Problem Symptoms Table
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Toyota RAV4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
HINT:
Use the table below to help determine the cause of the problem symptom. The potential causes of the symptoms are listed in order of probability in the "Suspected Area" column of the table. Check each symptom by checking the suspected areas in the order they are listed. Replace parts as necessary.
Steering system
PROBLEM SYMPTOMS TABLE
| Symptom | Suspected Area | Refer to |
|---|---|---|
| Hard steering | 1. Front tires (Improperly inflated or unevenly worn) | TIRE AND WHEEL SYSTEM |
| 2. Front wheel alignment (Incorrect) | FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT | |
| 3. Front suspension (Lower ball joint) | REMOVAL | |
| 4. Steering intermediate shaft | STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY | |
| 5. Steering column | STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY | |
| 6. Steering gear | INSPECTION PROCEDURE | |
| 7. Power steering ECU | ||
| Poor return | 1. Front tires (Improperly inflated or unevenly worn) | TIRE AND WHEEL SYSTEM |
| 2. Front wheel alignment (Incorrect) | FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT | |
| 3. Steering column | STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY | |
| 4. Steering gear | INSPECTION PROCEDURE | |
| 5. Power steering ECU | ||
| No free play or excessive play | 1. Steering intermediate shaft | STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY |
| 2. Steering gear | INSPECTION PROCEDURE | |
| Knocking (or clunking) sound occurs when steering wheel turned while power steering in operation | 1. Steering intermediate shaft | STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY |
| 2. Front suspension (Lower ball joint) | REMOVAL | |
| 3. Front axle hub (Hub bearing) | REMOVAL | |
| 4. Steering gear | INSPECTION PROCEDURE | |
| Friction sound occurs when steering wheel turned during low speed driving | 1. Power steering motor | STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY |
| 2. Steering column | STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY | |
| High-pitched sound (squealing sound) occurs when steering wheel turned slowly with vehicle stopped | 1. Power steering motor | STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY |
| Steering wheel vibrates and noise occurs when steering wheel turned while vehicle stopped | 1. Power steering motor | STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY |
| 2. Steering column | STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY |