Electric Power Steering (EPS) noisy
 

Good day to all,

I have tried to research this but cannot find anyone with the same problem. So was hoping someone on here has had it or can help me out. When driving over uneven terrain, like cobble stones, I hear a rattle coming from the steering column. I have tried finding the cause and after several attempts found that the rattling sound is coming from the EPS. When I disengage it and turn the steering wheel I can hear the rattle. So it seems that I am in need of a replacement.

Anyone else ever have one fail on them?

RevoG

Is it by chance just loose on the column? By the description it sounds like too much play in the internal gears, but could also just be loose and moving around.

Anyone have any update on this? Seeing as my car is a Middle Eastern version I have several friends that all have the same problem. At the moment we have 5 cars with the same rattle, and some cars are completely stock.

Now I have inspected the steering box, replaced the steering arms as well as the steering column. Problem persists. It is clear that the rattle originate from inside the cabin, so the only two things left is the EPS or the shaft to the steering wheel. I am confident that it is the EPS but it is expense to replace on my own dime. (And no, the dealer is not an option)

So I need to find out if anyone has had this problem in the past and what was done to rectify it.

No, the column is not loose. Have checked that already. Too much lay in the internal gears is probably the problem but do I replace the EPS or the upper steering shaft.

Is entirely removing the PS unit an option..? It's not like our cars are that heavy...

Cars are relatively light for modern ones. But w/o PS assist steering is VERY heavy. Old russian trucks that never had PS were MUCH easier to steer then twins w/o PS. Try stopping engine and turn wheel when stationary. Simple enough test to perform.

The steering ratio and probably the caster are set up for power steering so you'll probably hate it at parking lot speeds.

Hello. Could you say me how do you disengage the EPS ? Thanks

Pull the fuse. The car is brutal to steer without it though.

Make it 6. Having the same rattle as well. I think some local garages are working on finding a fix. Found something interesting on the Australian forum, I think they have the same issue as the GCC specs:

"Hi all, Ive done a lot of research over the weekend and today and come up with some interesting results. I was able to simulate the exact same noise that we have grown to hate in both cars sitting in the drive way but not to the same extent as driving over rough roads so i am 90% convinced its not in the suspension, rack or intermediate shaft but in the power steer unit.
The Electronic power steer unit or EPS is made by JTEKT a sub company of Toyota I believe. JTEK make all sorts of automotive stuff including the Torsen LSD in the 86/BRZ. The column P.Steer or C-EPS has / is used by countless brands and models including Toyota Corolla so i had a look at the 86 and my 2009 Corolla and they are 99 % identical, DAM. On the JTEKT web site i stumbled across some engineering publications and in these I found that they have been chasing an issue that they call rattle and back lash of the worm drive gear in the C-EPS, one artical also mentions inverse input, I.E input forces from the wheels over rough roads ( bumps)to the C-EPS and how the C-EPS dampened's these inputs via electronic inputs so the driver does not feel these input forces from the road at the steer wheel and that this dampening may increase rattle backlash over rough roads. They also mention in depth how they have tried to reduce this "rattle" and development is on going. So it seems that any car that uses this type of C-EPS has the potential to make this noise over rough roads. I have added a link if anyone would like some light reading, I will be seeing Toyota tomorrow armed with this info.
Click on the link JTEKT ENGINEERING JOURNAL scroll down to the blue journal, No.1009E 2012 Automotive Technology Special Edition, click the drop down list and scroll to TECHNICAL REPORTS then the 4th line down click on Development of rattle noise analysis...... there's also and artical the 2006 journal."

http: / / *************/forum/f16/all-gt86-owners-must-read-3164/index22.html

I've been chasing a rattle like this for a while, I'm becoming convinced it's the PS unit too.
It got worse after mounting my Volks, which makes sense, the lighter wheels have less inertia to dampen forces from the road that get transfered to the tie rods.

Early 2013 model here.

I have this too. @darksnyder lead me to searching for a fix from the Corolla community and I've found a lot of discussion about this problem there. Turns out the Corolla, Lexus C200h and a few other Toyotas have very similar if not identical EPS systems. I see several different fixes for this problem. I see one guy simply tightened the bolts on the linkage. Some shimmed up the bearing. Mine seems to be coming from inside the EPS motor though. I've seen people take the EPS housing off and pump it full of grease. I'm really shocked there isn't more talk about this problem on this forum, especially from people who track their cars. I suspect because there have only been a dozen Twins sold and they are all low mileage compared to the gazillion Corollas that are on the road with 200K+ on them.

Tonight if I get a chance I am going to loosen and retighten the bolts on the linkage and see if that helps. If not I may take the whole thing apart this weekend and see if I can figure something out. Mine is getting worse by the day. If I do any hard braking it makes all kinds of racket.

Could you please try to take some pictures ?

I'm chasing a similar sound !

Thanks

I will for sure. I suspect a lot of people have this chatter and try to chase it down in the suspension when really it’s in the EPS.

Same here. It started off only making noises over uneven terrain but now even under braking, its slight audible. I think changing any suspension component only either dampens it or aggravates it. I had my tire rods changed by some garage just after owning it, it kind of made it a little worse.


Keep us posted on your progress. Here in UAE, the dealer has indirectly admitted to the problem and its a potential hazard as one can lose power steering (as per them). The only solution they are currently providing is to replace the EPS (~$1,500). :confused0068:

Electric Power Steering (EPS) noisy
 

There's no chance of you losing power steering because of this noise. Dealer service counter people usually don't know very much.

The system is functioning as intended. Large input forces from the road are normally transferred to the steering wheel. The EPS soaks up those inputs. A side effect is the rattling. Ideally when the EPS is tight with very little gear slop, it's inaudible. On some cars, mine included, it's quite loud. There's probably a way to fix it other than to replace the EPS or straight up delete it. Either way, it's an annoyance, not a safety issue.

Any luck?

Sorry, I've not had a chance to mess with it yet.

Following

While we wait for a fix, I recorded a few videos of my rattling EPS and just curious to know if you guys are experiencing the same rattling or less or worse:

https://youtu.be/cgCXPEGruRs (you can here it from 3 secs onwards)
https://youtu.be/3SO_5JbGiig

Yes! Exactly that.

But this steering is very different from a Corolla or Lexus. Not sure any fixes just transfer over and are meaningless although the basic ideas may work.
There hasn't been much talk because it is very rare so isn't much of a problem.

What is different about it? The assist motor looks identical. It's the gear lash that makes the noise.

Here is some video of the system on the Corolla. As you can see it looks identical. The C200h is also the same setup.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iv8jRd8sads[/ame]

I suspect it's more common it's just people create threads like, "Clunk in suspension" because that is what it sounds like. There is a lot more talk about it on the Corolla because they sell way more and people can get more than 80K on those before they blow up. Hahaha

If you mean that both are an electric motor and a set of gears then yes they are similar but so are just about every other make. If there is a problem with the EPS on some other make it does not automatically cross all makes. Search Subaru EPS issues to find out more accurate info.

No I am not saying that because they both have gears and a motor that they must be the same. They have the exact same motor and gears. Like identical. Look for yourself rather than make assumptions. Looks like Subaru uses Hitachi with the acception of the BRZ which uses JTEKT which is what Toyota uses in all their cars. Yes I know JTEKT has several units but the unit in the 2009 Corolla XRS and Lexus CT200h looks identical. You did a lightning response to my post so clearly you didn't bother looking at that video.

Let's not derail another thread with arguments about how rare shit is. People in this thread all have the same problem and we should keep it productive.

Here is an interesting video:
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsP_qDCmxQ8[/ame]

Looks the same and are the same are not the same.
I was attempting to assist by pointing out that they are not the same but if you see everything as an attack then that is fine.

I asked you how they are different and you didn't answer. The fact is you have no clue what is inside. They have identical housings but yes the internals could be different. But you saying to research Subaru issues really discredits your argument as they aren't even made by the same company. I don't see this as an attack, I see it as you derailing another thread. Bring constructive info only.

My car is doing the exact same thing. 2013 with just under 70k miles.

Guys, long time no update. Well, some information from my side, two people here in dubai got it fixed a few months back. Apparently, there is a small rubber which got broken in the steering column. Toyota UAE claims it was due to the summer heat. The rubber part is not available so you have to replace the whole thing. The part they got replaced was either SU003-00867 or 34500CA050. Toyota UAE is charging in excess of $1,000 for the part. Damn!

Hi Guys,

I have a similar problem in my car.

Its not a clunking noise when i drive and turn the Steering wheel. Its basically when i go over some uneven surface like interlocks or even cobble stone it sound's like there is a noise under my steering wheel right above my legs.

Anyways when i went to the Garage i checked what the problem was and they told me that the noise was comming from inside the power steering motor as they completely removed the power steering motor and the power steering column from my car, Apparently there is a bush in the power steering motor that is made of plastic or like some rubbery material which was broken apart more like disintegrated and is causing the metal part to hit an other metal part which is causing the noise.

I did check with a couple of people and no luck . What i can see are that there are 2 options. Take it to the dealership and get it fixed there which would cost like 7k AED like 2000$ or search for the part in a scrap yard and hope the bush is in a good condition.

I even checked on E bay and couldn't find that part as its not sold alone and doesn't have a part number.

If you are staying i United states im sure that there would be workshops over that that would be able to custom build that part and help you out with the problem there isnt anything like that in the UAE as i have been to a couple of workshops and no one knew where to get the part from or how to fix the issue.

Thanks and BR,

Abhinav

Hi ,

Do you by any chance have the numbers of the guys that got it fixed.

I need to contact them and find out how and where they fixed it.

Any help would be great.

Thanks and BR,

Abhinav.

Hi, they got it fixed from the toyota dealer (Alfuttaim). Check your PM for contact details.

I have this exact same problem. I started noticing the rattling at about 40k miles. I am currently writing SoA to see if they can help with cost of repair in either labor or parts. The dealer quote was $1300 for the repair. 2nd opinion was more @ $1450 from another 3rd party mechanic. Please do the same if you even think you are having the same issue. Based on the low mileage reported by others when this issue is noticed, it's likely there should be a recall for this issue. This may be way more common than we think and could be going unreported or ignored until the clunking becomes very loud. Usually by this point the car is out of warranty and they stick the owner for a large bill on a common wear and tear part.

I am not happy about paying to be part of the manufacturers quality assurance testing. But, they are right that the part did fail outside the warranty period. I just wouldn't expect o have this kind of a failure after so few miles

Hi. Did you sort this problem. I too had the same problem. I found out what it was .. it's a flexible rubber coupler that has disintegrated inside the electric power steering motor.

Don't know how to attach a picture of it here.

Man I would love to see a picture. Seems there is an up and coming business opportunity reproducing this rubber part. Someone else also reported it was a disintegrated rubber piece.

When I attach pictures I usually upload the picture to imgur.com and then paste the link to the image in my post.

Is this the rubber you are referring to?
https://i.imgur.com/E8SYUoF.png

I found a video talking about this problem on the Corolla. Unfortunately it's in Russian and doesn't translate well. From what I understand there is a rubber ring around this bearing and you can shim it up with plastic to solve the knocking sound. I am going to try and work on mine this weekend and will report back if I find a fix.

There seems to be a lot of talk about this problem on various Toyotas with EPS but it's all in Russian and it's hard to understand the bad Google Translations. I guess they have a lot of bad roads over there which destroys the EPS rapidly.

There is a hot Russian girl at my office that I am going to ask to help translate for me. :)

Edit: I'm feeling good about this now. I found several more Russian articles on fixing this. Most of them involve popping that cap off the end of the motor, stripping the old rubber out and then replacing with new ruber. The fix will only require a flat head to pry the cap off, scissors to cut some ruber and a hammer to put the cap back on.

Electric Power Steering (EPS) noisy
 

Making progress. When you pop this cap off it looks exactly like the other Toyota EPS units. My first experiment was to cut a wedge out of wood and then drive it up in there between the bearing and the outer housing and then took it for a spin. The rattle is completely eliminated the only problem is the steering wheel no longer returns to center. I pulled over and removed the wooden wedge and the steering was back to normal and the rattle returned only worse than before because the rubber ring was no longer in there. So the next plan is to cut some slivers of plastic out of a milk carton and then shim it between the rubber ring and the outer housing.

Okay. Have some shins cut. Now if I can get them crammed up in there.

https://i.imgur.com/aLXTyO6_d.jpg?ma...idelity=medium

Great !

Waiting for the next step to be tested :)

:bow::bow::bow: