I noticed today while backing up into my garage that my steering wheel makes this clicky noise when turned to the left, and is repeatable over and over. It happens about 1/2 of the way to the max-left turn of the wheel, and wondering if this is normal or something may be up with the electronic steering?

Thanks,

Steve

 

Sounds like a bad axle. Does it do it all the time when you turn or just when backing up?

 

Even if the noise sounds like its coming from the steering wheel, and not outside of the car? It may only happen when I turn the wheel without moving, like brake on. I will have to double check to see.

EDIT:

It makes this noise when moving the wheel to the left only it seems. And can only be heard, windows up and quiet inside the cabin. It is very faint, and inaudible from the outside (so I don't think is is the CV joint?). Almost sounds like it might be the electric power motor, honestly.

 

Yeah a little more info may be needed.

 

It makes the noise regardless if moving or stationary (with same level of noise). Can not be heard outside of the car (like by the front wheel for example) and only inside, windows up. It sounds like it is coming right from the steering wheel honestly.

 

Looks like there may be a TSB for this I found online:

2008 Scion Xb Steering Service Bulletin 15639

NHTSA: Action Number: 10030907 Service Bulletin Number: 15639

• Report Date:
  Aug 27, 2009
• Component:
  Steering

Summary: Scion: steering intermediate shaft knocking noise. Some vehicles may exhibit a clunk, pop, or knocking noise when turning the steering wheel to the left or right. A new intermediate shaft has been developed to address this condition.

 

Mine may have that too. I notice a clicking type sound, but I have only noticed it when I back up and turn the wheel to the left.

 

If the intermediate shaft is going, you will feel it in the steering wheel when turning... I shouldn't just do it when you're backing up and turning left....
My guess is it might be some sort of EPS (electric power steering) noise.

 

Got appointment at the dealer next Tuesday morning for them to check and see what it is. Will update as I find out information.

 

Can I get this tsb done if im past the 3/36k warranty?

 

According to some website, the steering system is part of the 5yr/60K powertrain warranty, and not the bumper to bumper 36K. Not 100% on that though. I will see what the dealer says. But I believe any TSB is free, in or out of warranty.

 

Yeah, I also believe TSB's can be performed anytime as long as the car has not already had the repair done. Keep us informed.

 

Depending on the warranty of the system affected by the TSB , it may or may not be under warranty. For example.... Let's say a wheel bearing TSB exists for the Xb (it doesen't), but it is for the rears. This would only be coverer under the 3/36 warranty (non-drive axle) unless otherwise stated in the TSB.
Hope this helps.

 

Ok, so just got back from dealer and they said it may be the steering shaft is wearing. However, they say the TSB is not addressed to me that it is not the same issue, so who knows. I may contact Scion and see what is up.

They said if I have it repaired, it will be $2493.95

 

Wow, that's not a repair, that's an entire steering assembly replacement! How is the TSB not applicable to you?

 

They claimed the noise is "clicking" and not a "knocking" sound. So it is not covered.

Calling Scion USA now to see what is up.

 

They are looking into my problem and will contact me within one business day to talk about the issue.

 

That's BS dude..that should still be covered under your powertrain warranty either way. Good luck.

 

Yeah, I even asked them about that showing them my manual warranty. They said that covers the steering components not including the steering shaft. So that didn't work. They said everything connected to the wheels and such.

Scion is going to contact me by tomorrow though, so hopefully they have better news for me. It sucks.

 

Too much fine print.