clicking in steering wheel

[zeppman]

Hey guys,

I have an '05 solara SE (I think it is that model, 4cyl base model) and I've recently noticed a clicking feel in the steering wheel. It doesn't happen at any specific point ever, only when I'm turning the car. And it doesn't happen frequently, only once or twice through the series of 1 turn. There is no noise either, I only feel it. If I am not turning, it doesn't happen. Can anyone shed some light on what this could be, and how I could fix it?

Thanks.

[Down2TheC]

If you're in a turn and not moving the steering wheel, you still feel clicks? So that would have to be something with the front wheels. CV joint, wheel well obstruction, etc.

Here's a test. Do a slow turn with someone watching. Stop and have them mark the tire with chalk at the bottom when you feel a click. Then continue and see if the chalk mark is in the same place with every click. (or if you've got space to play, just see if the clicks get faster when you're moving faster.)

(And they can listen from the outside too)

Also does it happen in both directions or just left or right? Also does it happen in reverse.

All that will help narrow things... or you can just put her on jack stands, stick your head in the well and roll the wheel.

[Sebas007]

Are you dropped ?? TRD springs or whatever ?

[Down2TheC]

^^^ Since he's not sure of his model, my guess would be no. Forgive me if I'm wrong zeppman... I'm assuming you're not a gearhead. If that's the case, there's plenty of them here that will walk you through things.

[zeppman]

thanks for all the replies guys,

it happens in both directions, and in reverse. it only happens when i'm actually moving the steering wheel, not if i'm holding the steering wheel (while in a turn) steady.

the car is completely stock, i have not modified it in anyway.

i'm not a gearhead/mechanic guy, but i am an engineer and have a general understanding of a car and car components. the model just escaped my mind at the moment. i know your average person may not know much about cars, so i understand your concern i don't know much about the power steering system, so i can't really tell if its that, or something in the axle/suspension/strut systems.

let me know what you all think. thanks.

[zeppman]

down2theC, I tried your test and the car would not repeat the click or tapping feel. While i did feel it one time in turning into the circle, while turning in the circle it did not repeat it. Again, it is much more of a feel in the steering wheel itself, and not really a noise. If there is a noise, you can't hear it from inside the car, and my buddy who stood outside of the car heard nothing unusual.


I will be bringing into the dealer shortly because my 3 year/ 36,000 mile warranty is almost up. Another question I would like to ask you all, when is it neccessary to replace the transmission fluid? I've read and heard different opinions on this. I had the car at the dealer a few weeks back for an oil change, and they told me I should get it done. The car only has about 30k miles on it.

[Down2TheC]

Ah... so it's the steering wheel turning that clicks. I'll search a bit. There was another one of those within the past years and I forgot what solved his issue.

[zeppman]

Down2TheC,

Would really appreciate it. Thanks for your help. It definitely is coming from the steering column. Now, I don't know if its in the steering column, or something originating from the front of the car, but its nothing more than a thud or a click (only one) while turning the wheel. But its never in the same place. For example, when I am backing out of my garage, it will do it (I have to turn as I back out). It could happen after two or three rotations of the wheel, but as I put the car in drive and turn the wheel in the opposite direction it may not happen until the car is nearly straight, or it could happen as soon I start to straighten the car. Its strange.

[Sebas007]

There is a TSB for it....look in the TSB sticky in Gen 2 forum...you'll find the number and then you'll be able to do find this specific TSB.

[gnegroni]

Taking advantage of Sebas mentioning TSBs...

I used to have a subscription for Tundrasolutions because they had TSBs available (no more). Who here has access to TSBs and what is the service they are subscribed to, if they pay for it?

[Sebas007]

Zeppman...pm me your e-mail address and I will send you 2 PDF files.
ST001-06 STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NOISE
ST001-06 STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NOISE (REVISED)

[DGPZ]

Hey Zeppman,

you should check out this thread :

http://www.solaraguy.com/viewtopic.php?t=37506

I was having a similar problem, and it turned out to the the intermediate drive shaft.

Sebas will hook you up with the info...thanks again man!

[Sebas007]

Just a little thing here...

It is Sebas not Seabass...worst thing it this is Seabass can means something in english. Just write it correctly next times.

[gnegroni]

You know Sebas, it doesn't look that bad...(joke)

"'Seabass' is also a nickname for Sébastien Bourdais, French-national race driver and four time Champ Car series winner"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_bass

[gnegroni]

Back on the serious stuff, I read the post since I have a similar steering column problem, but its not a clicking problem, but rather a thump you can faintly hear, but feel. Since my car has a manual transmission, I can reproduce it easily with a little bit of jerking. Sebas, could you please allow me to read the TSBs regarding steering issue?