Steering Clonk

July 3, 2010

Just started to notice a slight clonking noise through the steering wheel. This was sorted (or something very similar)last year under warranty. Could it be the same problem again or another fault. Warranty now expired. Grateful for views. Thank you. :rolleyes:

July 4, 2010

Ther were two issues regarding the steering. One was with regard to a short intermediate shaft just at the bottom of the steering column which could be a little noisy when turning the wheel. The second was apparent when turning out at a junction and you might get a series of small clunks or creaks as you turn the steering wheel but sounds more from the road wheel area. This is fixable by the insertion of some thin plastic washers at the top of the suspension legs.

Niether are a job you can attempt unless you are competant but you could ask a dealer if they would consider it as a policy warranty. If you choose to buy the parts and fix it yourself, the washers are dead cheap but that shaft is expensive. What exactly was done?

Equally niether are a safety issue if you choose to ignore it.

As they say on blind date - its up to you!

July 4, 2010

Ther were two issues regarding the steering. One was with regard to a short intermediate shaft just at the bottom of the steering column which could be a little noisy when turning the wheel. The second was apparent when turning out at a junction and you might get a series of small clunks or creaks as you turn the steering wheel but sounds more from the road wheel area. This is fixable by the insertion of some thin plastic washers at the top of the suspension legs.
Niether are a job you can attempt unless you are competant but you could ask a dealer if they would consider it as a policy warranty. If you choose to buy the parts and fix it yourself, the washers are dead cheap but that shaft is expensive. What exactly was done?
Equally niether are a safety issue if you choose to ignore it.
As they say on blind date - its up to you!

Anchorman - Thank you, it is due its 40000 service in about 3 months so I will ask their opinion then and at the same time mention "policy warranty". I think it is the second issue, I would not attempt to repair as I can only just put lego together. Once it has been confirmed is it the sort of repair any competent motor engineer could deal with, or is it better I stick with Toyota or a Toyota specialist. PS I live in Bognor Regis does any body know of a specialist within a 30 mile radius. Thank you.

July 4, 2010

You don't have to use a Toyota dealer. If you pm Kingo and ask him he will send (sell) you the washers and maybe print out the instruction that goes with fitting them. Any good local garage will have the ability to fit them but I don't have the TSB showing exactly where they go. They fit at the top of the suspension leg and allow it to swivel freely. At the moment it stick/slips which causes that creaking.

September 21, 2010

You don't have to use a Toyota dealer. If you pm Kingo and ask him he will send (sell) you the washers and maybe print out the instruction that goes with fitting them. Any good local garage will have the ability to fit them but I don't have the TSB showing exactly where they go. They fit at the top of the suspension leg and allow it to swivel freely. At the moment it stick/slips which causes that creaking.

I have just had the 50K service (not 40K as stated on a previous post) done at my local garage (not Toyota) and the advice given is, quote:

1. The noise on the steering is probably coming from the lower steering shaft - probably the universal joint. (Anchorman is that the same as the advice you gave??)

2. There is an oil leak high up at the back of the engine - this would have to be cleaned prior to further investigation. Can somebody advise me if this is common.

Any advice most welcome. Thank you

September 21, 2010

They are referring to the intermediate shaft but I'm not so sure. From memory it is hellish expensive if it is a mistake. Ask King for a price and ask the dealer to double check. They might be able to tell by lifting the front wheels and turning the steering. If it stops with the weight off, I would go for the washers. If it is the intermediate shaft I can probably find you a TSB. If you are a reasonable DIYer you can do it yourself.

There were various leaks which came from the timing cover or sump. One never gets done without the other and it is an engine out job. If it is only weeping (a damp patch) keep an eye on the oil level and ignore it.