4by4th
New member
Can you post a photo of what yours looks like now, in particular the bushings so I can see where they are and what they are supposed to look like? I've had this steering clack issue for years and essentially gave up.
steering wheel knock
- Thread starter progress4m
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Can you post a photo of what yours looks like now, in particular the bushings so I can see where they are and what they are supposed to look like? I've had this steering clack issue for years and essentially gave up.
CJNowell21
New member
Steering Rack
I have a really messed up camera on my phone so the photo is pretty bad but that's one of the bushings. They are a PITA to replace but there are several right ups on replacing them and some good youtube videos, just search around. I attached another photo of the entire steering rack which is about $250 to replace vs $30 for bushings. It is much easier to replace the rack instead of the bushings if you can afford it. The main problem with replacing the steering rack bushings is working room. Most mechanics will take out the whole rack and push the bushings from outside of the car. That's why I say it's easier to replace the whole rack if you can afford it. Good luck and I hope this helps.
I have a really messed up camera on my phone so the photo is pretty bad but that's one of the bushings. They are a PITA to replace but there are several right ups on replacing them and some good youtube videos, just search around. I attached another photo of the entire steering rack which is about $250 to replace vs $30 for bushings. It is much easier to replace the rack instead of the bushings if you can afford it. The main problem with replacing the steering rack bushings is working room. Most mechanics will take out the whole rack and push the bushings from outside of the car. That's why I say it's easier to replace the whole rack if you can afford it. Good luck and I hope this helps.
Attachments
CJNowell21
New member
Sorry the first photo is side ways for some reason
I took the above suggestions and photos concerning the steering sliding yoke to the Toyota dealer that has had no luck finding the reason for my steering knock. The service manager checked with two mechanics, who said they didn't see how that would help.
So I wrote to Toyota USA, who responded that they couldn't say what the cause was, without seeing the vehicle, and I should (guess what) take it to a Toyota dealer.
So I took it to a different Toyota dealer, who said that tightening the steering sliding yoke would cause excessive wear to other parts. One of the mechanics there owns a different Toyota model that had the same problem. He said he fixed it by changing the rack.
So I took it to Bill, my personal mechanic, who had kept my old Cherokee in good shape for years. I told Bill about the steering sliding yoke. He didn't seem impressed. So I told him about the mechanic that said the problem was in the rack. Bill said, "Doubt it."
So I left the 4Runner with Bill to check over. At the end of the day, Bill said there was no looseness or play anywhere in my steering. He thought maybe the knock and clunk was just the "nature of the 4Runner" and I should get something else for offroad use.
Anyone else have an experience similar to mine? I am close to selling it. Thinking of a Wrangler Unlimited, but apparently they are plagued with various problems, some of them possibly worse than the 4Runner!
So I wrote to Toyota USA, who responded that they couldn't say what the cause was, without seeing the vehicle, and I should (guess what) take it to a Toyota dealer.
So I took it to a different Toyota dealer, who said that tightening the steering sliding yoke would cause excessive wear to other parts. One of the mechanics there owns a different Toyota model that had the same problem. He said he fixed it by changing the rack.
So I took it to Bill, my personal mechanic, who had kept my old Cherokee in good shape for years. I told Bill about the steering sliding yoke. He didn't seem impressed. So I told him about the mechanic that said the problem was in the rack. Bill said, "Doubt it."
So I left the 4Runner with Bill to check over. At the end of the day, Bill said there was no looseness or play anywhere in my steering. He thought maybe the knock and clunk was just the "nature of the 4Runner" and I should get something else for offroad use.
Anyone else have an experience similar to mine? I am close to selling it. Thinking of a Wrangler Unlimited, but apparently they are plagued with various problems, some of them possibly worse than the 4Runner!
mAtTyGlaz
New member
I have a 5th Gen but I'm wondering if this is the problem I'm having? Does it sound like this:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/246729-help-diagnose-thud.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/246729-help-diagnose-thud.html
I have a 06 4x4 that has this same issue. Just did the bushings, ball joints, and struts at 130k (just bought the car) so I know it’s not related to any of that. I’m going to take a look at the rack bushings and column adjustment mentioned and report back. I was initially thinking it was a warn u-joint by the noise/feedback.
4by4th
New member
My 2004 Toyota 4Runner has had this annoying clacking or knocking issue in the steering column for years. I talked to a former Toyota dealer service manager who thinks he knows the cause but can’t duplicate it on the road. I made this off-road video to show him. Will update if he knows how to fix it.
YouTube
YouTube
4by4th
New member
4by4th
New member
I tried that a while back and it didn’t help. Looking at that thread I was the last person to post 1-1/2 years ago.
4by4th
New member
I’ll keep following that one in case a source for the part shows up. I wonder if an OEM part replacement would fix it.
Squashforbrains
New member
I loosened the bolts on my slide yoke and tried moving it up. I couldn't get it to budge so I hit it from the bottom with a hammer and it still didn't look like it moved at all. I buttoned it back up and now my steering wheel doesn't have any play or rattle when I take it on trails! Apparently my slide yoke only needed to move a little bit. So stoked that worked. I just finished my 1 inch body lift and I thought I messed something up when I installed the steering column spacer.
Old thread. Long time reader but never posted. The site is such a great resource, saved me tons.
Had to post on this one. 100% fixed my low speed and rough terrain steering vibration. For me I dont think it's the moving of the coupling that fixes the issue. It appears to be the re-tightening to factory torque specs. I placed mine back to where it was prior to fix and retorqued. Still fixed. Maybe they wear and loosen over time?
Anyways. Be careful on the retorque if you use penetrating lubricant or wd40. Spec is probably for dry threads and I noticed it was really cranking it down prior to reaching the proper torque on mine. If you use penetrating oil just hit it good with brake cleaner and allow to dry before buttoning it up.
Had to post on this one. 100% fixed my low speed and rough terrain steering vibration. For me I dont think it's the moving of the coupling that fixes the issue. It appears to be the re-tightening to factory torque specs. I placed mine back to where it was prior to fix and retorqued. Still fixed. Maybe they wear and loosen over time?
Anyways. Be careful on the retorque if you use penetrating lubricant or wd40. Spec is probably for dry threads and I noticed it was really cranking it down prior to reaching the proper torque on mine. If you use penetrating oil just hit it good with brake cleaner and allow to dry before buttoning it up.
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I just loosened the two bolts on that collar shown (and described in post #13) and tapped that collar up towards the firewall a 3/8" or so and re-tightened the bolts. No more clunk now and all is smooth and quiet.
Thanks, Guys for the fix. That clunk was really getting to me. :thanks::thanks:
Problem solved!
I had a knocking sound on my steering since I purchased my 4th gen.
Never bothered me so much, until I started to go off road. Specially on rocky roads, the knocking was loud and annoying.
I was going to change my tires, so I did my entire front end (tie rods, ball joints, etc). After that, knocking was still there. :mmph:
Mechanic said probably steering rack bushings were worn, because everything else (including intermediate shaft and U joints) seem tight.
That didn't convinced me because I checked those bushings myself, and couldn't see play on them.
The noise seems to come from the column itself, behind the steering wheel (inside the car).
I did all the fixes posted here (tightening the bolts) but the knocking was still there. :mmph:
Then I realized after moving the tilt mechanism, the knocking become 'a little less louder'. That pointed me in another direction: the 'tilt ball' behind the steering wheel. Did a lot of research until I found this:
Steering Play Fix - YouTube
My problem (and the place where I found a lot of play) was the tilt ball, and I did the fix with a piece of plastic (just as shown in the video).
Then went for a test drive, and no more knocking when hitting bumps on and off road. Although the video shows how to do it on a 3rd gen, I did it in my 4th gen and the procedure is almost the same (you can easily figure out how to do it).
Hope this help someone, the car feels brand new!
arty:
I had a knocking sound on my steering since I purchased my 4th gen.
Never bothered me so much, until I started to go off road. Specially on rocky roads, the knocking was loud and annoying.
I was going to change my tires, so I did my entire front end (tie rods, ball joints, etc). After that, knocking was still there. :mmph:
Mechanic said probably steering rack bushings were worn, because everything else (including intermediate shaft and U joints) seem tight.
That didn't convinced me because I checked those bushings myself, and couldn't see play on them.
The noise seems to come from the column itself, behind the steering wheel (inside the car).
I did all the fixes posted here (tightening the bolts) but the knocking was still there. :mmph:
Then I realized after moving the tilt mechanism, the knocking become 'a little less louder'. That pointed me in another direction: the 'tilt ball' behind the steering wheel. Did a lot of research until I found this:
Steering Play Fix - YouTube
My problem (and the place where I found a lot of play) was the tilt ball, and I did the fix with a piece of plastic (just as shown in the video).
Then went for a test drive, and no more knocking when hitting bumps on and off road. Although the video shows how to do it on a 3rd gen, I did it in my 4th gen and the procedure is almost the same (you can easily figure out how to do it).
Hope this help someone, the car feels brand new!
arty:
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