Clunk/rattle/knock through steering wheel?

[Madkore Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Madkore]

Re: Clunk/rattle/knock through steering wheel?

I like your theory Corsa - I reckon the lower shaft would be the way to go as for which order to replace them. My thinking would be:
1) It's likely to be the most exposed and therefore susceptible to damage.
2) Being more exposed, could be cheaper to fix as far as labour is concerned.

$300 + labour to fix what is a most annoying problem is a bit easier to swallow than what I thought I may be up for...

I think this will be on the list of things to do in the new year.

In both your posts Corsa you don't make much mention of the upper steering shaft being an issue - any reason for this? Minimal likelihood it is damaged?

[Corsa Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Corsa]

Re: Clunk/rattle/knock through steering wheel?

Yeah the lower shaft cops a fair bit of weather and bumps ETC.

The steering shaft comes in three pieces but only the lower one and middle one has a uni joint on it.

I actually thought it was the middle shaft because it has a uni joint and a rubber coupling on the same shaft. I have had a few vehicles that the rubber coupling wears out on them so thats the one I was expecting to change but it was fine. I only had both shafts just incase. Luckily I only needed the lower one.

You may need to soak it in CRC for a day or two, it took me ages to bash the shaft off the rack. :roll:

[Madkore Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Madkore]

Re: Clunk/rattle/knock through steering wheel?

I reckon the lower one will be the way to go - the more you describe the fault you had, the more it becomes similar to mine, which convinces me more it is the lower shaft.

Will be taking it back to the mechanic in the new year for a much closer look.

[Madkore Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Madkore]

Re: Clunk/rattle/knock through steering wheel?

HOORAY!

Prado in at the mechanic today to look specifically at this issue which has been giving me the poops for ages and it appears I have found the solution - and basically it is exactly as Corsa describes.

The mechanic took my truck for a drive and FINALLY it happened for him. He then had my truck up on the hoist and found a slight play in the lower shaft uni joint. The play only occurred when the wheels were lined straight ahead. This appears to be because the angle in the shafts changes as the steering wheel is turned, and the play in the joint disappears. This fits in with exactly how it occurs on the road.

As stated, the wear in the joint is likely to have occurred due to its exposure to the elements, and I believe my car has done a few creek crossing prior to me purchasing it. Basically the joint may have soaked up some water/mud which has caused it to dry out/rust and VOILA!

My mechanic rang Toyota, apparently they have never had ANY reports of this issue - hmmm....

APPARENTLY, and this is only apparently, this issue appears only in the turbo diesels - not sure why this may be, someone with a more mechanical background may be able to explain better on any differences between the steering shafts in a TD vs Petrol.

Anyway, anyone who has had this issue knows how irritating it is. Hopefully my account on this helps those diagnose a similar issue.

So, the conclusion is that the lower shaft has been ordered and will go in tomorrow!

I'll report on the cost of this repair tomorrow, but I believe the part alone is about the $300 - $400 mark, around the price Corsa reported. Iwill also report on whether this is the solution, although everything would suggest as much this far.

[MattyV Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close MattyV]

Re: Clunk/rattle/knock through steering wheel?

I had this issue as well - mine seemed to be doing it on bumpy, minor cornering, most noticeable when combined with slight braking. But OK in a straight line. I'd reported it on the 40,000 and 50,000 service but Toyota couldn't re-create the rattle/knocking.
At the 60,000 (just inside warranty) I took one of the service guys for a spin and got him to recognise there was an issue.
Once that was done, no arguments - they ordered Steering shaft assembly and steering pins.
Had it fitted yesterday (under warranty luckily) and all seems to be back to normal. Part numbers according to invoice T04521035250 (shaft assembly) and T04589712020 (bolt).
The technician yesterday reckoned it was a bit of a known issue in Ravs and Klugers (as said before in this thread), but this was the first Prado they'd had. His explanation was the splines on the steering shaft are not quite right sometimes, but that the fault is not actually visible/able to be pinpointed on the part when they take it out. Its more of a replace it and see if that fixes the problem. Take that info or leave it.....
Anyway, finally all is feeling good again on the Prado - hooray for that!
Matt

[Corsa Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Corsa]

Re: Clunk/rattle/knock through steering wheel?

That seems to be a different problem than mine.
That part number they replaced on yours is a upper steering shaft that doesnt have uni joints, maybe the splines are a bit out of whack.
Seems to be a few issues with steering on them.

[MattyV Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close MattyV]

Re: Clunk/rattle/knock through steering wheel?

Hi Corsa
You certainly seem to know that area of the car well!
And you're right, there do seem to be a few of this issue with the steering cropping up. I just hope the part they replaced on mine is a permanent fix for me...fingers crossed the knocking stays away. It sure was a pain.
Makes it difficult for people to pinpoint though I guess with different parts seemingly fixing the same problem.
Good luck to others that have the same issue.
Matt

[Dobbo Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Dobbo]

Re: Clunk/rattle/knock through steering wheel?

I don't know about this problem being restricted to only diesel models, my 2005 petrol has had this clunk for some time.
I always thought it was normal (though annoying) but after following this thread since it was posted, I am also convinced that mine has this problem. I did mention it to my 4WD service guy and he said it was normal in Prado's but I don't think he realises the extent of clunking coming from the steering. I thought I could detect some play in the uni joint when I had a play but I reckon I'll get him to replace it anyway next time it's in for some work.
Thanks for the feedback Corsa, Madcore and others.
cheers,
Dobbo

[Simmo67 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Simmo67]

Re: Clunk/rattle/knock through steering wheel?

I;ve got it too Dobbo.

I noticed it about 90,000km. I've mentioned it to my mechanic but he could not find any fault. I have also had a suspension upgrade with Tough Dog Adjustables. It is most noticeable when travelling slowly over rough ground, unsealed carparks for example. Feels like the steering wheel is gonna come off in my hand :shock:

[Boomslang Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Boomslang]

Re: Clunk/rattle/knock through steering wheel?

I noticed this the first time during a recent trip to Mt Walker. As you said you feel it when traveling over rough terain. No problem on the city streets. I have 110,000km on the clock.

[Madkore Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Madkore]

Re: Clunk/rattle/knock through steering wheel?

So for you Matt, it seems like it is the steering rod ends? Or is it the lowest steering rack component?

Fingers crossed Toyota may just replace the whole lot!

[Madkore Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Madkore]

Re: Clunk/rattle/knock through steering wheel?

Thanks for the update Matt. Glad to hear Toyota are coming to the party.

Thanks also for the photos as I have not seen whats underneath all the plastic before.

Did you actually see which part was broken/damaged? Is it visible from the photos?

[Corsa Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Corsa]

Re: Clunk/rattle/knock through steering wheel?

That top shaft is a solid shaft, no joins or knuckles ETC.
The only ones with knuckles ( Uni joints ) are in the engine bay.

[Justo Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Justo]

Re: Clunk/rattle/knock through steering wheel?

Good they got it sorted for you Matt, I'm starting to think I have the same problem as yours. I only notice it on corrugations though and the sounds appears to come from the dash. Might have to pull the plastics off and have a look. Do you have any idea of the replacement cost.?
Cheers Justo

[Madkore Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Madkore]

Re: Clunk/rattle/knock through steering wheel?

Hey Matt,

Great news! I take it you are referring to the top section only of the steering rack? The bit which comes through the firewall?

Do you have a part no. Matt?

I'm still getting a little niggle which is buggin me!