Steering rattling on ZRE-142 Fielder

[manicou]

As the topic says, I've got a rattle on my steering when driving on rough roads. It's heard from the driver seat and can also be heard when the car is parked and you turn the wheel back and forth fast. Told my mechanic about it but he said he checked the front suspension and everything looks fine. I got a second opinion and got the same answer. Can anyone shed some light on this? The rattling has progressively increased and now it's just annoying while driving.

[Hook]

Those adjustable steering wheels have couplings joining the sections that can tilt. It's rare, but sometimes they run loose (this isn't specifically an Toyota problem BTW).
Remove the plastic sections covering your steering column and inspect it for loose parts.

Also, did u rock the steering wheel for him to take a listen?
Most mechanics' "suspension check" involves just jacking up the car and shaking the wheel around to check for any play. This only tells you that something is completely worn or broken and doesn't tell you if a rack end, tie rod or ball joint is on it's way out. Have him sit in the car and test drive it on a rough road to hear it for himself.

[manicou]

Yea I had rocked the steering for him and we did test drive the car where he heard it for himself. But i know he only checked the front suspension the usual way and nothing inside, so i'll check him back on that or take a look myself. Thanks for the assistance.
BTW is this dangerous in anyway?

[Hook]

Not sure. Depends on what really is the cause, so check as much as u can, as soon as you can.
Please ensure it's not the coupling(s) coming loose.

[shanemoon]

Having basically the same problem with my wagon and my mechanic says is the steering rack but haven't got around to changing it as yet

[m6]

Gimme a call,to arrange a visit, dealt with a couple of 141 and 142's with that problem already...... 681-0632-Sidken Racing

[manicou]

Just to update: I had the problem somewhat resolved by a mechanic who basically removed the finishing below the steering column in order to access the coupling (as described above by Hook). The bolts turned quite a bit but he noticed the coupling looking as if it were worn and recommended replacing it in the future. The rattling has not fully been stopped but dramatically decreased.

m6: I'm sorry but I only saw your post upon coming to provide this update. Is this what you also had to do? Also did you notice any damages to the coupling on the other cars you worked on?

Reason I'm asking is that I find it strange that the coupling needs replacing. This is the first time I hearing of having to change this on a car.

[vinke]

Have the same problem with my 2008 fielder mechanic says it's the steering rack, I'm having it serviced today will keep updating

[eg8]

dont knw if its the same issue but with my fielder only when i turn all left i hear a loud knock....but only once i will hear the knock..