The intermediate steering shaft replacement procedure for a Sienna should be the same for all Camry-based cars, including the ES300/RX350, Avalon, Solara, and Highlander.
From the steering column inside the car, the steering shaft travels through the firewall to the steering rack below.
The shaft can be blasted off the spline once the wheel is removed using this 12 mm pinch bolt:
The other 12mm pinch bolt is located at the top of the steering column underneath the dashboard:
Even though it wasn’t necessary, I took the dash panels off to look closer:
When reinstalling the steering column, it helps if you make marks with matches on it.
To prevent the steering wheel from turning and perhaps throwing off the alignment or breaking the clock spring, take the necessary precautions.
The dust cover is then unclipped and taken off:
And suddenly the shaft emerges:
I gambled on a salvage yard shaft replacement, and it turned out okay. OEM ones cost $660, whereas RockAuto ones cost $150 or more.
In This Article...
How much does a new intermediate steering shaft cost?
A damaged intermediate steering shaft would cost between $200 and $350 to replace. The price of the labor would range from $100 to $200, and the price of the parts would be between $100 and $150.
You might save around 50% of this expense by replacing the intermediate steering shaft on your own, but it is still preferable to hire a pro to do it. You can be sure the work was done correctly in this way.
The location of the intermediate steering shaft.
Your car’s intermediate steering shaft is an important part. It is the foundation of how you maneuver your car since it connects the transmission with the steering wheel.
Two jointsone on either end of the shaftsupport the angle between the shaft and the gear, allowing the wheels of the car to turn smoothly. This functionality means that operating your automobile could put you and your passengers in danger if this crucial component has problems.
But how can you tell if your steering shaft is broken? What common symptoms indicate a damaged intermediate steering shaft?
Continue reading to discover how this automobile component functions, typical failure signs and reasons, and replacement costs.
A steering shaft might fracture.
There are several potential causes for an intermediate steering shaft to fail. Among the most frequent causes are:
- Damaged Seal
- Accidental Injury
- Poor Driving Practices
- defect in manufacturing
Let’s go over these reasons in greater detail for a damaged intermediate steering shaft:
Broken Seal:
The intermediate steering shaft could malfunction as a result of a broken seal. The inner workings of the intermediate steering shaft are probably also harmed if your car has a broken seal on it. It is possible for the bearings and other moving components inside the shaft to seize up, which will make turning the wheel very challenging.
In some circumstances, the entire steering system may malfunction, rendering the automobile completely unsteerable. To prevent further harm to the system, it is crucial to have a specialist inspect the intermediate steering shaft as soon as possible.
Accidental Damage:
Another frequent reason for a defective intermediate steering shaft is accidental damage. The shaft may break or bend if it is involved in an automobile collision. It can be quite challenging to maneuver a car with a bent or broken steering shaft, and it can also lead to additional issues with the steering system.
Bad Driving Habits:
The primary factor in intermediate steering shaft failure is poor driving practices. Your car may experience many issues when an intermediate steering shaft fails. Some of the most typical negligent driving behaviors that might cause an Intermediate Steering Shaft failure are listed below:
1. Inadequate use of turning radius
When making a turn, you should always employ the correct turning radius. Cutting corners or making abrupt bends places undue strain on the intermediate steering shaft. This strain may eventually lead to the shaft failing.
2. Running into potholes or curbs
The intermediate steering shaft might be harmed by running into a curb or pothole. The shaft may collapse if the damage is serious enough.
3. Going fast over humps
When you encounter a bump in the road, you should reduce your speed to prevent harm to the intermediate steering shaft. Speeding over bumps creates excessive strain on the shaft, which might cause failure.
4. Traveling on unpaved roads
The intermediate steering shaft might become damaged on rough roads. If you must travel on a rough road, make sure to drive slowly to prevent shaft damage.
The primary factor in intermediate steering shaft failure is poor driving practices. Be sure to steer clear of the negligent driving behaviors outlined above if you wish to prevent an Intermediate Steering Shaft failure.
Manufacturing Defects:
In some instances, a manufacturing flaw might cause the Intermediate Steering Shaft to fail. Numerous issues may arise if the shaft is improperly manufactured. Although they are relatively infrequent, manufacturing flaws can nonetheless result in the failure of the intermediate steering shaft.
How can a damaged intermediate shaft be identified?
There is an issue if your car makes audible noises that don’t sound typical. The steering wheel operates similarly. If you turn it and hear popping or grinding, the steering column is probably to blame. It’s possible that at first you only hear this issue occasionally since it lasts for a long time. Have the car inspected as soon as possible if and when the noise persists.
What symptoms indicate a damaged steering shaft?
It’s crucial to recognize the subtle symptoms that go along with steering shaft or column failure in order to accurately and speedily diagnose and address the problem. There are undoubtedly specific symptoms you might observe in the performance of your car that point to a problem with the steering shaft, but it’s crucial to find a specialist who can identify the isolated source of the issue and avoid confusing the symptoms with another particular steering system component. When you think the steering shaft may be failing, keep these things in mind:
turning with accuracy and grace A malfunctioning or damaged steering shaft can unquestionably influence the clean, smooth turning capacity you once saw in your car when you originally purchased it. Have the steering shaft checked as soon as you notice that your automobile is no longer turning with smooth precision.
worn shaft bearings too soon Your steering system experiences a lot of wear and tear because it is in constant use. It is reasonable to assume that over time you will need to take care of specific steering components. The steering system puts a lot of strain on shaft bearings, which are typically the first to fail.
The way the steering wheel feels The majority of luxury high-end performance cars are built with tight, precise steering efficiency in mind, which is noticeable in how the steering wheel feels. The shaft may be gaining unneeded suppleness if you start to notice that the steering wheel grip doesn’t seem as solid as it once did.
ominous noises while steering Although they are not unique, noises made when steering are unquestionably alarming. If the steering wheel makes any grinding or clicking noises while turning, this is abnormal and the steering shaft has to be checked.
Wheel misalignment when steering The brand insignia should always be in dead center and the steering wheel should always return to its normal position. The steering shaft may be damaged if you notice your steering wheel isn’t returning to the center position while traveling straight on a flat road.
What is the lifespan of steering shafts?
A minor but crucial component of the steering system is the steering universal joint coupling, sometimes known as the steering u-joint. To transfer the steering force from the steering wheel to the steering rack at an angle, steering u-joints are required. View the rack and pinion steering system’s steering u-joint in action below.
Four grease-filled and sealed needle bearings are found in the steering u-joint. It doesn’t require any upkeep. It may endure the entire lifespan of the car in many cases.
The most frequent issue with steering u-joints is when rust is brought on by moisture or when oil in one of the needle bearings dries out (see the photo below). Due to its location inside the engine bay, the lower steering shaft u-joint frequently has this issue; see photographs Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.
Another frequent issue is when the lubricant on the intermediate shaft’s splines dries out.
Lack of lubrication may result in light clunks or pops when moving the steering wheel since the intermediate shaft has to expand and compress when rotated. Lubricating the intermediate shaft splines might resolve the issue if there are no other problems. Otherwise, the intermediate shaft needs to be changed. For instance, a similar issue with some early Camry and Highlander models is described in the Toyota service bulletin ST001-06. Find out more by searching for the bulletin number.
What is the connection between the intermediate steering shaft?
The steering gearbox, often known as the steering rack, is connected to the steering wheel by the steering intermediate shaft. In order to accommodate the angle between the steering shaft and the steering gear, the intermediate shaft contains universal joints at each end.
What is the strange noise coming from my steering wheel?
The steering knuckles and suspension control arms can move thanks to ball joints. It is essential that these joints are lubricated at all times in order to move properly. When you turn the steering wheel at moderate speeds, they may begin to creak or crunch if they become dry.
How should my steering system be lubricated?
using a can of oil In the absence of a syringe, an oil can will work, though more slowly. To inject the oil, insert the syringe between the track rod and gaiter. Clip refastened. Although grease cannot be removed, you should wipe grease from the inner track-rod ball joint to inspect the joint when changing a gaiter.
What is the turnaround time for a steering column replacement?
A steering column replacement might cost between $400 and $900. Only approximately $100 or $300 will be spent on the steering column component itself, depending on whether it is new or old. However, the most expensive part of replacing the steering column is the labor.
A mechanic will need more than a few hours to take out your old steering column and install the new one. The cost of the labor will therefore range from $200 to $600.
The complexity of the mechanic’s access to your steering column will depend on the make, model, and year of your car.
thoughts on “5 Symptoms of a Bad Steering Column (and Replacement Cost)
For my 2008 Nissan, I was informed that a new steering collum was required. I’m looking to buy a pre-owned one with instructions. Can you assist me?
What does a car’s drag link do?
The steering linkage that joins the drop arm (also known as the pitman arm) on the steering box to a steering arm, which in turn causes the wheels to steer the car, is usually referred to by this name in automobile technology. The track rod (or tie rod), an adjustable rod that decides the relative wheel alignment, connects one wheel to the other wheel via which the drop link typically joins. [2]
The steering gearbox and drop arm are typically used to connect the steering wheel to one end of the drag link, which provides the connection between the driver and the steering system, and the steering arm to one of the wheels.
A rack and pinion, a three bar connection that eliminates the drag link by moving a center link directly, is an alternative steering system.
“The drag link joins the steering arm to the pitman arm, or in some cases, the tie rod assembly, depending on the application. The drag link is not connected to an idler arm, and it is not equipped with inner tie rod ends. The drag link can swing the vehicle from the front to the back in specific instances. The drag link is connected to the steering arm at the wheel in these applications. The drag link connects to the steering arm at the wheel and swings from right to left in some Jeep applications. Drag links might have an adjustable design or a solid one-piece design. Many drag links can have their ends replaced or rebuilt.” [3]