What Causes the Clicking Sound in Highlander's Steering Wheel?

[OKiara]

Steering wheel noise issues could be due to excessive clearance in the steering gear's rack and pinion, or it might be caused by excessive play in the universal drive assembly. A more precise diagnosis requires listening to the specific sound characteristics. Such noises may also be related to the shock absorber's pressure bearing, whose damage is primarily associated with driving habits. Additional Information: Driving Precautions: 1. Avoid turning the steering wheel while the vehicle is stationary; try to steer only after the car begins moving. 2. After parking, always return the steering wheel to the center position to prevent unnecessary stress on the suspension system and tires. 3. When making U-turns, try to avoid turning the steering wheel to its extreme lock positions. We recommend visiting an authorized 4S dealership for a thorough inspection to identify the exact cause of the issue and ensure timely resolution.

[AaliyahLee]

When driving my Highlander, I encountered a clicking noise from the steering wheel, which sounded like small stones hitting the undercarriage. At first, I thought it was a minor issue, but later found out it could be due to wear or looseness in the steering universal joint, causing friction during turns. Sometimes, it could also be a damaged or insufficiently lubricated ball joint in the front suspension, directly affecting the stability of the steering wheel. Problems with the electronic power steering system can also produce similar noises. I advise fellow drivers to pay extra attention during low-speed turns, gently shaking the steering wheel and tires to test the feel. Don’t ignore it, as it poses a significant safety hazard—steering failure at high speeds can be dangerous. The safest option is to take it to a 4S shop for inspection promptly. In my case, I spent some money replacing a universal joint part, and the issue was resolved. During regular maintenance, also pay attention to the lubrication of the steering system to prevent minor issues from escalating into costly repairs. Don’t delay—addressing it early saves both hassle and money.

[MacRichard]

In car repair practice, the rattling noise from the Highlander steering wheel is a common issue, often caused by lack of lubrication or excessive wear on the universal joint components of the steering shaft, especially in older vehicles. Additionally, faults in the power steering system's motor or control module can produce similar sounds, or damaged front wheel bearings may interfere with steering operation. It is recommended that owners conduct a low-speed test when the noise occurs to identify the source direction. It's best to drive into a professional repair shop for precise diagnosis with a stethoscope rather than attempting DIY disassembly. Repairs typically cost a few hundred dollars, but delaying them increases the risk of steering failure, threatening driving safety. Regular inspections of steering components can significantly reduce the occurrence of such faults.

[StPaisley]

My Highlander has been making a creaking noise from the steering wheel recently, which scared me so much that I stopped driving immediately. At the repair shop, the mechanic said it might be due to loose steering column connections or worn ball joints. The noise is particularly loud and more noticeable when turning. I believe safety comes first, so I recommend slowing down and pulling over to check if the tires are loose as soon as you hear any unusual noise, but don’t take risks by trying to fix it yourself. It’s safest to let professionals handle it. Timely repairs won’t cost much, but ignoring it could lead to steering failure and accidents. From now on, I’ll pay more attention to cleaning and lubricating the steering system during maintenance to prevent issues.