Steering wheel play/clicking noise when going over uneven bumps or roads

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theredkni463

theredkni463

Joined
Nov 22, 2023
Threads
4
Messages
21
Location
las vegas
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.

 
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.
 
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.
 
r2m said:
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.
Click to expand...
It sounds like it's coming within the cabin underneath the steering wheel. I'll double-check again and let you know.
 
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Was this issue every diagnosed? I have the same issue and took it to the dealership and couldn't replicate the issue.
 
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 said:
Thanks, so pretty much what the video suggested.
Click to expand...
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.
 
ericm979 said:
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.
Click to expand...
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.
 
KingKwon said:
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.
Click to expand...
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.
 
Bump, I’m having the same issue on our 2020 GX. Was a remedy ever found?
 
I had the same issue. Changed my rack for a new oem. Less but still present. I think these racks have a little more lash than you would expect. Mine was leaking and had a shot bush, so still glad I did it, but I was surprised I still had a little click when going back and forth parked. Its got to have some lash or the pinion would grind down, but seems like these have a little play (and click as the lash is taken up) even with all new parts.

Drop your skid and have someone turn the wheel back and forth. You’ll be able to see the rack deflect. If it moves a lot, its the bushings, if just a little then settles back I wouldn’t worry about it. To check the intermediate shaft just stick your hand in there and check for play. Mine was tight at 215k.
 
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For me, the at feels more in the upper steering. I’ve had my intermediate shaft replaced and that didn’t help much. I need to take the steering wheel off at some point and investigate further. It’s more of an annoyance than anything
 
WTITW said:
I had the same issue. Changed my rack for a new oem. Less but still present. I think these racks have a little more lash than you would expect. Mine was leaking and had a shot bush, so still glad I did it, but I was surprised I still had a little click when going back and forth parked. Its got to have some lash or the pinion would grind down, but seems like these have a little play (and click as the lash is taken up) even with all new parts.

Drop your skid and have someone turn the wheel back and forth. You’ll be able to see the rack deflect. If it moves a lot, its the bushings, if just a little then settles back I wouldn’t worry about it. To check the intermediate shaft just stick your hand in there and check for play. Mine was tight at 215k.
Click to expand...
Forgot about you replacing your rack. Did you ever post how it went when it was all done? Or did I miss it?
So there's still a wee bit of play?
 
r2m said:
Forgot about you replacing your rack. Did you ever post how it went when it was all done? Or did I miss it?
So there's still a wee bit of play?
Click to expand...
Yeah, I had a thread on it here. It's not play, it's just a tiny click you can feel in the wheel (no sound) that only happens when I'm parked and rock the wheel back and forth about 10 degrees. I'm sure it's just the pinion going back and forth between the rack gear as it changes direction. I think it's because the bushings (even brand new oem) still deflect slightly when you exert force on them from steering without movement. Before I did the rack I would feel that click every time I moved the wheel even on the freeway.
 
WTITW said:
Yeah, I had a thread on it here. It's not play, it's just a tiny click you can feel in the wheel (no sound) that only happens when I'm parked and rock the wheel back and forth about 10 degrees. I'm sure it's just the pinion going back and forth between the rack gear as it changes direction. I think it's because the bushings (even brand new oem) still deflect slightly when you exert force on them from steering without movement. Before I did the rack I would feel that click every time I moved the wheel even on the freeway.
Click to expand...
For me, I can live with the slight click in the parking lot, but it'd bug me if I had to deal with it on a road trip.
Glad you got it all buttoned up!
We still need to get together and do another weekend camp-out!
 
I crawled under the dash and pushed/pulled the steering shaft assy where it meets the fire wall and there was a very little bit of play. What was noticed is that after I did that, the noise was temporarily subdued when going over a gravel road. Thoughts?
 
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