Rattle in the steering column

I just recently came across a problem with my 2008 Tacoma rd. There seems to be a rattle in the steering column when going over small bumps at a mild speed. After reading other posts about it I decided to look under the column just a few minutes ago and see what's up. What I found wasn't at all like what I have been reading. Apparently there is a small locking washer with teeth on the inside edge that fits over the steering shaft right above the break pedal. I found it just rattling loose at the bottom of the shaft. There is a groove in the steering column which this washer locks into and keeps the shaft tight in position. I guess without it the shaft can float in and out of its hole. I couldn't fix it with just my fingers. I'll get some tools under there tomorrow and make sure it clips back in. Anybody else experience this

 

Can you post a picture?

 

I think I had the same problem in my 09. It was making my steering wheel oscillate at speeds 65mph and above. The dealership Mechanic found it. So far, the oscillation hasn't returned.But I haven't driven it much since.This was found last night. There are 2 u-joints and 1 collar on the steering shaft that tighten against the splined steering shaft. Mine had play in it. Now no more play after tightening, and so far no more steering wheel oscillation.

Everyone with oscillation at highway speeds need to check these connections.

 

I still want to see pictures from the original post. My collar is tight, so it isn't that. I don't have a splined washer or groove for one to go in......

 

Had my steering column replaced yesterday at the dealership in view of the rattle i was having. Well that fixed the issue as they explained to me that there must have been a bad bearing inside. Anyway i walk to the truck and was about to get in the drivers seat when i noticed that some sloppy mechanic left his grime and dirt all over my seat and arm rest. On top of that it looks like they used a screw driver or something to pop off the cover to the column which now looks like crap! I'm not even sure the truck is driving straight.........good lord.......well......i'm about to call the dealership back to pick this up and give me a ride until the issues are resolved..........my luck!

 

It's bad enough you have to take it back for stupid shi+ like that, then some d-bag can't take the time or does not know how to take the time to do it right. Good luck, keep us posted.

 

Well this morning the dealership washed the inside where i had dirt/oil on the seat and floor......turned out nice. They are ordering the cover for the steering column and will do the allignment at the same time. Also will be washing/vac the entire truck after...........we will see how this goes. BUT this could of been avoided easily with common sense.

 

I would have never left the dealership without this being resolved.

 

I once had a Grand Cherokee with some issues, so I took it to the Jeep dealership. After they fixed the problem, they parked it outside with the windows down. Well, It rained for about 2 hours. I mean a torrential downpour. When i got there to pick it up, i took one look inside and headed back inside the dealership. The service manager looked at me and asked me what the problem was. I just told him to come see for himself.

They had to replace almost every interior part in that jeep. Heated leather seats, gauge cluster, radio, speakers, AC controls, steering wheel controls, carpet, etc.

I had a brand new G Cherokee to drive around for almost a month while they replaced everything for free.

Dealerships aren't the best place to take your car, thats for sure!

 

I hear ya! But.....the allignment is off but not that bad. Part needed to be ordered anyway so there was'nt much for me to have done until that steering wheel cover comes in.........Its just my luck!

 

Your so right on with that! But.....since this is warranty work i really had no choice............