Moaning Steering!

[Taff Hibbs]

I've got a 99 T Avensis SE estate 1.8 and when it turn the wheel left or right it makes a noise like rubber rubbing on something. What is it and how do i fix it?

[belfast buyer]

i have a 1.8 2006 which rubs very slightly too, not sure the fix.

my problem is a big crunch from the steering the first time it goes into full lock left or right.

had it checked at the dealer, and they blamed the fan belt- said it was not a fault - sounds like rubbish to me.

[bjw]

The Avensis have always suffered with problems with there steering racks I have had many replaced over the years fortunately all under warranty if you do a search you will come up with many threads.

I hope your problem is not related to this and you could check with Toyota to see if all the recalls have been done on your car

Do you notice the noise at low speeds when you try to move to full lock ?? I am sure some members with more mechanical knowledge than me will post soon

[kashbg]

Just had a clutch replaced and when I got the car back - terrible noice when approaching full lock to the left only. It sounds as if some sort of rubber, but only on approaching full left lock.

Still puzzeled!!!

Sounds familiar problem.

Had the car sent back and one of the mechanics not directly involved in the repair told me that same sound appeared on both sides when the car was up on the ramp with the weels hanging down. Sounds like the two shafts direcly going into the steering rack get out of alignment when going in and out. When the car is down, obviously those shafts move up a bit and one still needs to go up further and thats why makes the noice only to one side.

If that makes any sence to anyone. When the steering wheel starts moving to one side, the further it goes and the more one shart goes in, the last bit of it is actually hanging lower that the begining of it and putting more pressure down to the steering rack.I am not a mechanic, but logic tells me it must be that or something similar.

Would welcome any other interpretation and feedback.

Thanks,

[belfast buyer]

i have been searching the net for this.

there have been recalls, although my vin was not amongst it.

if you search channel 4 they have a story on it which worried me - i get the noise too, only towards full lock at very low speed or standing still.

[gazza1286]

Your answer is here:

http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.p...amp;hl=steering

Member rf76 is a Toyota technician - read his comment. The fault is very common (My vehicle has it) but as he says, it's not worth worrying about.

[kashbg]

I do agree that it is very likely to be a rubber seal in the steering rack. That seal getts under pressure as the steering goes full lock left or right - wherever the noice is .

It kind of supports my theory too.

So the seal is gone/ disslocated, or the shaft is going in on slightly skewed angle causing the seal to rub on it and make noice.

[belfast buyer]

there does seem to be 2 issues.

1. rubber noises from steering in general

2. a larger crunch that comes when full lock is used during parking etc.

I suffer a little of the first one, but not much. I do have the crunch each and every time - and i am unclear if the conclusion is to forget it or that it needs sorted?

[gazza1286]

The advice given relates ONLY to the early Avensis. (applicable to Taff's car and mine) I.e. up to 2000 excluding the VVTI. There have been other issues with steering on later model which have resulted in replacement racks supplied through the dealer. The forum is littered with such threads. It's not surprising that there is confusion. Each model change or facelift seems to bring with it another steering problem.

Your 2006 model will still be under warranty? Crunching noises really need investigating as that sounds like a major problem with the steering rack or power steering system.

[belfast buyer]

cheers. i will get it checked again.

seems to be steering problems left right and centre.

[Stevie72]

my 06 t3x does this at low speeds when turning left. TBH it doesn't really bother me that much but do you think it's worth getting it checked out?

[dr_roy]

FYI

I get my car serviced and checked out in a Toyota Garage in Glasgow. I pointed out this squeeking "streering rack"-problem. Actually it was a printout from this forum describing it as an known issue. The service manager called toyota hq and got a warrary replacement authorized (my car is an 2002 modell so there is no regular warranty).

Anyway they supplied me with a courtesy car and replaced the steering rack. Its is now MUCH better...there has been 1 small tint of squeekyness but overall it is much better now.

[Stevie72]

thanks again mate, i'll do the same.

[Leeds fc]

I just got my avensis back from Toyota, they have said the steering knuckle needs regreasing to stop the banging i get when turning at slow speeds.

[gazza1286]

Leedsfc, read this:

http://toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=7041

The advice by Treuno explains your particular problem.

[Leeds fc]

Thanx for that Gazza, but thankfully she did the knocking whilst under warrantry. The dealer where i got her from is going to do it. For me, I know where to put water and where to check the oil. Oh, i know good mechanic, he works for renault dealer, but i had a Laguna before this and he helped me out well in the past.