'06 Avalon TSB ST002-06 Power Steering Noise Fix

[Mike Murrell]

In the shifting/acceleration TSB thread here, someone commented on the power steering fix. Below is the text version of TSB ST002-06 Title: Steering Column Noise

My wife's '06 Avalon has a problem that this might fix. If I pull into a parking lot, stop the car, go inside a store and come back, then start the car and drive off slowly, I hear a rubbing sort of noise a few secs after the car starts rolling. It last a sec. or two, then clears up.

Here's the TSB:

************************************************** ************************

STEERING


Title:
Models:

Technical Service
BULLETIN

March 14, 2006

STEERING COLUMN NOISE
’05 – ’06 Avalon
ST002-06
TSB REVISION NOTICE:

.
December 21, 2006: The introduction and the “Model” column of the Parts
Information table have been updated.
Previous versions of this TSB should be discarded.

Introduction
Some 2005 – 2006 model year Avalon vehicle customers may complain of a ticking noise
from the steering wheel while driving slowly and turning left or right. The steering column
assembly manufacturing process has been improved.

Follow the repair procedure provided in this TSB to replace the steering column assembly
and correct the noise.

Steering Column Assembly
Applicable .
2005 – 2006 model year Avalon vehicles produced BEFORE the Production Change
Vehicles

Effective VIN shown below.

Production
Change
Information

MODEL PRODUCTION CHANGE EFFECTIVE VIN
Avalon 4T1BK36B16U099714

Warranty
Information

OP CODE DESCRIPTION TIME OFP T1 T2
442051 R & R Steering Column Assembly 1.3 45250–##### 9A 40

Applicable Warranty*:
This repair is covered under the Toyota Comprehensive Warranty. This warranty is in
effect for 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle’s
in-service date.
* Warranty application is limited to correction of a problem based upon a customer’s specific complaint.
Toyota Supports ASE Certification
Page 1 of 2


STEERING COLUMN NOISE – ST002-06 Revised
March 14, 2006

Parts
Information

MODEL PREVIOUS PART NUMBER CURRENT PART NUMBER PART NAME QTY
Avalon XL,
XLS, &
Touring
45250–AC021 Same Column Assembly,
Steering
1
Avalon
Limited
45250–AC011 Same Column Assembly,
Steering
1

Repair 1. Confirm the customer complaint by driving the vehicle slowly and turning the steering
Procedure wheel left or right.

2.
If a tick noise can be heard or felt from the steering wheel when turning left or right,
replace the steering column assembly.
3.
To replace the steering column assembly, refer to the Technical Information System
(TIS), 2005 or 2006 model year Avalon Repair Manual: Steering Column: Steering
Column Assembly.
Page 2 of 2



[merriam1998]

Would this steering column (noise) problem lead to the loss of control of the car, beside the annoying noise? How much It could cost to have it fixed?

[grandpapa]

It took me a while to find this topic

Anyway, I don't drive the Avalon much but last week, I notice there is some weird noise coming from the steering column. It sounds like a clunk..clunk? or maybe pop...pop while turning the steering wheel. More noticable when car is not moving or low speed.

the 1st post of this is coming from this forum
http://www.tundrasolutions.com/forum...t002-06-power/

but not much info on DIY

Our is 05 and don't want to spend too much. Any idea? or anyone has the same problem?

[Mike Murrell]

The problem in the TSB I posted above back in 2007 had nothing to do with my situation.

I personally drive fairly simple vehicles.

The '06 Avalon(my wifes car) was a BIG step up for me. Too many whistles and bells for my taste.

Turns out I was hearing the ABS going thru a self-test on take-off. By design - this will happen everytime you cycle the engine and then startup again and drive off. Occurs for just a sec. or so.

Needless to say the TSB is valid in other situations.

[grandpapa]

I have read some people on Sienna forum do a DIY by adding lub around the steering column shaft booster, i will need to look deeper to see how it turns out