Please Help - Strange Steering Fault

[greysquirrel]

I have a 2003 1.8 T3s Avensis. When I leave home for my 20 mile trip to work at 5 am, the steering feels perfect. When I leave work for home at 2pm, the steering will not centre and feels notchy and tight or sticky for the last 1/4 of a turn.

Toyota suggested a new Battery (which made no difference)

Toyota looked again and found a fault code on the steering angle sensor, which they reset. It still does it.

They have spent 3 hours tracing the fault, and say the rack and everything else is perfect. What can be causing this?

As it only does it on warmer afternoons, and never in the morning, I can only assume that it is temperature related. Any suggestions as to what part of the steering could possibly be affected by temperature?

Please help!

[Fitter]

I have a 2003 1.8 T3s Avensis. When I leave home for my 20 mile trip to work at 5 am, the steering feels perfect. When I leave work for home at 2pm, the steering will not centre and feels notchy and tight or sticky for the last 1/4 of a turn.

Toyota suggested a new battery (which made no difference)

Toyota looked again and found a fault code on the steering angle sensor, which they reset. It still does it.

They have spent 3 hours tracing the fault, and say the rack and everything else is perfect. What can be causing this?

As it only does it on warmer afternoons, and never in the morning, I can only assume that it is temperature related. Any suggestions as to what part of the steering could possibly be affected by temperature?

Please help!

There are many things that cause problems with steering. I have attached a file for your information, it may help.

Fitter

POWER STEERING.pdf

[greysquirrel]

Thanks for that. I'm now sure that it is temperature related, as it was fine this afternoon as the weather was much cooler. Something must be expanding and causing something to rub or jam. Any ideas what it could be?

[Fitter]

Thanks for that. I'm now sure that it is temperature related, as it was fine this afternoon as the weather was much cooler. Something must be expanding and causing something to rub or jam. Any ideas what it could be?

It is impossible to diagnose at a distance. Best bet is to jack up the front and have someone turn the steering fully from side to side and see if there is any indication of a problem eg noise from the steering rack, track rod ends, steering column, condition of boots etc.

Fitter