Steering column rattle when driving over rough ground??

[fergiemcternan Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close fergiemcternan]

Hey pradopoint, ive got a problem with the steering column on my prado 120 series ( 03 model, glx , turbo diesel) . Basically when i drive over rough ground or corregations theres a rattle in the top half of the column. I got the column replaced 2 days ago by mechanic and it was fine for an hour and then it started it again. The whole car is tight as all bushes, steering rack have been done. Its not suspention either as i recently installed a brand new old man emu set up. Its tilt only column, so im thinkin it might be a circa clip come loose? If somebody could help it would be much appreciated.

[4wd Supplies Member Find all posts View Profile Close 4wd Supplies]

The Tritons have a similar problem and it ended up being a little nylon bush for the collapsible steering column that was wearing out, now the just inject some resin into it and seems to work. If yours is only that old though it would probably be something that has come loose.

[Steve M Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steve M]

May help you http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...ack-Adjustment Cheers Steve

[fergiemcternan Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close fergiemcternan]

thank for the replys guys,. i checked out your link steve but its only for a telescopic column. mines a tilt only set up. the rattle seems to be coming from the top of the column, the shaft connecting the steering wheel???

[Steve M Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steve M]

It cant be, Madkore's is only a GXL also and also a diesel. I think you may find MickL's reply is not correct. GXL's in that year range didnt have telescopic shafts even the grande didnt have them. Madkore's last reply is saying it fixed the problem. Flick Madkore a PM and see if he has telescopic steering column, bet it hasnt.......Maybe do some googling it may be written up some where else showing up as a common problem ??........Cheers Steve

[Madkore Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Madkore]

PM received.

Nope, no telescopic shaft here.

The issue caused some wallet aches for me and headaches for my mechanic.

Basically I had a to replace a few parts - I'll have to check my service sheet when I get home as I am not sure on which part it was off the top of my head - I know it was one of the sections of the steering column.

Did they replace the whole column fergie or just one section? I believe there was about 3 sections to the whole column.

Probably best to keep communications in this thread so that others who experience this know what is going on.

[hulbyw Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close hulbyw]

My 2004 GXL does the same thing so I will be very interested to here what has been done to fix it
Cheers...wayne

[Madkore Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Madkore]

Just dragged out my service records and found the following notes:

Removed steering column and stripped down. Found wear in upper section of shaft. Replaced upper section of steering shaft. Reassembled steering column and refit.

Over on the parts side of the invoice it has 'M Shaft Assy' - $785.00. I imagine that means Main Shaft Assembly.

I remember my mechanic showing me the wear on the shaft. Looked very minor to me, but it was there. Anyway, that was done in May 2011 and I've had no dramas since.

[Fletcher120 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Fletcher120]

Mine's a 9/08 model and it has the rattle as well on the rough stuff . It's like a worn bush or loose bearing or something.

[fergiemcternan Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close fergiemcternan]

thanks for the replies guys!!! im sending my prado in to the mechanic again next week to hopefully solve this very annoying problem!!! i will keep ye update on the outcome

[Hazza Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Hazza]

FYI,

Same area but a little different and not so severe my Prado is a mid-09 and from new it had a very slight occasional rattle that seemed to come from the air bag. I did ignore it for almost three years until recent times I fitted Micky T ATZ-4RIBS (fantastic tyres). With the move to tyres other than road this rattle become considerably louder so while this car was still in its warranty period I thought it best my dealer took a look. The workshop manager requested to come out for a drive and in doing so we pin pointed the sound. The fix was to remove the air bag and pack the area underneath with some foam (of sorts). Two weeks now and quiet as a mouse.
Part of the issue was the air bag touching the black plastic switch blanks on the right.
Hazza

[fergiemcternan Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close fergiemcternan]

Problem solved!! The top half of the steering shaft was badly worn so i sourced a brand new one from toyota. Around 400 dollars and 200 labour for fitting. Its such a simple but annoying problem, im glad i have it fixed as i can enjoy taking my prado off road again. Thanks everyone for the advice!

[kav Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close kav]

nice work guys im goin out to fix mine now . that rattle has been givin me the dirts lately . who would have thought to look in the archives for good information .

[zutta Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close zutta]

04 model with 230k's,

I got the same rattle, very annoying on dirt roads and even on rough sealed roads, Mine feels like it has got worse in the 3 months i have owned it, I can feel thats its in the shaft but on real bad roads the vibration/rattle comes up and makes noise from steering column. I'm heading around OZ next year and that will drive be crazy :P

[pjorek Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close pjorek]

I'm trying to figure out if this is what I have?

To people that had this problem., I only get it when driving over rough ground and not always, it will typically start few seconds after entering the rough and the rattle comes from the very top of the steering wheel and it feels like ot moves the whole wheel. Weird thing is it doesn't happen all the time??

Anyone?