06 Rav4 Steering klunk

run2far · #1 (**permalink**) 01-10-2008, 10:17 PM

Tundra wizards and Rav4 owners,
I have a 2006 Rav4, 4 cyl with 39K miles. Recently it has developed a klunking noise when turning the wheel at low speeds or standing still. It seems to be getting worse. Could it be ball joints, the steering column or something else? Any comments before I take it to the dealer for checking. Also, where can I find recall notices for this car?

Thanks.
Run2far

LifeTech · #2 (**permalink**) 01-11-2008, 09:21 PM

Look recalls up at the NHTSA site. That's where.Have yu ever Googled before?

616269799 · #3 (**permalink**) 01-11-2008, 10:23 PM

I had the same problem on my '06, but it started at about 20,000 miles. The recall mentioned in the previous post is for '07 models, but my dealer corrected the problem under warranty by replacing the intermediate steering shaft.

Research online will provide you with documentation you can present to the dealer and if they value you as a customer they should take care of you.

run2far · #4 (**permalink**) 01-14-2008, 01:47 PM

Life Tech,
I was looking for a site with Toyota released bulletins, service notes and possible recalls. Forum experts are usually better at pointing to usefule sites than Google.
THanks.

616269799,
Thanks for your response. I suspect my Rav4 issue is in the steering column. Did your dealer indicate if there is a known issue with the steering shaft? I will check the net for info.

run2far

616269799 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-14-2008, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by run2far

616269799,
Thanks for your response. I suspect my Rav4 issue is in the steering column. Did your dealer indicate if there is a known issue with the steering shaft? I will check the net for info.

run2far

My dealer did state that it was a known issue, that's how he knew what it was (plus the recall on the 07s probably gave him some clues). It's been about 4,000 miles since they replaced the shaft and I have not heard the klunk again.

I bought my Rav out of the area, but the local dealer has always been great for both warranty and non-warranty issues.

If one dealer won't fix it, try another. If a dealership values you as a potential future customer, they will take care of you.

run2far · #6 (**permalink**) 01-26-2008, 10:30 PM

An update: Took my Rav4 in to the dealer to check out the knocking noise. It was cold that day and of course the problem could not be duplicated. Ten days later I tried again. This time the mechanic caught it. It is the steering shaft that needs to be replaced. Since my Rav4 has 39K miles, Toyota was going to make me pay for everything. Then they agreed to pay for the part ($460) but I have to pay for labor and alignment, which is $380. I am now negociating with Toyota customer service to pay for it all. So far, not much progress in that. Apparently I have not spent enough $$ with Toyota servicing my cars. The dealer is not willing to eat the labor.

Run2far

grumpy in NH · #7 (**permalink**) 02-05-2008, 12:29 PM

There should be no 4 wheel alignment required for a s"teering intermediate shaft replacement" if alignment appears good now( tire wear OK steering dynamics OK with exception of "clunk"). Steering wheel position may be indicative of a problem but has NOTHING to do with wheel alignment per se. That shaft replacement should be a 1/2 hour job also ...