Anyone have problems with popping in steering wheel?

bsbkentucky · #1 (**permalink**) 12-14-2004, 03:01 PM

I have a 2004 Highlander Limited and most of the time (especially when cold) the steering wheel pops, not loud, but you can feel it pop a few times when you steer toward the right. I took to the dealer and they told me it would have to get worse before they could tell what it was. I just wanted to know if anyone else has/had this problem and how it was fixed.

Thanks

peid · #2 (**permalink**) 12-14-2004, 03:42 PM

Try this thread and let us know if this is the problem or not.

Highlander Ball Joint Clunk

bsbkentucky · #3 (**permalink**) 12-18-2004, 12:02 AM

I dont think it is really. My Uncle has a Chevrolet Silverado that has the exact same problem and they told him it was under a recall of a steering shaft. I just wonder if Toyota could have the same problem?

JohnJCronin · #4 (**permalink**) 01-07-2005, 10:10 PM

I am beginning to notice a very soft clicking in the steering wheel when I turn it to the left more than one complete turn. Does anyone else have this problem? I have a 2004 Limited AWD V6

pokerface · #5 (**permalink**) 01-09-2005, 09:38 PM

I have an 04 HL V6 with the B package (leather and 7 seats)

I don't have the quite the same problem as you,

but sharp low speed left turns cause faint metallic squeaking

LGL002 · #6 (**permalink**) 01-10-2005, 01:23 PM

Not sure if the Camry is on the same platform as the Highlander but when the weather gets into single digits our 03 Camry steering pops also and it sounds like it's in the steering wheel area.

Only lasts a very short while but does it every morning when it's cold.

Larry

997fitty · #7 (**permalink**) 03-02-2005, 12:34 PM

Sometimes I'll hear some squeaking when turning.

mr2 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-30-2005, 09:38 AM

There's two things you can try...there is a bushing at the base of the steering column that needs to be lubricated. If that doesn't work, the steering column may need to be replaced.

breugel · #9 (**permalink**) 12-23-2005, 10:21 AM

Did anyone find the cause of the pop... mine is doing it now at low speed.

mustang67408 · #10 (**permalink**) 12-23-2005, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LGL002

Not sure if the Camry is on the same platform as the Highlander but when the weather gets into single digits our 03 Camry steering pops also and it sounds like it's in the steering wheel area.

Only lasts a very short while but does it every morning when it's cold.

Larry

Have you tried LUBING the steering shaft grommet? where the shaft goes thru the floor. Use a DIELECTRIC/Silicon GREASE
A petroleum grease will not work.It makes it worse.
A dry grommet will grab the steering shaft and either make it clunk or knock or moan.
Its an easy thing to try, cheap too.

sticed_511 · #11 (**permalink**) 10-27-2006, 12:42 PM

Hi!

I just had that steering pop or clunk on my 04 HL this week( after 21k miles), though it is still very light and only noticeable when not in motion. I pass by the dealer today and had it check, initially the reply was, "it is normal", the engine is not warmed up yet", " nothing is going to break loose of that sort" etc... Anyway, I still left it to be checked.

mustang67408 · #12 (**permalink**) 10-27-2006, 12:48 PM

There is a TSB for this noise.
Subscribers have access to all these in the knowledge base section.

UtahToyx2 · #13 (**permalink**) 10-27-2006, 05:40 PM

I am very interested in hearing what the problem is as well. I started noticing the pop sound this past week. It usually does it at low speeds when I turn the steering wheel at least a half a revolution. It feels like something is slipping on the shaft and then engages. When I turn the steering wheel back and forth to see if it feels sloppy, I can't hear or feel anything wrong. My highlander is an 04 with 45k miles on it. I hope it is something easy to fix since mine is out of warranty.

Thanks

RICK43 · #14 (**permalink**) 10-28-2006, 09:47 PM

I have a 2005 HL w/17k. 2 weeks ago the steering wheel started poping left and right & had a slight rattel noise. I took it to my dealer yesterday and found that the intermediate shaft is bad. They are replacing it Monday.

RICK43 · #15 (**permalink**) 10-31-2006, 10:47 PM

My T dealer replaced the intermediate shaft on Monday 10/30. The entire job took about 50 minutes.
The poping, loose motion and rattle is gone and the steering is perfect. They used a genuine T part. If they have not improved the int. shaft, then I would assume this will be and ongoing problem at about every 20T miles or so.