Rattle From Steering Column

[leemoz]

Hi.

Wondered if anyone can point me in the right direction with a problem with my 53 plate avensis 1.8vvti.Havnt had the car long and there seems to be an intermittent noise coming from the steering column area when accelerating,braking or over rough road.The noise seems to vary depending on the position of the steering wheel.Its not a loud metallic knock just a small rattle or as if a spring is moving on a shaft when accelerating.Steering rack is new,the pinch bolts on the steering shafts are tight and the uj's seem ok.All the plastic trims seem tight too.Keep going back to local garage but they seem stumped cos is doesnt do it all the time so hard to diagnose.Bit concerned for safety cos i hear theres steering faults on this model.

[cmia]

the steering pinion has play.

[leemoz]

the steering pinion has play

Thanks for the advice will definately get the garage to check the pinion.Not entirely sure where the noise is coming from on further inspection.Sounds as if it might be behind the centre console or in the centre front of the car when changing from 1st to 2nd gear and occasionly over small bumps.The rattle just sounds as if theres a spring bouncing slightly as it slides down the shaft and comes to a stop.Having said that theres nothing behind there that i'm aware.Will get the garage to check underneath also while he's looking at the pinion.

Cheers.

[cmia]

try this

Engine off.

make sure the wheels are straight

then wobble the steering wheel left to right quickly

if it is the pinion, you should be able to hear it.

[leemoz]

Hi again.

Done the check you stated and there is a slight noise but nothing to loud.Put it into the local garage to make sure and he done a full check on the whole car.He reckons everything seems tight that he can see.The rattle seems to go for a while when you adjust the steering column on the reach,rake then it goes back to normal.Also checked to see if the locking nut/bolt on the tightening lever was secure and it seems ok.Do you know if there are any problems with the sliding yoke causing rattles?.Next step is to take it to mr T. but i've no eyes to give them after the renault dealer took them out with my megane!

[Phil F]

Hi again.

Done the check you stated and there is a slight noise but nothing to loud.Put it into the local garage to make sure and he done a full check on the whole car.He reckons everything seems tight that he can see.The rattle seems to go for a while when you adjust the steering column on the reach,rake then it goes back to normal.Also checked to see if the locking nut/bolt on the tightening lever was secure and it seems ok.Do you know if there are any problems with the sliding yoke causing rattles?.Next step is to take it to mr T. but i've no eyes to give them after the renault dealer took them out with my megane!

Hi Leemoz,

Sounds like a problem I had.It turned out to be the electric steering column motor drive rattling.If it is that,it is a complete steering column assembly replacement,much expensive!!

Fortunately,mine was done under Toyota used warranty...

Good Luck

Phil.

[leemoz]

Hi Leemoz,

Sounds like a problem I had.It turned out to be the electric steering column motor drive rattling.If it is that,it is a complete steering column assembly replacement,much expensive!!

Fortunately,mine was done under Toyota used warranty...

Good Luck

Phil

Hi Phil.

Thanks for your help.Will get it checked out if it gets any worse.

Cheers

Lee

[cmia]

I wouldnt be worried.

It sounds like the pinion has alittle play in it.

if you get someone to move the steering and look at the rack, you will see it move alittle upwards and make the noise.

[Pingman21]

I think i'm getting this same rattle, really annoying, read somewhere else (can't find it now!) that if I change the rack bushings it would fix it?

[alan333]

Check if your car is due a recall.  I had a 55 plate Avensis a whle ago and it needed a recall which I'm pretty sure was something to do with the steering column.