Steering - Rattling Noises On Rough Roads
T-SB-0057-12March 23, 2012
Steering Intermediate Shaft Rattle Noise
Service Category
Steering
Section
Steering Column
Market
USA
Applicability
Introduction
Some 2005 - 2012 model year 4WD Tacoma and 2WD Tacoma PreRunner vehicles may exhibit steering rattle noise when driven over rough road surfaces. A newly designed steering intermediate shaft has been made available to address this condition.
Warranty Information
Parts Information
Repair Procedure
NOTE
Prior to removing the steering intermediate shaft, make sure the steering wheel and front wheels are straight and remain stationary. Once the intermediate shaft is removed, do NOT allow the steering wheel to spin freely. Use a steering wheel holder to keep the steering wheel from turning.
1. Confirm the noise complaint and confirm that the intermediate shaft is the source of the noise.
2. Install a steering wheel holder.
3. Remove the steering column hole cover by disengaging the 4 clips.
4. Put matchmarks on the intermediate shaft.
5. Remove the one bolt that attaches the intermediate shaft to the steering column and discard the bolt.
6. Access the intermediate shaft from the driver's side engine cover and remove the 2 clips that hold the engine cover.
7. Put matchmarks on the intermediate shaft as shown.
8. Remove the upper bolt that attaches the intermediate shaft No.1 to the intermediate shaft No.2 and discard the bolt.
Loosen the lower bolt, then slide the shaft up and out.
9. Place matchmarks on the NEW intermediate shaft.
A. Place the NEW steering intermediate shaft next to the original intermediate shaft.
B. Transfer the matchmarks on the original intermediate shaft to the same locations on the NEW steering intermediate shaft.
10. Install the NEW steering intermediate shaft.
A. Align the matchmarks and install the intermediate shaft to the steering column first.
B. Align the matchmarks and install the intermediate shaft to the lower intermediate shaft.
11. Install the NEW bolt.
Torque: 35 N*m (357 kgf*cm, 26 ft*lbf)
12. Install the NEW upper bolt and reuse the lower bolt.
13. Tighten the 2 intermediate shaft bolts. (See Figure 12.)
Torque: 35 N*m (357 kgf*cm, 26 ft*lbf)
14. Install the engine cover with the 2 clips.
15. Install the column hole cover with the 4 clips.
16. Remove the steering wheel holder from the vehicle.
17. Road test the vehicle to verify the repair. Confirm that the steering wheel is centered and no warning lights illuminate during the test drive.
18. If the steering wheel is not centered follow the Repair Manual steering wheel centering procedure.
Refer to the Technical Information System (TIS) applicable model year Tacoma Repair Manual:
19. Perform calibration of the yaw rate sensor and steering angle sensor.
NOTE
Any time alignment is performed, calibration of the yaw rate and steering angle sensor is necessary.
Refer to TIS applicable model year Tacoma Repair Manual:
20. Test drive the vehicle to confirm that the noise is gone.