Steering Rack Clonk

[rockerbox]

Hi All -

I hope to pick your brains once again.

My recently purchased Avensis Mk1 2.0 VVTi - has a subtle but intermittent clonk when reversing or moving forwards on partial lock. There appears to be nothing obviously wrong with the car (I was aware of the knock when I bought it and factored in the cost of a new rack should it be needed) and it passed an MOT with no advisories. There is no play in the steering - all feels 'tight as a drum'. I read somewhere that there were occasional rack problems with the MK1 and also that it could in some cases be fixed by re-greasing. The regreasing bit doesn't quite make sense to me as the gaiters look in good shape with no sign of a leak - but the knock suggests there may be some slack between the pinion and rack at some point on it's travel - and if the pinion clearance is adjustable it might be unwise to attempt any adjustment as the rack may lock up in the straight ahead position. The fault doesn't seem to be getting any worse and I'm loathe to touch it without knowing more. The clonk only seems to be there on partial 'right hand down' lock - I can't detect any noise on full lock - ie it seems to be occurring at one turning radius suggesting that the pinion is OK but the rack is worn at some point.

Has anyone had this problem? and if so what is the solution? Did toyota fit a bad batch of racks? I'm not totally sold on the idea that the rack may be faulty - could it be something else?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Many thanks.

[gazza1286]

This problem was a common fault on the Mk1. My 1999 Avensis also had a similar problem which was fixed after reading this thread going back to 2004!

See:

http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=7041&hl=steering%20%20knock%20%20grease&st=0

(The entry by Treuno at the foot of the page is what you need - I was amazed that a tube of grease could solve such a problem - but it did. And the fault never recurred for the years which followed. Let me know if the dealer can't help. I think my tube is still knocking around my garage somewhere)

[rockerbox]

This problem was a common fault on the Mk1. My 1999 Avensis also had a similar problem which was fixed after reading this thread going back to 2004!

See:

http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=7041&hl=steering%20%20knock%20%20grease&st=0

(The entry by Treuno at the foot of the page is what you need - I was amazed that a tube of grease could solve such a problem - but it did. And the fault never recurred for the years which followed. Let me know if the dealer can't help. I think my tube is still knocking around my garage somewhere)

Thank you Gazza -

That's excellent information. It's especially comforting to know that it might only be the UJ needing some grease - far better to try that before exploring the rose joints or the rack.

It would also explain why there is no play evident in the steering gear. The car has only done 44K so I would have thought wear and tear shouldn't be an issue.

Is the grease nipple/point accessible inside or under the car? does the grease tube just screw on or is a gun necessary?

Thanks again for your very helpful advice and kind offer on the grease - should I fail to get some I shall get back to you.

Best regards.

[gazza1286]

There isn't any grease nipple. The splined universal joint needs to be dismantled and the grease applied to the splined shaft. Be careful with the bolts which secure the upper shaft to the mounting bracket. The threads are easily stripped if you don't take extra care as they are so fine. All access is from inside the passenger compartment. The panel beneath the steering column needs to be removed for access.

[rockerbox]

There isn't any grease nipple. The splined universal joint needs to be dismantled and the grease applied to the splined shaft. Be careful with the bolts which secure the upper shaft to the mounting bracket. The threads are easily stripped if you don't take extra care as they are so fine. All access is from inside the passenger compartment. The panel beneath the steering column needs to be removed for access.

Thanks for the advice. Saved some grief!

Regards.

[Akash87]

Hi,

Read this thread. It might be helpful.

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-fix-a-2002-Toyota-Camry-squeaking-steering-/

This is for camry which is somewhat similar to Avensis. My squeak noise is fixed using the method.

[fractureman]

I've not read the thread, yet. But some mechanic on my 99 188,000 avensis has put a red on steering rack excessive play!!

To my knowledge this is fine & have never had an issue.

Both ball joints were replaced at last mot as rubbers were damaged but apart from that & new shocks & springs nothing has been touched on it.

I'll read other thread then post back when I checked it ;)