Steering issues

[Brentwood Rav]

Hi all. So my RAV’s steering is making a weird noise, it’s like a cross between ticking and a creaking (almost like a buzz) on full or nearly full lock. At the last service I was told some parts simply needed lubricating, which seemed to resolve in the short term but now it’s back, worse and happening all the time. There is no “knocking” or “clunking”, just this buzz/creak. Has anyone else had this? I feel like something more might be up and don’t want to be fobbed off by the dealership. Any advice or guidance would be really appreciated. 

[TonyHSD]

Hi, 

is this only when on full lock or is it happening when going straight too but when stopped sharply or going over bumps and loading the suspension? 
Toyota common issues with steers column are clunk and clicks , mostly need lubrication.
Then front suspension arms rear bushes can make these noises that you have described. Silicon spray on them and no more trouble. If no spray available, wash these with any rubber friendly detergent , soft brush and plenty of water, job done. 👍

[Brentwood Rav]

1 minute ago, TonyHSD said:

Hi, 

is this only when on full lock or is it happening when going straight too but when stopped sharply or going over bumps and loading the suspension? 
Toyota common issues with steers column are clunk and clicks , mostly need lubrication.
Then front suspension arms rear bushes can make these noises that you have described. Silicon spray on them and no more trouble. If no spray available, wash these with any rubber friendly detergent , soft brush and plenty of water, job done. 👍

Thanks so much for the quick response. Really appreciate it! I’ll definitely give your suggestion a go. It’s only when on full or nearly full lock. Doesn’t happen when stationary so only under load from moving. The sound is so weird, I wondered if it was the power steering motor starting to fail?

[TonyHSD]

13 minutes ago, Brentwood Rav said:

Thanks so much for the quick response. Really appreciate it! I’ll definitely give your suggestion a go. It’s only when on full or nearly full lock. Doesn’t happen when stationary so only under load from moving. The sound is so weird, I wondered if it was the power steering motor starting to fail?

You are welcome.
They are usually solid and not known for issues.
Earlier models had electric motor up the steering column and these were the one with clicking steering wheels. Perhaps yours it’s from the later models with electric motor mounted low close to steering rack.
Best to try to see if it  happens on straight when suspension gets load up or down and clean the bushes both sides. If the noise disappear it’s from them, if not then you can continue to search.
Best to do one step at a time so you can be sure where exactly the noise comes from. 
The electric motor only operates when you are turning the steering wheel, if the wheel is turned but hold at position the electric motor does not turn , I don’t know , it could be from this but I can’t say anything more for sure. 
Regards 

[Brentwood Rav]

32 minutes ago, TonyHSD said:

You are welcome.
They are usually solid and not known for issues.
Earlier models had electric motor up the steering column and these were the one with clicking steering wheels. Perhaps yours it’s from the later models with electric motor mounted low close to steering rack.
Best to try to see if it  happens on straight when suspension gets load up or down and clean the bushes both sides. If the noise disappear it’s from them, if not then you can continue to search.
Best to do one step at a time so you can be sure where exactly the noise comes from. 
The electric motor only operates when you are turning the steering wheel, if the wheel is turned but hold at position the electric motor does not turn , I don’t know , it could be from this but I can’t say anything more for sure. 
Regards 

Ok thanks. I’ll keep chipping away!