Steering wheel play/clicking noise when going over uneven bumps or roads (1 Viewer)

[theredkni463]

Hi all, I've been noticing some noise coming from the steering wheel when I go over uneven bumps or drive on rougher roads. I am also able to replicate the noise with the car turned off by shaking the steering wheel. I'm hoping that its something simple and easy to fix. if not, i guess ill have to work around a way to fix it or just live with it. has anyone had this issue happen to them that has found a fix? I'll put the link to the video for the noise. Put the volume higher while watching the video as the noise is a bit subtle.

 

[xychromosome]

Mine does the same thing. Haven't figured out a fix for it yet, mainly because I haven't looked too hard. I pulled the plastic surround connected to the wheel but couldn't see anything obvious and also couldn't find any play in the steering column shaft knuckle that goes through the firewall and in the engine bay. I figure there is some play in the column somewhere. It is annoying, especially when driving on washboard.

 

[r2m]

The first step is identifying where the noise is coming from before you know what to fix.
Can you hear the noise with the hood up and your ear near the steering shaft? Put your ear near/under the dash and see if you hear it there.
Is it coming from the dash or under the hood, if under the hood, try to identify where?
Near the steering rack or closer to the firewall.

 

[theredkni463]

The first step is identifying where the noise is coming from before you know what to fix.
Can you hear the noise with the hood up and your ear near the steering shaft? Put your ear near/under the dash and see if you hear it there.
Is it coming from the dash or under the hood, if under the hood, try to identify where?
Near the steering rack or closer to the firewall.

It sounds like it's coming within the cabin underneath the steering wheel. I'll double-check again and let you know.

 

[ericm979]

I get the same thing on washboard roads. My '17 is at about 58k miles and it clearly never saw dirt before I bought it.

There's a steering knuckle issue on Tacomas but I think it's for a different generation with different parts.

 

[KingKwon]

Was this issue every diagnosed? I have the same issue and took it to the dealership and couldn't replicate the issue.

 

[xychromosome]

I was told by my Indy that it’s a worn bushing in one of the steering shaft assemblies, part#45220-60280. It doesn’t pose an immediate safety concern, but I plan to replace it eventually.

 

[KingKwon]

#45220-60280

I was told by my Indy that it’s a worn bushing in one of the steering shaft assemblies, part#45220-60280. It doesn’t pose an immediate safety concern, but I plan to replace it eventually.

Thanks, so pretty much what the video suggested.

 

[ericm979]

Thanks, so pretty much what the video suggested.

The part on our cars is different. It does not have the rubber guibo damper. But like the one in the video it's got a u-joint which could go bad, and maybe there's a bushing in the sliding bit that can wear (it's not on the parts diagram).

Fixing my suspension didn't fix the steering rattle.

 

[KingKwon]

The part on our cars is different. It does not have the rubber guibo damper. But like the one in the video it's got a u-joint which could go bad, and maybe there's a bushing in the sliding bit that can wear (it's not on the parts diagram).

Fixing my suspension didn't fix the steering rattle.

There is a guy on clublexus who said that he changed out both shafts and did not fix the issue. He mentioned that the steer rack connection from the lower shaft was causing the noise. But that would require a new rack.

 

[ericm979]

There is a guy on clublexus who said that he changed out both shafts and did not fix the issue. He mentioned that the steer rack connection from the lower shaft was causing the noise. But that would require a new rack.

On older 4runners the rack mounting bushings can wear out and cause the rack to move around. Like the steering shaft they're a different design in the GX but the same concept. Lexus/Toyota does not sell the bushings for our racks as individual parts. I think there is an aftermarket kit available but when I looked into it removing the rack and changing the bushings looked like a fair bit of work.