Hey guys. Brand new to scionlife. I own an 05 tC with around 85k on it. Have had it for about 2 years. A month ago I started noticing a strange clunking noise in my steering wheel whenever I turn it to the left or right. It clunks about 2 or 3 times before the wheel is at its steering limit. It started getting worse today. It hasn't messed with my ability to drive it, or anything major like that, I'm just concerned it could be something that could hurt it in the long run. I was thinking it could possibly be something to do with the steering rack, or maybe the power steering? What do you guys think?

 

Do you actually feel it in your steering or hear it? Usually a clunking while turning means you need new axles

 

I can hear, and feel it.

 

it might be the steering rack is loose on the subframe. check out my post here https://www.scionlife.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=141734

the pdf file you need to look at is the front suspension titled file. (first one in the list). On page 4 of that pdf is the info for the steering rack mounted to the subframe. the torque values (get a good torque wrench for this) are also listed.

My thought is that when you turn the wheel all the way to one side, it's acting like a pivot and pushing the rack back the opposite direction causing this clunk. check the bolts, see if they're loose and re-torque

 

Hey! Thanks so much! Really appreciate it!

 

no problem, you're welcome! and while you are under there might want to check the rubber boots on the axles to make sure they're not ripped, just in case it is a cv joint (at the outer side of the axle). well keep us posted!

 

Do you have coilovers be mine does that tp

 

Missing perches? cuz that's what i'm on right now, lol ; didnt do my research about going back to stock strut + TRD springs and now i'm perchless and bootless

 

I vote check the tie rods, Inner and outer. I had the same problem when I had the passenger outer end on the way out, couldn't figure it out for a while because it really didn't feel like a tie rod issue to me when I could feel the pop in the steerting. Initial visual and physical inspection showed they were good as well.

Later found out that the only thing holding the darn thing to the knuckle was the rust under the rubber boot. Ask me how I know...

 

Hey guys. Appreciate all the responses! Can't seem to firgure it out on my own. Going on 8 months of pregnancy, so its a little hard to get under the car and everything these days, hahaha. Bringing it somewhere to get looked at tomorrow morning. Will keep everyone posted!

 

yeah could be a little bit of a tight squeeze with only jackstands holding the car up !! but definitely keep us posted on what ya find out