Weird steering feel

[jsmith21]

When I turn the steering wheel left to right quickly, or hit a bump while the wheel is turned, it feels like there is something bumping the steering column. It still steers perfectly fine, it just feels like something is coming in contact with the column, because I can feel it through the wheel. You can even hear something that sounds like something loose knocking against it. I'll upload a video if I need to. I've tried to look and see if i can find the culprit, but haven't found anything that looks suspect. Anyone have any idea what's going on? It still drives fine, it's just annoying and a little worrisome. Thanks

 

[JB.]

You might try this thread.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/57115-steering-wheel-knock.html

That said, I tried the sleeve fix (the moveable sleeve in the engine bay) described in that thread and it didn't work. I put it back to it's original position just in case.

I can duplicate the sound by shaking the u-joint on the steering shaft down near the brake pedal. As nearly as I can tell, the sound and feel is simply the shaft bumping against the sleeve that surrounds it. My truck sees a ton of miles off-pavement and I've noticed this sound and feel for a very long time with no change. I'm comfortable now that nothing damaging is taking place and am ignoring it until something convinces me otherwise.

 

[jsmith21]

Yup it didn't work for me either. Also tried the fix with the bolt by the firewall in the floorboard, didn't work. Sounds like the noise is coming from inside the upper column cover. I tried to attach a video but I'm not sure how to from my phone. It's basically just like a clicking or knocking noise when you move the wheel side to side rapidly. Does it when off or on. Thanks