Steering wheel creeking noise

[salmonz]

So the past few days I started to notice a creeking noise when I turn my steering wheel about 10 degrees to the right when parked (it also does it when I'm turning). The turn isn't enough to turn the wheels and is within the freeplay (approx 1.18in) of the steering wheel, so I'm thinking it might to something wrong with the steering shaft or power steering.

I tried tracing it back through the steering column, and felt the creeking the most in the intermediate shaft assembly (located under the dash just before it goes into the floor). What I'm not too sure about is whether the SOURCE is from the shaft joint above the floor or something within the power steering.

Any suggestions?

I have 96,000 km on my 2007 Yaris Sedan with 4000km left until the warranty expires. I went to the dealership today and wanted $50 just to take a look at the vehicle. I said no and trying to figure this out first before I waste my money.

[Kiwi-Corolla]

I've heard of this happening to late model Yaris' in the past. If I were you I'd ask for the manager and demand for it to be looked at free of charge. There's a good chance that the steering column could need replacing, so it's best to sort if out before the warranty runs out.

If they still refuse to take a look at it, then take the car to another mechanic and get their opinion (just don't let them do any work as it may void your warranty). Then go back to the dealership and tell them that you've had it looked at and that they're going to have to do something about it.

Stick to your guns and don't take any crap from them.I've dealt with dealerships in the past and if there's one thing I've learnt it's that they'll always try and screw you for more money somehow. Take someone else with you if you can, power in numbers always works

Have a read of this, it might interest you. Might pay to print it out and take it to them too:
http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/foru...owtopic=109473

[salmonz]

Took it to the dealership in another town and they said it's not as bad to replace at the moment. They said come back when it starts knocking. Right now it doesn't knock. The warranty for this type of issue actually expires at 60000 km rather than 100000 km. They're looking to save me replacing the steering column prematurely.