Squeak From Steering

[terraorluna]

I have an annoying squeak when I turn the steering whell of my 2001 Avensis...Anyone know how to stop it?

Thanks.

[moonstone mart]

Hi terraorluna,

We have had quite a few avensis at work with sqeaking steering over the last year. Does the noise sounds like it is coming from the back of the steering wheel/column? most of the time it was coming from the steering rack, we replaced alot of these under warranty. But im pretty sure you can just grease the seal on the rack to cure the squeak. Im pretty sure later models have a squeak/noise from the spiral cable or column itself.

Hope this helps

Mart

[terraorluna]

Thanks..I'll try the grease.

[moonstone mart]

ok, if it doesnt work let me know. i will ask around.

Mart

[Kryten]

I have an annoying squeak when I turn the steering whell of my 2001 Avensis...Anyone know how to stop it?

Thanks.

Hi you most definately have the steering rack problem. I had mine replaced (under warranty, they are bl**%y expensive + labour!) two weeks before xmas. Unfortuneately, it has started again this week ! so I shall be contacting Toyota dealer tomorrow.

[noddydog]

Can someone elaborate on this squeak. Is it at the ends of the steering, ie on full lock? Does it sound like it's inside the cabin or in the engine department? Does it sound like plastic rubbing against plastic? Is it quite loud or just very subtle? I'm asking because I have an occassional quiet squeak when I turn my steering wheel but it sounds like the actual wheel rubbing against the rest of the housing and it dissappears when I drop the whole steering wheel down (normally I have it in the top position). I'm just wondering if I have misinterpreted the noise? I also get a noise when the wheel is on full lock, but that's not really a squeak, more a whine, and the man at Toyota tells me it's normal.

[moonstone mart]

The noise i am talking about is a definate squeak. It does get quite loud and noticeable. The noise comes from the steering rack and 'travels' up the column so it sounds like it is coming from the column/behind the steering wheel.

The noise happens when the wheel is in any position and not just on full lock.

Mart

[grumbles]

Hi, I have a 2001 Avensis that had the same problem Squeaks from steering column. the car also wandered. When i mentioned this to my Dealership they changed the steering rack FOC. Apparently Toyota have known issues with the racks on these cars & so Toyota have extended the warranty to cover this to five years or 100000 miles. I stress that this is an extended manufacturers warranty not one i have have had to pay out extra for, it also does not matter how many owners the car has had, I bought mine second hand with 2 previous owners on the log book. I would suggest that you take it down to your local dealership & if they don't offer to change it for you then contact Toyota GB who should be able to sort this out for you. :D

[highlander128]

Hi Grumbles

I have the same problem with my 2002 Avensis. Toyota replaced the steering rack in 2005 and now it has gone faulty again as well as a damaged sub frame which holds the steering rack. I believe that they used the original subframe and put the new steering rack on it. Toyota now say because the car is just over 5 years old they will not do anything. So that means that the steering rack itself does not carry a 5 year warranty unless your car is brand new off the factory belt and it needs one within the first few months which is highly unlikely. This is ridiculous behaviour from a big company already to squeeze money of the hard working man on the street. I am not going to pay the charge of over £1000 for a new subframe and i may as well scrap the car as it is the principle of the matter. Its is a shame really but i don't think i will be driving another toyota and i think i know where they get there name from.. TOY O TA meaning its a toy and o(h) ta for your money.

Highlander

p.s. I think I am going to speak to the Media and V.O.S.A on this.

[wotuwant]

Hi. Had the steering squeaking problem with my 02 avensis. Dealer replaced the rack, but still had the problem. After a few letters to customer services (lol), they agreed to have another look. They replaced a piece of piping and that was it, job done. The Norwich branch were the ones who changed the rack, but I had to take the car to the Lowestoft branch to get the fault diagnosed properly. The guys at Lowestoft said it was a common problem with the range and they found it unbelievable that the Norwich branch failed to recognise the fault. Thankfully it was all done under warrenty. I believe that the pipe replacement totaled about £200. I have explained the best I can, but if you want anymore info, I will do my best to answer.

[Mrdoody]

I have a like a grinding squeal with my steering wheel but on when reversing the car and when its turning to direct the car. Its worse the more I turn the wheel but it isn't as bad when returning the wheel back to the normal forward position.

Sounds like a rubbing of some sort somewhere, is it somat to worry about or not???

[vivid]

I have a like a grinding squeal with my steering wheel but on when reversing the car and when its turning to direct the car. Its worse the more I turn the wheel but it isn't as bad when returning the wheel back to the normal forward position.

Sounds like a rubbing of some sort somewhere, is it somat to worry about or not???

Hi all, i am also new to this forum. Purchased an Avensis GS 2002 VVTi came with full Toyota Service history. After reading this forum regarding faults etc i was amazed to find that after a few miles i was getting this so called sqeal seems to be coming from behind the steering column.

Since the car has had full service history do you think i should take it to my local Mr T?? is this noise something to worry about? does it get worst?

[highlander128]

Hi my Sub-frame Captive nuts fell inside the unit itself. Toyota themselves will not answer my question on why or how the captive nuts have failed. they were also a bit pis**d of because VOSA got involved, but they get involved of there is a question about safey of the vehicle. Because they are not giving me the answers then they must have something to hide. The service bulletins for the subframes are obvioulsy top secret. the only answers I can come up with is that:

A. The Steering rack was incorrectly fitted at the Toyota dealership

B. The subframe captive nuts were incorrectly welded.

In both cases Toyota should pay for the repairs but i was hit with a £600 bill which is half of what it should of cost. The car maybe outside its warranty but the parts are still inside the warranty period.

I would love to get a hold of these service bulletins or speak to a Toyota Mechanic for more information.

Highlander B) B) B)