Steering wheel rack bearing?

[Demetrios]

I am about to buy an Avensis from an individual person. I took it to a local Toyota dealership for an inspection. I specifically told the mechanic to check on a weird clicking noise sometimes when turning the steering wheel (at least to the left) and it could be slightly felt on my hands, during my test drive.

Everything is fine apart the bearing from the steering wheel rack. No issues on the front suspension or steering rack itself. I am referring to the bearing that connect the two parts of the steering rack that in case of an accident breaks into two pieces, probably for maximum passive safety. I was told by the mechanic that almost all Avensis's have this issue, sometimes from new. I was told by the Toyota mechanic that this is no issue in any case and it does not affect in any way the car.

Are all the above true?

 

Thank you in advance.

 

[Demetrios]

1 hour ago, Demetrios said:

I am about to buy an Avensis from an individual person. I took it to a local Toyota dealership for an inspection. I specifically told the mechanic to check on a weird clicking noise sometimes when turning the steering wheel (at least to the left) and it could be slightly felt on my hands, during my test drive.

Everything is fine apart the bearing from the steering wheel rack. No issues on the front suspension or steering rack itself. I am referring to the bearing that connect the two parts of the steering rack that in case of an accident breaks into two pieces, probably for maximum passive safety. I was told by the mechanic that almost all Avensis's have this issue, sometimes from new. I was told by the Toyota mechanic that this is no issue in any case and it does not affect in any way the car.

Are all the above true?

 

Thank you in advance.

 

Also, a friend of mine told me that there may be a stuck brake caliper that its pin just needs to be greased...

[mrfixer]

Yes, it is true. I have been involved in selling and repairing used cars for quite a few years (pretty much retired now) and have come across quite a few instances of the column sliding coupling clicking or rattling on some models of Toyota. If its just an occasional click then don't worry about it. If the column rattles when driving over rough surfaces or you can feel any 'play' in the steering then get an experienced mechanic to check it over.

[Demetrios]

Thank you for your reply. While test driving the car it only occurred occasionally so, based on your and Toyota's mechanic inputs, Probably then I do not have to worry.