If the strut bearings are binding or failed they will feel pretty notchy and the steering won't return properly. When they replaced the struts, did they keep the OEM bearings or did they use quick struts? I have never been satisified with the feeling of any quick strut, they usually use really cheap bearings. I've had the bearings fail right off the bat.
Notched or grooved feeling to steering, not the clunk - 2011 Limited V6 AWD 250K km
Hello community, I hope you can help
A few months ago I bought a 2011 Limited V6 AWD 250,000+ KM, replacing a 2006 of the same model.
At various speeds, in both directions, cold or not, both summer and winter tires, but to varying degrees, the steering feels "notched" or "grooved".
So it tracks straight or in a constant direction, and turning the wheel does adjust direction but not smoothly.
It turns a bit then suddenly "falls" into place little to the right or left as if there were grooves like a roulette wheel.
The steering is otherwise tight and straight and centred.
I know this is not "the clunk", because the 2006 had it. It also isn't the wandering that some drivers describe, because I have had that as well.
This is a) tiring and b) unsafe because I don't have precision control over steering. I worry about my ability to control in an emergency situation.
I didn't notice during the test drive, and my independent inspection didn't specifically identify this, but did identify more generally rough steering at a stand still.
Over the past few months, the used car dealer has replaced (kudos to them) front struts (not for this reason), steering column - used, rack and pinion, steering column again - new, intermediate steering shaft and rack and pinion all replaced, done an alignment.
It was after the first set of work - replacing the front struts and the steering column with a used one, that the problem became noticeable/bad, and since the new steering column and intermediate steering shaft, it's a bit better.
I've seen some threads on this in the history but no one has posted a solution that worked for them.
Anything else to try? I don't think my mechanic has any ideas.
A couple of threads suggested electrical or battery but neither of the mechanics who have worked on this have bought into this suggestion. Anything specific to try in that department?
Anything in the replacement of the struts that could have introduced the problem?
A few months ago I bought a 2011 Limited V6 AWD 250,000+ KM, replacing a 2006 of the same model.
At various speeds, in both directions, cold or not, both summer and winter tires, but to varying degrees, the steering feels "notched" or "grooved".
So it tracks straight or in a constant direction, and turning the wheel does adjust direction but not smoothly.
It turns a bit then suddenly "falls" into place little to the right or left as if there were grooves like a roulette wheel.
The steering is otherwise tight and straight and centred.
I know this is not "the clunk", because the 2006 had it. It also isn't the wandering that some drivers describe, because I have had that as well.
This is a) tiring and b) unsafe because I don't have precision control over steering. I worry about my ability to control in an emergency situation.
I didn't notice during the test drive, and my independent inspection didn't specifically identify this, but did identify more generally rough steering at a stand still.
Over the past few months, the used car dealer has replaced (kudos to them) front struts (not for this reason), steering column - used, rack and pinion, steering column again - new, intermediate steering shaft and rack and pinion all replaced, done an alignment.
It was after the first set of work - replacing the front struts and the steering column with a used one, that the problem became noticeable/bad, and since the new steering column and intermediate steering shaft, it's a bit better.
I've seen some threads on this in the history but no one has posted a solution that worked for them.
Anything else to try? I don't think my mechanic has any ideas.
A couple of threads suggested electrical or battery but neither of the mechanics who have worked on this have bought into this suggestion. Anything specific to try in that department?
Anything in the replacement of the struts that could have introduced the problem?
1 - 7 of 7 Posts
Thanks, I will pass this on to my mechanic. I need all the ideas and suggestions I can get!If the strut bearings are binding or failed they will feel pretty notchy and the steering won't return properly. When they replaced the struts, did they keep the OEM bearings or did they use quick struts? I have never been satisified with the feeling of any quick strut, they usually use really cheap bearings. I've had the bearings fail right off the bat.
Try adding some grease to the strut mount using this. The bearing grease could be dry?Thanks, I will pass this on to my mechanic. I need all the ideas and suggestions I can get!
ThanksTry adding some grease to the strut mount using this. The bearing grease could be dry?
After taking it back to the Toyota dealer, they actually did some real troubleshooting (rather than relying on the codes or lack thereof), and discovered (in my terms, not theirs) that there was a voltage on the steering even when in a neutral position. It should be zero, they said, and this voltage was generating the pushback feeling. So, they replaced the power steering ECU, and this has solved the problem. It's a strange feeling having smooth steering that I don't have to fight with.
I hope this helps other people.
Thanks all for your ideas.
I hope this helps other people.
Thanks all for your ideas.
Thanks for letting us know how you made out. Good luck in the future.After taking it back to the Toyota dealer, they actually did some real troubleshooting (rather than relying on the codes or lack thereof), and discovered (in my terms, not theirs) that there was a voltage on the steering even when in a neutral position. It should be zero, they said, and this voltage was generating the pushback feeling. So, they replaced the power steering ECU, and this has solved the problem. It's a strange feeling having smooth steering that I don't have to fight with.
I hope this helps other people.
Thanks all for your ideas.
1 - 7 of 7 Posts
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