Clunking Noise When Turning *Update*

[geoff5093]

Well after reading up here about other people having the same problem, I brought my car down to the dealer and they said that the problem was with the steering intermediate shaft, which there is a TSB for which states that some customers may hear a clunking/popping/clicking sound when turning the wheel when stopped or moving slowly.

I had this TSB applied a few hours ago and the service manager told me that they did fix it, however there is still a noise and they determined that it is coming from the front left strut mount area, so they ordered me a new one of those and it should be here in a few days.

So to those who want to have this issue fixed, just be aware that theres a good chance the sound won't go away if they just fix the steering intermediate shaft TSB. Although the good news is that everything is covered under warranty.


Now the good thing though, is after they replaced the steering intermediate shaft I feel the steering to be much more responsive. I don't know if it's due to the fact that they replaced the existing one with a more durable shaft, or it's just because it's new, but I like it.

[TRD VVTi]

Originally Posted by geoff5093

Well after reading up here about other people having the same problem, I brought my car down to the dealer and they said that the problem was with the steering intermediate shaft, which there is a TSB for which states that some customers may hear a clunking/popping/clicking sound when turning the wheel when stopped or moving slowly.

I had this TSB applied a few hours ago and the service manager told me that they did fix it, however there is still a noise and they determined that it is coming from the front left strut mount area, so they ordered me a new one of those and it should be here in a few days.

So to those who want to have this issue fixed, just be aware that theres a good chance the sound won't go away if they just fix the steering intermediate shaft TSB. Although the good news is that everything is covered under warranty.


Now the good thing though, is after they replaced the steering intermediate shaft I feel the steering to be much more responsive. I don't know if it's due to the fact that they replaced the existing one with a more durable shaft, or it's just because it's new, but I like it.

It's good to hear that they found the problem.

[geoff5093]

It is good, and they have been great so far. The dealer hasn't given be a hard time and hasn't even mentioned about the TRD springs.

I guess that other member is right though, and if he continues to be right then this will only be a temporary fix. I guess I should just try to avoid the bumps and such more.

[vinniemak]

geoff...also it's 'cause you're up in NH....come down a little south to the Boston area and see the dealers change color..LOL...dealers are supposedly much nicer in Concord...I have a friend who now lives even further north in Meredith and he raves about the Toyota dealer in your neck of the woods !!

I've been lucky myself too with a dealer in Westboro who's been more than reasonable !!! ; also, I have had the intermediate shaft changed under warranty due to the clicking sound - but don't have those TRD springs !!!

[cptdar.se07]

Thats good they are taking care of u...I dont know what they did to my car but the noise went away..at least for now.

[CharmCityES]

im glad they found the issue
ive heard about the TSB for the intermediate shaft before, as there is a similar one for the gen 5 models as well.

[geoff5093]

My only real concern now is that they said only the left strut mount needs to be replaced, so I have a feeling the right strut mount will be making noises pretty soon...

[geoff5093]

Update: I haven't had it fixed yet, the dealer ordered the wrong part (rear strut mount instead), so now they are going to re-order the front left and also the front right strut mount.

[TRD VVTi]

Originally Posted by geoff5093

Update: I haven't had it fixed yet, the dealer ordered the wrong part (rear strut mount instead), so now they are going to re-order the front left and also the front right strut mount.

It seems that parts guys are the same everywhere...

[cptdar.se07]

wow they are taking forever with that strut mount...at least they agreed to change them for u. I still have no idea what they did to mine but the sound has not returned (knocking on wood). U heard how nasty it was sounding

[TRD VVTi]

Originally Posted by cptdar.se07

wow they are taking forever with that strut mount...at least they agreed to change them for u. I still have no idea what they did to mine but the sound has not returned (knocking on wood). U heard how nasty it was sounding

In many cases a Technician will check to make sure that fasteners are tight. I'm guessing that a strut mount was just loose enough for them not to notice while they were checking, but they tightened it farther and your problem went away.

[TRD_EarBanger]

In many cases a Technician will check to make sure that fasteners are tight. I'm guessing that a strut mount was just loose enough for them not to notice while they were checking, but they tightened it farther and your problem went away.

In many cases the tech will fix one thing and screw up two more. thats been my experience. Could it be my bad breath?

[geoff5093]

I got back from the dealer after they installed the new strut mounts, bearings, etc. So far it sounds much better, so I'm going to try and take it much easier and avoid as many bumps as I can so they last longer. They did say that if the noise comes back they will have to raise my car back up, so I guess they did know about my TRD springs but since they are from TRD, they are still covered under warranty.

[geoff5093]

Well the sound is back, go figure. I guess I need to learn to live with it, unless theres another solution out there.

[TRD VVTi]

That's not acceptable.

Take it back to the dealer and have them hook up electronic chassis ears to determine EXACTLY where the noise is coming from. You have TRD springs, they shouldn't cause any other problems.