Gen 6 Camry Steering pop clunk noise thread (2007-2011)

[toyota08854]

if you have a GEN 6 Camry with the steering noise issue, please report it here. Also call Toyota and get a file number. Send a complaint to NTSB. if there are enough documented issues (and I'm sure there are based on reading the threads here), Toyota will be legally forced to do a recall or cover the costs for repair.

here is my experience for a 2009 Toyota Camry with 35K miles........

I reported this issue for the first time under warranty, but it was not frequent enough that the dealer felt it was "normal" to have some noise. Now, it has become much worse, and the popping sound happens Almost all the time. Took it back to the dealer and they think it is the intermediate steering shaft but cannot replace it because it is out of warranty.

in addition, they are telling me that this shaft has an updated design and is sealed such that it cannot be lubricated. The cost to replace and realign is approximately $600.

I am planning to report it to NTSB etc. I am hoping that Toyota does a recall once there are enough complaints. very disappointed in the toyota quality control.

[bluesdok]

I have the same problem on my 2007 XLE and have reported it on numerous occasions. However I too hit the we don`t have a TSB or a recall on this symptom. Obvioulsy the dealers are NOT reporting this as aproblem as it is Still not a TSB or recall yet.

[hardtopte72]

Recalls are for safety issues only. Unless they can find a way to prove that this pop will cause a crash or the steering shaft failing is shown then there will be no recall.

Customer interest problems (noises, clunks, stutters, squeaks, stuff breaking) are where TSB's come from. This is non safety related issues. Toyota like every manufacturer is constantly updating parts or changing suppliers. For a TSB to be made enough people have to complain, the problem has to be narrowed to something specific, and an update design or repair has to be made. If anyone of those elements is missing no TSB can be issued. This issue plagued early Camry's, Avalons, and Highlanders. I don't think I remember a Gen 6 doing this and neither does mine. It must be a decently rare occurence if no TSB is available. If the fix is available and you are out of warranty then you are SOL. Sometimes you can convince a dealer to do a "Goodwill" repair if you are a good customer and have reported in while under warranty (which is 3 years/36K miles).

[NITROMETHRACER]

^nice I have had this problem since 25,000 miles but never did anything about it, just hit 37,000 miles so they won't do anything about it now i guess. Doesn't really bother me though.

[Mike Gerber]

"I have the same problem on my 2007 XLE and have reported it on numerous occasions. However I too hit the we don`t have a TSB or a recall on this symptom. Obvioulsy the dealers are NOT reporting this as aproblem as it is Still not a TSB or recall yet."


There is a TSB on this noise for the 07 Camry. It is TSB ST002-07. It is dated April 25th 2007. I had this problem and had it repaired on my 07 Camry a couple of years ago using my extended Platinum warranty. I remember the cost shown was under $400 before being zeroed out for the warranty claim, so first call your dealer and reference this TSB. (The dealer who quoted you $600 is out of line if you have to eat the cost.) If you originally comlained about the noise while your 07 was still under warranty, it should still be covered. If the dealer says no, call Toyota corporate at 1-800-331-4331 and discuss the issue with them referencing this TSB and the fact you complained about this issue while it was under warranty.

Mike

[leakyseals]

FYI. On a TN thread the other day a guy had the TSB done on a Highlander. Shortly after he lost all steering! Luckily nothing happened, had to be towed back. Mechanic had stripped the splines. So if you get this done demand a brand new one, no re-grease or pumping the shaft ( sorry) to move the old grease around!

[catric69]

It has been a known issue for two generations now. anyone-having-steering-popping-knocking-syndromes.html

[Cartel]

My 08 does this as well. It is not bad enough to bother me yet. I just plan on replacing the whole shaft once it gets worse.