Hi
I have a 2005 Touring with 50K on it and when I brake and turn at low speeds,I feel and hear a slight knock. I've had the column changed some time ago. Is this normal or should I take it to the dealership?
A revised steering column became available in approximately March 2006. Technical Service Bulletin ST002-06 instructs dealers to replace the original column with the revised (see directly below, copied from the TSB).
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1. Confirm the customer complaint by driving the vehicle slowly and turning the steering
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.
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Was your column changed before or after March 2006? The TSB applies to 2005 models, as well as 2006 modules up to VIN 4T1BK36B16U099714.
It is also possible the improved steering columns eventually develop the same problem.
I had a knocking that I could hear at lower speeds. I took mine in with a print out of the TSB. They ended up replacing the intermediate steering shaft as there was play in it. This solved the problem and was covered under warranty.
Just because there is a TSB doesn't always mean it is applicable to the vehicle that you have, there are other factors that require consideration. Sometimes, performing a repair just because there is a TSB may not result in positive outcome if you don't actually have a problem to start with.
N.E.O.
Last edited by new echo owner; 09-19-2008 at 12:35 AM.
I took the car in and it was the intermediate steering shaft. It's out of warranty and they want $500 to fix it.
Last Toyota I will ever buy. Thanks for the help.
I'm starting to think this is a common issue. Did you have your entire column replaced per the TSB? Mine was covered under warranty (62K miles), however I have the extended warranty. Mine has been "bumping" for a long time (maybe since it was new), but I lived with it. Now that it's fixed, I wish I would have gone in sooner. Here is a pic of the intermediate shaft - mine simply had too much play in it. If this has been the only issue with your Toyota, don't throw out the baby with the bath water !
So, is the intermediate shaft part of the steering column?
In other words, if they replaced the steering column ,was the Intermediate shaft replaced, too?
I'm not sure since I did not have my column replaced per the TSB, however, my guess is that this was not included in the parts to be replaced as part of the TSB so it likely the same steering shaft you had prior to the column being replaced. BTW, even though mine was under warranty, the invoice totaled $300.41. $73.80 for labor and $226.61 for part. If your dealer is charging $500, I'd ask for a breakdown of the charges- seems high based on what my dealer charged.
I'm not sure since I did not have my column replaced per the TSB, however, my guess is that this was not included in the parts to be replaced as part of the TSB so it likely the same steering shaft you had prior to the column being replaced. BTW, even though mine was under warranty, the invoice totaled $300.41. $73.80 for labor and $226.61 for part. If your dealer is charging $500, I'd ask for a breakdown of the charges- seems high based on what my dealer charged.
The "adviser" also said that you need to do a wheel alignment when you replace the shaft. Is that right?
I can't see how. Replacing the shaft should have no affect on wheel alignment. The dealer did not say anything about this to me. Even if you added in for a front wheel alignment (certainly no need to align rear), it should only add about another $50 to the total.
I can't see how. Replacing the shaft should have no affect on wheel alignment. The dealer did not say anything about this to me. Even if you added in for a front wheel alignment (certainly no need to align rear), it should only add about another $50 to the total.
They just called and it will be $476 without the alignment.
They also sell MBs and BMWs. Last dime they get from me. Thanks again for the help.
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