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2004 camry xle 4 cyl, has developed a click that I feel and hear when turning the wheel. No noticable steering issues. The noise is transmitted to the center of the steering wheel and is like a tap or hitch or click. Anyone know what this means?
I have a similar sound on my steering wheel, but I think my problem was because the strut shaft was not alligned properly with the mount. but since you have not had struts/springs change, I doubt it is the same prob.
Thanks for the info. Can you explain how you know this, please?
i had the same problem with my 03 (the steering wheel squeaked and i could feel a vibration in the accelerator), and i assume that's what you're referring to... when i took it into the dealership they replaced the steering column assembly for free... so i imagine there must have been a TSB for that particular problem...
__________________ 2003 Toyota Camry XLE V6, 18x7.5" ASA rims +40mm offset, Bridgestone Potenza Tires 225/45/18, H&R Sport Springs, TRD Exhaust/Strut Tower Brace/Rear Sway Bar, Wood Steering Wheel, 20% LLumar Tint
The U-joint in the steering column may be binding and making noise, Toyota has a TSB on this. You can see the joint by looking between the trans and firewall.
Thanks for the help, all. I see the steering shaft coming thru the firewall and attaching to the steering rack. I see no fluid leekage. Should I see something abnormal there?
No, the joint is bare and open to the engine compartment. You should be able to see the U-Joint where the steering shaft attaches to the rack and pinion housing. Most likely you will be only able to hear the noise, not see the problem. Have someone turn the steering wheel while you look and listen in this area.
2004 camry xle 4 cyl, has developed a click that I feel and hear when turning the wheel. No noticable steering issues. The noise is transmitted to the center of the steering wheel and is like a tap or hitch or click. Anyone know what this means?
If it is a constant "click-click-click" it may well be a UV joint that needs replacing.
I had a similar problem with my Corolla, replaced the UV joint and that was the problem.
I have an '03 4cyl ATX but only notice the click occasionally during a turn. It's more noticeable when I'm driving over a bump. Do these cars have steering struts/stabilizers? It feels like a loose linkage or joint. The wheel shimmies slightly during the click as well. Any suggestions?
I remember seeing a few cars come into the dealership with the same type of clicking from inside the steering wheel. The issue was something with the airbag (which is why its coming from the center of your steeringwheel) It was NOT a threat to the driver just some kind of binding around the wiring that had come loose causing it to hit a certain spot in the steering wheel when turning.
Hmm, interesting. I hadn't heard about that. I'm not sure if the sound is coming from inside the steering wheel though. The sound itself is very faint if audible at all, but the most noticable sign is from the physical shimmy/vibration. Since the steering wheel is mechanically connected to many other components, it's a difficult to determine the problem. Thanks for the input!
theres a tsb on the car. its the lower steering shaft joint. (Between the rack and column)
it only has a 3/36 warranty. you can try to torque down the 12mm bolt at the rack. It will quiet it down some, but will only be temporary.
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