. its now replicated by hand now, grabbing the column shaft and wiggling it. There's probably 20 thousands of play in the bearings. Investigating options. Spoke with a master tech he thinks the column bearings are worn.

Option 1. New Collumn, at 2k thats a last resort deal.

Option 2. Figure out the bearing sizes and remove the lower factory bearing, its got a retainer clip holding it so all hope is not lost. I need to take some measurements to see if its a common size bearing.

 

[r2m]

If you think it may be a common size bearing, check here to see if McMaster-Carr has one that fits: McMaster-Carr - https://www.mcmaster.com/products/bearings/

 

[SteadfastRocky]

If you think it may be a common size bearing, check here to see if McMaster-Carr has one that fits: McMaster-Carr - https://www.mcmaster.com/products/bearings/

Ole Mcmaster Carr I have spent way too much of my own and others money there. I am hoping that Aisin didn't do something slimy.

 

[xychromosome]

Update on my steering rattle. My indy tells me that it's the intermediate steering shaft (Part#4522060280), or part 5 in the image below. Specifically it's a bushing in the knuckle that's worn. He confirmed that it's more of a nuisance than a safety concern for now. It's currently on-sale at Bell Lexus, so I may pick it up to be installed down the road when the rattling becomes more annoying. I only experience it on rough road, e.g. washboard.

 

[ericm979]

Does your GX also have a faint clunk in the front end when you go over uneven pavement?

 

[xychromosome]

Does your GX also have a faint clunk in the front end when you go over uneven pavement?

No, just this annoying rattle directly under steering wheel

 

[xychromosome]

UPDATE

Just had the intermediate steering shaft (Part#4522060280) replaced by my local indy and have noticed an improvement in not only the annoying rattle I used to have but also in handling. The steering feels tighter, with less play. I inspected the old shaft and didn't see any obvious wear or play in the joints, but maybe that's only apparent under more force, e.g. when steering. I was able to save some money buying the part from the recent toyota/lexus sale, so the repair wasn't too costly.