08 Vellfire 3.5 with suspension noises.

[Moriwaki]

Done a search but not found anything.....have bad rattle and lots of free play feeling at low speeds from front suspension and steering on poorly surfaced roads....can feel rattling through left foot when on drivers foot rest...and steering feels disconnected at times....worn TCA or similar perhaps.....just looking for advise before taking to dealer.....mileage is 55.000.

Thank you.

[Picasso]

I would have the rack checked there are 4 bushes pressed in to the rack these are common to fail on the earlier alphards that would give you lot of play in the rack 

[ThuMentaliss]

steering shaft coupling may be loose or worn

[Joel7513]

Did you ever get this resolved?

 

I have same issue what my vellfire as you have described.

[arthurj]

So it’s not coming through the pedals, but I have some rattling of the steering column. There was a post the other day on one of the Facebook groups that suggested this is a common fault with the 20 series, but I’ve not heard of that before.

[Quimbasher]

I have been chasing a steering rattle since I bought it months ago (GGH20).  first port of call to replace the steering motor damper, but when I removed the power steering motor it had already been replaced, possibly by import dealer. next I checked the steering column and felt movement possibly from the U joints. Bought a new but cheaper than OEM intermediate shaft off the bay and it helped a little but still a bad rattle over rough road surface at lower speeds. So after researching its been noted that the large gear that mechs with the worm gear from power steering can wear. so I stripped it down and greased the two gears.

This quietened it down massively, but only lasted a week or 2. As a result I now know its the steering column at fault, so have ordered hopefully a genuine new column minus the motor,  from Japan.  From what I have read this is common enough, though the previous owner of mine lived along a Stoney lane so this may have been a contributing factor

[Smedom]

On 6/12/2023 at 11:51 PM, Quimbasher said:

I have been chasing a steering rattle since I bought it months ago (GGH20).  first port of call to replace the steering motor damper, but when I removed the power steering motor it had already been replaced, possibly by import dealer. next I checked the steering column and felt movement possibly from the U joints. Bought a new but cheaper than OEM intermediate shaft off the bay and it helped a little but still a bad rattle over rough road surface at lower speeds. So after researching its been noted that the large gear that mechs with the worm gear from power steering can wear. so I stripped it down and greased the two gears.

This quietened it down massively, but only lasted a week or 2. As a result I now know its the steering column at fault, so have ordered hopefully a genuine new column minus the motor,  from Japan.  From what I have read this is common enough, though the previous owner of mine lived along a Stoney lane so this may have been a contributing factor

 

 

Do you have a part number for this? or website you used?

[arthurj]

I have the same issue. Almost completely certain this is the issue. Mine sounds like it’s just starting, only just noticeable so it’s a job for next year.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TU3IeGh8kMw

 

Those little bushings can be found on Aliexpress for £10. Way cheaper than replacing the whole motor, but beyond what I’m comfortable doing myself.

Edited July 23, 2023 by arthurj

[Quimbasher]

On 7/21/2023 at 3:31 AM, Smedom said:

 

 

Do you have a part number for this? or website you used?

4520A-58010 steering column.  i got mine from amayama.   there are few youtube videos on similar toyotas/ lexus with the same rattle from steering coloumn.  if you replace the entire column i think it needs programed on techstream. so i removed and replaced the lower section that has the wear. I am now rattle free!

[arthurj]

On 8/17/2023 at 4:09 PM, Quimbasher said:

4520A-58010 steering column.  i got mine from amayama.   there are few youtube videos on similar toyotas/ lexus with the same rattle from steering coloumn.  if you replace the entire column i think it needs programed on techstream. so i removed and replaced the lower section that has the wear. I am now rattle free!

Did you find it an easy job? I want to try replacing the bushing, or at least seeing if it’s the problem, but I don’t know if it’s something that should be attempted by someone who isn’t a qualified engineer. I’m pretty handy, have some experience with motors and electrics and can do normal car maintenance, but I wouldn’t call myself a mechanic.

[Quimbasher]

It wasn't a difficult job, just awkward. I know Ben Hau can replace the unit as a service, hes on the facebook pages.   end of the day its just nuts and bolts, its not cheap even doing it yourself. IIRC the column was £560 delivered.  

on some videos showing the bush change they remove steering wheel but that not necessary, just drop the column down and unbolt the power steering motor. i believe if its driven with a failed steering motor bush for too long the vibrations go into the column and cause the wear. so if you hear the steering rattle get the bush checked asap, its only an £8 part. 

Edited August 31, 2023 by Quimbasher

[Quimbasher]

On 8/18/2023 at 6:41 PM, arthurj said:

Did you find it an easy job? I want to try replacing the bushing, or at least seeing if it’s the problem, but I don’t know if it’s something that should be attempted by someone who isn’t a qualified engineer. I’m pretty handy, have some experience with motors and electrics and can do normal car maintenance, but I wouldn’t call myself a mechanic.

 there are a few guides on youtube i just used. hope you get it sorted

Edited August 31, 2023 by Quimbasher