Thread: Steering Column Rattle Noise

For those who have been concerned with a steering column rattle noise as I have for some time, there is a new service bulletin just out dated January 6, 2011. TSB- 0005-11 will replace the entire steering column OP CODE 442051. Hoorah!!

Hi Liners,
Its good to read that you got rid of the steering column rattle noise.
I want to know that how much did you pay for this replacement.
Thanks

While my Venza had 47,000 miles on it when the TSB came out, I had a service history on the problem going back to when the car had 25,000 miles on it. Consequently, the original 36,000 mile covered it. The repairs took about four hours.

It now feels better than new and makes me really appreciate the car again.

I have a 2009 Venza 4 cyl. Great car but a rattle developed in the steering column at about 18K miles. Told the dealer about TSB0005-11 and they replaced the steering column last week and it didn't cost anything because it was covered under warranty. The car feels much more positive and slolid in the steering and front end, and no more rattle.

Glad to have helped. You are right about the whole front end feeling more solid. I am now at 51000 miles and still very happy.

Hi can you identify what part did you replace 'cause my car is having the same problem with yours. SO SAD ! My venza is 2.7 2009 here is the picture

# 2 would be the steering column.

I just bought a brand new 2011 Venza and started to experience this noise at about 100 miles. I took my Venza to the dealer today and was told that the noise was not heard but they would have the master tech. look at it tomorrow. I did inform them about the TSB. I love the car but that noise/clicking is annoying and causing me to not enjoy my venza as much. I hope they don't try to BS me with "We do not hear any noise." So for now I am driving a corolla rental till they check out my venza. Have any others experienced this problem?

I had the column on my '09 replaced last fall under warranty. Following that every time the driver door was opened a warning chime sounded and would not stop until the door was closed. The dealer, North Hills Toyota, Pgh, didn't know what caused the problem, was unable to fix it, and said I would just have to get used to it. After some back and forth emails with a Toyota satisfaction center the dealer became re-interested in resolving the problem. They had my Venza for a week (provided a Corolla to use) and finally determined a malfunctioning steering lock actuator in the new column was the problem and replaced that. After a month it was good to get this non-safety related but extremely annoying problem reslolved. It was, however, disappointining that it took a proverbial kick in the rear to get the dealer to follow up on it. That's not the attitude I was used to after 40 years of prior service at a GM dealer.

Waltf, my driver door chimes every time it's opened just as yours did. Only I have never had the steering column replaced as it never seems to make any noises. So I feel that the steering lock actuator may be the problem. It's all thanks to you with your informative post.