Do you have the dreaded steering knock/popping sound?

[dmh74]

Check out Service Bulletin ST001-08, If you google the replacement parts they are about $150 and 1.5 hours labour to fix. I called the dealer referencing the TSB and asked for a quote. . the numbers he quoted jived with the TSB. Might be worth it to check.

[pepepeter]

Originally Posted by dj06482

At low speeds (under 15MPH), when turning the steering wheel slightly (not full lock or anywhere near it), you'll hear a succession of small, quick pops or knocks coming from the front driver's side of the car. Ours seems to do it more frequently when you're on the brakes.

HTH -

DJ

Originally Posted by kimmcc

Sounds like popcorn popping under the hood while taking low speed turns left or right...

Its exactly what my 2008, 36k miles, 4 cyc, AWD, sport, no 3rd row, barcelona red, does. Began about 25-27k. However, it usually happens 1-2 times when pulling out from parking spot..then goes away.

but i found this pattern.. comes back when driving around town, run errands, then come back home, pull with sharp right turn, but makes the noise either only on sharp turn OR relaxing from the turn, NEVER both ways. Does at times seem to switch with a sharp left turn. Dealer could not replicate of course and claim all is well..

Originally Posted by benmyster

Initially the clunks would only occur when transitioning from a parked state to reversing down a driveway, or when turning the wheel from neutral in either direction.



Our local Toyota saw the vehicle and initially recommended that the intermediate shaft be replaced. Upon finding out that it had been replaced, and quite recently, they did some thorough investigating with microphones while test driving. This testing resulted in a focus on the control arm and wheel assembly, and eventually the realization that one axle nut had backed-off by 1/8 of a turn and needed tightening. Upon tightening, the clunk issue was resolved! What a simple and inexpensive fix!

-Ben

Thats amazing... hopefully its my issue as well.

Originally Posted by dmh74

Check out Service Bulletin ST001-08, If you google the replacement parts they are about $150 and 1.5 hours labour to fix. I called the dealer referencing the TSB and asked for a quote. . the numbers he quoted jived with the TSB. Might be worth it to check.

BIG QUESTION.. IS THIS JUST AN ISSUE WITH 06-07 MODELS???

[frozen]

Originally Posted by aja

Wow, I just found this site:

ODI - Office of Defects Investigation

and I recommend anyone with this problem please write your complaint here as well. It's a government site that deals with these types of complaints. They already have two complaints about this problem on file, and maybe we can create enough to get a fix out here for everyone.

To see the current complaints, go to that link, choose Vehicle type search; enter your year (mine is 2006); Toyota; RAV4; then choose "STEERING: RACK AND PINION".

To enter your complaint click the "File a Complaint" link and submit your info.

Is there one of these sites for Canada?

[frozen]

Originally Posted by JuneBug

OK, here's what you need to do. Go to Toyota Owners Official Website: Service Coupons, Owners Manuals, Service Scheduling and More and sign up. Register your car with the VIN and you will have access to all service that was performed on the car by ANY Toyota dealer. When I click on "Service Records" I can see everything from the original pre-delivery inspection to my latest oil change. If they did the work and put it in their computer, it will show up here. Good luck!

Here is the Canadian version
https://clubtoyota.toyota.ca/ClubToy...OnJoinButton=y