2004 ES330 steering column noise
#1
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So, I've had this car for a few months, now, got it used, and while it doesn't ALWAYS do this, it sometimes does, and I'd like to somehow put a stop to it. If I had to describe what's happening, it's like a knocking, clicking or ratcheting sound coming from - I think - just down and to the right from the steering column. Usually happens right on ignition, maybe after about a minute, and typically goes away after about 15 minutes, not sure if the car warming up puts a stop to it or whatever is causing it just decides that was enough annoyance. I haven't had a mechanic check it out yet, partly because of schedule, also because it's extremely sporadic. Sometimes it's every day, sometimes once a week, sometimes a month between when it occurs.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJL6Z-OxXfk
(ps how do you embed videos?)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJL6Z-OxXfk
(ps how do you embed videos?)
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You should provide a few details. Are you driving during the video? Does it only happen when moving or when stopped or both? Does moving the steering wheel affect it or cause it to happen more, or less often?
It sounds as though there is plastic to plastic rattle or rub of some sort, but it's hard to diagnose without more detail. A change in temperature would affect the severity or frequency of occurence if it's related to plastic material interference.
Take care,
George
It sounds as though there is plastic to plastic rattle or rub of some sort, but it's hard to diagnose without more detail. A change in temperature would affect the severity or frequency of occurence if it's related to plastic material interference.
Take care,
George
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Typically occurs right after ignition, driving or idling makes no difference, nor does turning the wheel. It sounds and feels like it's coming from the part where the carpet meets the plastic of the center column, if that makes any sense?
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Figured out what was making the noise.
![](http://i.cubeupload.com/RnfUSr.jpg)
![](http://i.cubeupload.com/vjILK3.jpg)
That white arm seems to be where the drum solo, of sorts, is coming from. It's as if whatever servo its attached to is trying to rotate but ia failing to do so, maybe broken gear teeth, maybe the timing is off, I have no idea, but it's causing something in that configuration to flicker. Any idea what that is, what it does, why it's doing whatever the hell it's doing, and especially how to put a stop to it?
![](http://i.cubeupload.com/RnfUSr.jpg)
![](http://i.cubeupload.com/vjILK3.jpg)
That white arm seems to be where the drum solo, of sorts, is coming from. It's as if whatever servo its attached to is trying to rotate but ia failing to do so, maybe broken gear teeth, maybe the timing is off, I have no idea, but it's causing something in that configuration to flicker. Any idea what that is, what it does, why it's doing whatever the hell it's doing, and especially how to put a stop to it?
#5
Lexus Test Driver
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It's the servo for the HVAC. Looks like for the air mix servo.
You need to take it apart and clean the electrical contacts. Also check the worm gear on the motor, measure the distance and maybe move it in closer.
There are DIY's for this over on the IS & RX side.
You need to take it apart and clean the electrical contacts. Also check the worm gear on the motor, measure the distance and maybe move it in closer.
There are DIY's for this over on the IS & RX side.
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caha14
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05-12-05 06:25 PM