04 HL steering column noise

edwardh1 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-30-2006, 10:13 AM

Lots of people on edmunds are complaining about a parts back order for a TSB fix on 04 Highlander steering wheel creaking noises.
Anyone heard about the problem?

nhparrot · #2 (**permalink**) 01-30-2006, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edwardh1

Lots of people on edmunds are complaining about a parts back order for a TSB fix on 04 Highlander steering wheel creaking noises.
Anyone heard about the problem?

There was a TSB applicable to 01-03 Highlanders but it is not applicable to the '04 MY

ST004-04 STEERING COLUMN SQUEAK NOISE
Some 2001 – 2003 model year Highlander vehicles may exhibit a “squeak” or shudder noise when turning the steering wheel. The steering column hole cover has been changed to correct this condition.

edwardh1 · #3 (**permalink**) 01-30-2006, 04:11 PM

whats posted on edmunds:
I have my 04 highlander in the shop. Service manager said that they would fix my steering issue which sounds like yours. He said there was a TSB on it now and could not get parts as over 300 in backorder. Now looking March for parts replacement! Sounds like they do have a problem. Hope this helps

breugel · #4 (**permalink**) 01-31-2006, 06:44 AM

My 04 has a "clunk" when you change direction of the steering wheel and when you transition from accelerating and coasting and back again at slow speeds (<5mph). I jacked it up and inspected everything I could but saw nothing wrong. I did not hear anything while under the car while turning the wheel. It feels like slop in the steering universal joint.

edwardh1 · #5 (**permalink**) 02-14-2006, 03:21 PM

the edmunds people mention a tsb ST004-04 steer column squeel,
but they also talk about steering column collar and also about u joints so its hard to tell where the problem is exactly- and it does seem to be about 04 Highlanders

mustang67408 · #6 (**permalink**) 02-14-2006, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edwardh1

the edmunds people mention a tsb ST004-04 steer column squeel,
but they also talk about steering column collar and also about u joints so its hard to tell where the problem is exactly- and it does seem to be about 04 Highlanders

That TSB is only for 01-03's as NHPARROT said.

I have replaced several racks due to clunking when changing directions. (01-04)

The squeak noise usually comes from the inner seals show below, and if you can lube them with a silicon grease (it works better)the noise and chatter usually goes away.

There are 50 of those shafts in then LAPDC (Torrance ,CALIF part depot)
There are 22 of those shafts in the San francisco parts depot as well.
None on backorder in the western US.

edwardh1 · #7 (**permalink**) 02-17-2006, 02:53 PM

Thanks

by changing directions do you mean forward back or left right?

mustang67408 · #8 (**permalink**) 02-17-2006, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edwardh1

Thanks

by changing directions do you mean forward back or left right?

<-----Left/Right-----> rocking motion or changing directions quickly.

Also if you grab the steering wheel and at the same time grab the lower 1/2 of the shaft as it goes thru the floor, use a rocking back and forth (left to right) motion and feel for the clunk. If you feel the clunk in the steering wheel, then its usually the upper shaft that has play. If you feel it in your lower hand then it is usually the rack.