Yaris 2009 steering issue, not sure what to do next

[Pwalk]

A couple of months ago after coming from holidays (the car was sat unused for about 6 weeks), I noticed clunking/creaking noise while steering.

It only happens at very low speeds and turning sharp, so really only while parking or pulling out. It seems to be getting worse though.

Other than noise and maybe a slight vibration, I didn't notice any issues with steering or suspension and the noise doesn't appear at all during normal driving.

I went to get it checked in 2 places, they only put it up on a ramp and said suspension (1st place) or steering rack, and the quotes I got were between £400-600.

Finally went somewhere where they said they'd strip it and check for sure. They did it and later said they tightened something and I think replaces a "leg" on one side, but they confirmed it's actually steering rack that needs replacing and quoted me just under £400.

As I'm a bit short on cash at the mo so I asked the guy how long I can drive like that and is it dangerous, he said he can't actually tell because he doesn't know whet exactly is the issue with the rack as it's all encased.

So it seems like they actually didn't check and I feel almost like back to square one. I'm not sure how critical it is, whether I need to do it now or can wait, or whether to do it at all because the price is probably approaching half the value of the car (it has a few other non critical issues like non-working aircon).

What would be your advice on the course of action? Many thanks.

Edit: I forgot to add, after they tightened/changed whatever they did, the noise is much less but still there.

 

Edited August 22, 2023 by Pwalk
update

[RobertR]

I had this very same issue on my new Yaris Cross a few months back. (the car was 6 months old and 8k km on ODO). Clunking/creaking noise while steering in low speeds, but in my case, only when I steer to the left, when I turn right, no odd sound.

My issue was fixed(under warranty) after 3 weeks in service (they wait mainly for new part, because this issue was not known for this model yet and must be well documented) and they replaced the whole "power steering column" assembly and the issue was fixed. Nothing on the suspension assembly but this is not the same car as yours so do not take my case as an example, just saying.

[flash22]

Is it fluid power steering ? As for how long it will last, find someone with a crystal ball to tell you what's wrong with the internals of the rack, apart from pulling the rack off the car and stripping it down who knows

1.0 or 1.3 ??

[Pwalk]

1 hour ago, flash22 said:

Is it fluid power steering ? As for how long it will last, find someone with a crystal ball to tell you what's wrong with the internals of the rack, apart from pulling the rack off the car and stripping it down who knows

1.0 or 1.3 ??

Quick Google says my Yaris has electric power steering. 1.0.

Edit: I'm actually getting different answers, so not sure.

[flash22]

My mistake, i was looking at your profile, what says 2002. 2009 will be EPS with a manual rack

Mk2's are known to have issues with the universal joints and intermediate shaft inside the car,

is the steering heavy at low speeds ?

[Pwalk]

56 minutes ago, flash22 said:

My mistake, i was looking at your profile, what says 2002. 2009 will be EPS with a manual rack

Mk2's are known to have issues with the universal joints and intermediate shaft inside the car,

is the steering heavy at low speeds ?

Yeah sorry forgot to update it.

I wouldn't say steering feels particularly heavy, maybe a little heavier than at normal speed but that's to be expected I guess. Unless I got used to it and didn't notice anymore.

[flash22]

Clean and lube the 2 universal joints one is on the floor/ bulk head, follow the shaft up, and you will find the second one (you may have to pop off the steering cowl