Steering - Steering Column Pop/Click When Turning
09-050December 11, 2009
Applies To:
2009 TL - ALL
Popping or Clicking When Turning the Steering Wheel
SYMPTOM
A popping or clicking comes from the lower area of the steering column when you turn the steering wheel.
PROBABLE CAUSE
The steering column lower bearing is mis-set.
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Replace the steering column.
PARTS INFORMATION
Steering Column (Base model):
P/N 53200-TK4-A02
Steering Column (Tech Package model):
P/N 53200-TK4-A12
Torx Bolt (two required):
P/N 90134-S6A-A80
Shear Bolt:
P/N 35102-5V4-003
(Base model only, two required)
Steering Column Holder Set:
P/N 06352-TK4-A01
(Tech Package model only, contains bracket and
two shear bolts)
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
In warranty:
The normal warranty applies.
Failed Part: P/N 53200-TK4-A12
Defect Code: 07404
Symptom Code: 04201
Skill Level: Repair Technician
Out of warranty:
Any repair performed after warranty expiration may be eligible for goodwill consideration by the District Parts and Service Manager or your Zone Office. You must request consideration, and get a decision, before starting work.
DIAGNOSIS
1. With the transmission in P and the parking brake set, start the engine, and let it idle.
2. Tilt the steering column all the way down, and pull it all the way out.
3. Using a stethoscope or a Chassis Ear, listen to the lower area of the steering column while turning the steering wheel.
Do you hear a pop or click from the steering column in the area shown below?
Yes - Go to REPAIR PROCEDURE.
No - This service bulletin does not apply. Continue with normal troubleshooting to find the source of the noise.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
NOTE:
This procedure is in an outline form that you can also use as a checklist for the repair. If you need more details, bookmark the following procedures in the 09-10 TL Service Manual, or view them online:
^ Battery Terminal Disconnection and Reconnection
^ Driver's Dashboard Lower Cover Removal/Installation
^ Driver's Airbag Removal/Installation
^ Steering Wheel Removal/Installation
^ Steering Column Cover Removal/Installation
^ Front Toe Inspection/Adjustment
^ VSA Sensor Neutral Position Memorization
1. With the engine idling and the steering column tilted all the way down and pulled all the way out, set the steering wheel/front wheels in the straight ahead position. Then turn off the ignition switch, and remove the key, or press the engine start/stop button to select the OFF mode.
2. Stick a piece of masking tape on top of the steering wheel hub and another on the steering column cover, then draw a line in the middle of both pieces of tape. This helps to align the steering wheel when you reinstall it later.
3. Make sure the driver's seat is adjusted all the way back, then do the battery terminal disconnection procedure.
4. Remove the driver's dashboard lower cover.
5. Remove the driver's airbag.
6. Remove the steering wheel.
NOTE:
Make sure not to turn the cable reel while the steering wheel is off.
7. Remove the steering column covers.
8. Remove the steering joint cover.
9. Loosen the upper steering joint bolt. Do not remove the steering joint from the column shaft.
10. Remove the lower steering joint bolt, then disconnect the steering joint from the pinion shaft by sliding it toward the column shaft.
NOTE:
If the center guide is in place on the pinion shaft and hasn't moved, leave it in place. If the center guide is out of place, discard it.
11. Disconnect the wire harness conn2ltors from the combination switch assembly/cable reel.
12. Remove the combination switch assembly/cable reel from the steering column shaft by removing the three screws. Make sure not to turn the cable reel.
13. Disconnect the ignition switch connectors, then release the wire harness clips from the steering column.
14. Remove the steering lock from the steering column:
^ Using a center-punch and a hammer, carefully "walk out" the two bolts from the steering column bracket. Discard the bolts (all models). Discard the bracket (Tech Package model).
^ Remove the steering lock from the steering column. The steering lock will be reused on the new steering column. The steering column bracket will be reused only on the Base model.
15. With the lock lever still in its locked position, remove the steering column attaching nuts and bolts, and then carefully guiding the steering column out of the dashboard.
16. Make sure the lock lever on the new steering column is locked, then carefully guide the new steering column into place. Install the attaching nuts and bolts, and torque them to 16 N.m (12 lb-ft).
17. Install the original steering lock and the original column bracket (Base model) or the new column bracket (Tech Package model) on the new steering column. Hand-tighten the new steering lock shear bolts.
18. Make sure the lock pin in the steering lock engages properly into the steering column. Also make sure the ignition key (if equipped) turns freely.
19. Tighten the steering lock shear bolts until their hex heads twist off.
20. Reconnect the ignition switch connectors, then attach the wire harness clips to the steering column.
21. Reinstall the combination switch assembly/cable reel on the steering column shaft, reconnect the wire connectors, then tighten the three screws in the order shown.
NOTE:
If the cable reel was turned while the combination switch assembly/cable reel was off, center the cable reel: Turn it clockwise until it stops, then turn it counterclockwise about three turns (until the arrow on the cable reel label points straight up).
22. If the front wheels were turned while the steering column was removed, the steering rack needs to be centered within its stroke, with the front wheels straight ahead. Then slip the lower end of the steering joint onto the pinion shaft.
NOTE:
^ If the center guide is in place on the pinion shaft, install the steering joint by aligning it with the center guide.
^ If there is no center guide on the pinion shaft, position the steering joint by aligning its gap within the angle shown.
23. Align the bolt hole on the steering joint with the groove in the pinion shaft, then hand-tighten the lower joint bolt. Make sure the bolt is secure in the pinion shaft groove.
24. Pull on the steering joint to make sure it's fully seated, then tighten the lower joint bolt and the upper joint bolt to the torque in the illustration.
25. Reinstall the steering joint cover.
26. Reinstall the steering column covers.
27. Reinstall the steering wheel, aligning the marks you made on the steering wheel and the steering column cover. Torque the steering wheel nut to 39 N.m (29 lb-ft). Remove the tape from the steering wheel and the steering column cover.
28. Reinstall the driver's airbag with new Torx bolts. Torque the Torx bolts to 9.8 N.m (7.2 lb-ft).
29. Reinstall the driver's dashboard lower cover.
30. Do the battery terminal reconnection procedure.
31. Watch the SRS indicator after you turn the ignition switch to ON (II) or press the engine start-stop button to select the ON mode; the SRS indicator should come on for about 6 seconds, and then go off. If the SRS indicator stays on, check for SRS DTCs, and do the appropriate troubleshooting procedure.
32. Check the operation of the horn, the turn signals, and the steering wheel switches. If any problems are found, recheck your installation.
33. Check the front wheel alignment, and adjust the front toe if needed.
34. SH-AWD models: Do the VSA sensor neutral position memorization.
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