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Steering Shaft Replacement? - Front Steering Clunk (Binding, Pop Clunk)
Hi all,
I just got a nice LS430 with 135k on it that I am trying to make perfect. One of the things I cannot figure out is this front end, steering related, metallic "binding" clunk noise. It happens when turning, both stationary and when driving slowly. I can almost feel the "pop" and clunk in the steering wheel when it happens slightly.
Apparently, the splines on the shaft which is shown here get worn out and can cause play. But what I am uncertain about is if this would be the cause of my noise.
The part I am referring to is circled below, part #45210-50060
Please refer to the video below to show you the noise I am hearing:
I am curious - has anyone else chased down this issue? The part that the post above shows that was replaced is $600 alone. I don't feel great about throwing $600 at the part and have it potentially not fix the issue, but based on my research this seems to plague many 04-06 model year LS430s?
I've done a similar repair on RAV4's the fix is to replace the intermediate shaft, I don't do that instead pull the shaft out and lube it. There is a kit that comes with syringe that you use to inject grease into the joint but I opted to pull the shaft out and grease it properly.
Maybe you can do the same for your car? FYI the RAV4 has the same issue as your car (I think) the telescoping/retracting portion binds up.
I've done a similar repair on RAV4's the fix is to replace the intermediate shaft, I don't do that instead pull the shaft out and lube it. There is a kit that comes with syringe that you use to inject grease into the joint but I opted to pull the shaft out and grease it properly.
Maybe you can do the same for your car? FYI the RAV4 has the same issue as your car (I think) the telescoping/retracting portion binds up.
Interesting that greasing it can dampen the noise potentially...
Yeah, see the telescoping and retracting is flawless and quiet actually when I'm operating the level to adjust the wheel. It's actually so quiet I can't hear it compared to my old LS400. But that's not the problem, I hear this binding pop clunk from outside the car and inside, more so from the firewall area if I had to take a shot in the dark but I'm honestly not sure. All I know is that it happens when steering, low speed, and say going into a drive way or entering a lot. It's just terrible lol. Driving me insane, because I thought it was suspension related which are easier things to isolate.
I replaced the shocks, and up next are the lower ball joints as well as the big control arm bushing with a newer IS style bushing. But I don't think those are the culprits honestly.
Is it possible to spray the U-joint with penetration oil see if it temp fixes the problem? On the RAVs I worked on the joint itself was okay just zero grease in it.
Is it possible to spray the U-joint with penetration oil see if it temp fixes the problem? On the RAVs I worked on the joint itself was okay just zero grease in it.
There are a few u-joints, I think two on bottom and one up top.
Sound like the metallic sound is coming front the u-joint connected to the steering rack. I'd start with identifying the source first. #13 in this picture.
One way to test if the steering shaft(45210) circled in the first picture is to lightly wiggle the wheel back and forth and you will hear the clunking behind the steering column cover. You can regrease it then match up the splines in a different position than original. I did this and the clunking hasn't returned in two years.
Sound like the metallic sound is coming front the u-joint connected to the steering rack. I'd start with identifying the source first. #13 in this picture.
One way to test if the steering shaft(45210) circled in the first picture is to lightly wiggle the wheel back and forth and you will hear the clunking behind the steering column cover. You can regrease it then match up the splines in a different position than original. I did this and the clunking hasn't returned in two years.
You know, it does sound like it is lower than the upper column but from doing the research multiple have pointed towards the 45210 part (upper part circled in first post) which is why I went down this rabbit hole.
I should inspect the lower steering coupler u-joint and see if I can check if it's clunking at all. Definitely a "metallic" like clunk. Thanks all for insight, keep it coming
Sound like the metallic sound is coming front the u-joint connected to the steering rack. I'd start with identifying the source first. #13 in this picture.
One way to test if the steering shaft(45210) circled in the first picture is to lightly wiggle the wheel back and forth and you will hear the clunking behind the steering column cover. You can regrease it then match up the splines in a different position than original. I did this and the clunking hasn't returned in two years.
Do you have a part number for this part 13? I can't find this diagram for the LS430 anywhere, seems that diagram is for an older LS400 or other vehicle.
Do you have a part number for this part 13? I can't find this diagram for the LS430 anywhere, seems that diagram is for an older LS400 or other vehicle.
09-19-21, 12:01 PM
Steering Shaft Replacement? - Front Steering Clunk (Binding, Pop Clunk)
