Toyota Tacoma Steering Rattle Solved! Steering Intermediate Shaft Diagnosed and Replaced

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In this video, Josh walks you through the process of diagnosing and replacing the Intermediate Shaft in the 2nd generation Toyota Tacoma (2005-2015). This solves the annoying steering rattle that plagues many Tacoma owners.
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[@AZguy2024]

If only I could find a mechanic who takes this much care and shows this much interest, you must fit into the category of " a needle in a haystack"

[@picnick9923]

Great video and the replacement is straightforward. Thanks for posting. I just did this on my 2010 Tacoma 4x4 Off Road. I did place the bungee cord on the steering wheel but had an issue with the steering wheel position and had play around a little with the position on the shaft inside the cab (disconnect from rack & pinion and move intermediate shaft on steering wheel spline in the cab, reconnect rack, replace wheel, drive and test). I'd suggest using a sharpie to make an alignment mark on the upper steering spline that lines up with the slot on the old intermediate shaft before removing it. You can then line up the new one with the mark. I also had to reset and calibrate the VSC (Vehicle Stability control). It was an option on 2005 - 2008 Tacomas, but was standard from 2009 on. Once you do the install drive slowly when testing. If the VSC needs resetting you will get the slip indicator and and some bad gear noise at about 10 mph or so. It's easy to reset - the instructions are on the Tacoma forum at www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-reset-and-calibrate-your-vsc-computer-the-easy-way.467485.

[@nickb6941]

Just did this with the improved shaft. Thank you so much for the video. My ride is much smoother now!!

[@SueNoononKimmel]

Thanks for this video! FL here. Hubby and I (65 & 64 yrs old) just changed ours this morning!

[@joeyfedel8113]

wow! Best video I have seen on replacing this! Nice and simple, thank you for posting!

[@crobee1969]

I just finish replacing the intermediate shaft using this video and it was spot on. I did it in less than an hour thanks to this video. Thank you!!!

[@zonahay4336]

Great video! Toyota TSB 0057-12 Old Part: 45220-04010 Replacement Part: 45220-04020

[@rgsalvatella]

Done! Piece of cake following your tip top instructions and excellent communication skills. Thanks!

[@bjjbxngfanatic40]

Thank you for this video. Just got done replacing mine now 👍🏼👍🏼

[@plng777]

Thanks for this video, just exactly what I need to replace the shaft.

[@antoniohuertas8931]

Today I did exactly the way you explain in the video. Excelente. Good job.

[@bluntzz1539]

I was having a clunking sound whenever i turned my steering wheel on my old 09 tacoma base 2.7 so i ordered a new intermediate shaft from toyota, followed this vid, and everything worked once again good as new! even fixed my crooked steering wheel as well lol. tysm!

[@raulrojas9142]

Just did this in a 4th gen 4Runner, just following your video. Thanks a lot!

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

This is what I like to hear 🤙🏽 Good job!

[@theariza1]

I love KZbin for this reason and you did an excellent job. Thanks!!

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Thank you too!

[@franciscojavierramos5041]

Thank you Bro ! ... By watching your video now I know exactly where to go to fix my 1997 Jaguar XK8. I am guessing it should be pretty similar in any vehicle

[@chriskepler9089]

You are the MAN! Thank you so much!!!

[@yeshlezcano8567]

Absolutely perfect video

[@jlpease995]

Thanks for this video, my truck has so much play in that joint that I can with just my fingers make it clunk. Ordering the part asap!!

[@blakebiltwell5]

Very well explained! Thank you!

[@evansobey1083]

I’ve been hunting for the source of what I believe is the same sound you explained here; none of the videos or articles I’ve read have even MENTIONED this. So glad I came across your channel, going to try this out as soon as the part comes in. Thanks!

[@kovalenkoihor4325]

So what is the noise exactly? He mentioned misilar to inner-joint sound. I'm hunting right now my Sienna 08 noise. It's really similar to youtube videos of how axle joints sound when riding turns (like constant clicking), but not that loud and not that metalic, and I really can hear it when car is staying and I'm just rotating steering wheel from end of one side to end of another side.

[@Shredmeista]

My FJ Cruiser has this exact problem. Thanks for this video. Ordered my parts.

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Good luck 🤙🏽

[@oberurselts]

Finally completed install on the intermediate steering shaft on my 05 Tacoma Prerunner. Even though I did my best to follow the instructions of the video as close as I could, I encounter a problem joining the two shafts back together. Called a friend of mine that had been a mechanic for many years before starting his fence company. First thing he did was to disconnect the shaft completely from the steering wheel connection point. The he was able to rotate the shafts and connected them with the coupling connector. The he forced the connection at the steering wheel. The problem was that the steering wheel was off center but a trip to the alignment shop back the steering wheel right back to center. Total cost: $246 for the part (Toyota OEM Part), $20 to my friend for getting it back together and $75 for a frontend alignment. Total Cost: $341. Heaven only knows what a shop would want.

[@zachwilson6365]

Thanks man! Great video. Been experiencing this since Baja about two years ago.

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Thanks 🤙🏽

[@Abbot20]

Great Video, hopefully this helps my steering wheel vibration. If not.... It's gonna have to be the needle bushing.

[@bbracing3925]

Thank you! I didn't think that was even possible with mine given it's milage (only 80k) but I've noticed this exact sensation since 30k miles.

[@talatqureshi6170]

Excellent presentation

[@johneric3886]

Excellent we're good communication skills.

[@albert.alvarado7841]

Wow you make it look easy. I'm gonna try to install it myself now lol

[@kellynguyen6507]

thank you so much for video ,it helpful for my Toyota Tacoma fix done

[@kellynguyen6507]

very helpful video , thank you so much

[@chervang5930]

You just saved me a ton of cash. Subbed and liked.

[@medogandcatadventure]

I loved it! Subscribed

[@michaeljones1715]

Excellent detailed replacement advice.thanks.

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Thanks 🤙🏽

[@jorgecardenas1128]

My 2017 Tacoma has this same problem. Definitely going to replace this part but I am also wondering if there is a bushing or seal that goes in the outer coupler boot. I ask cause my shaft twist in a oddly manner in the coupler boot before hitting at the rag joint. thanks for the video

[@Heeman5]

Awesome video!👍🏼🤙🏼💪🏼

[@7stripesfishing830]

Great video this is going to help me a great deal and make my next job way easy, thank you for your video.

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Glad to help 🤙🏽

[@kojojibbs]

top 2 KZbin mechanics

[@OthmanAlikhan]

Thanks for the video =)

[@lukefunke2885]

Really appreciate the video man, I just ordered the part, do you know if all the newly manufactured ones have this fix built in (like that bushing you pointed to on the new one) or is the new one exactly the same as the old, so the problem could come back in time. I have a 2013 Tacoma 4.0l TRD sport.

[@signedbymarkashley4029]

Just watched your video for changing the spark plugs thank you so much it was very informative!

[@derekjuelz5973]

I know Im randomly asking but does someone know of a trick to log back into an instagram account?? I stupidly forgot the login password. I love any help you can give me.

[@dylanmilo4456]

@Derek Juelz Instablaster ;)

[@derekjuelz5973]

@Dylan Milo I really appreciate your reply. I found the site through google and I'm waiting for the hacking stuff now. Takes a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@derekjuelz5973]

@Dylan Milo It did the trick and I now got access to my account again. I am so happy! Thanks so much you saved my account :D

[@dylanmilo4456]

@Derek Juelz Glad I could help :)

[@oberurselts]

Hello Josh! I have a 2005 Prerunner, Crew Cab, Long Bed, with the 4.0 (1GR) engine. It now has 172,000 miles and runs great. I have spend some big bucks lately on replacing the front engine seal, the Harmonic Balancer, Timing Cover and new Water Pump. The cost was $3472. The labor time for this job was 9 hours. This job was beyond me. Next it took awhile to figure out that my crank sensor was bad. My truck was in the shop a couple to days to figure this out....finally a drop in current was detected in the crank sensor and thus another $426 repair bill. Now the intermediate steering shaft is bad---the bushing is shot and so the steering shaft is hitting the metal rag joint. I am certain that after watching your video over and over, I can accomplish this job. I only have one question. After you install the new shaft, I noticed that you remounted the wheel but it sure looks like to me that the wheel is straight but you did not return the steering wheel to it's normal center position until you tighten the shaft under the steering column and then removed the bungie cord and turned the steering to it's normal center position. Can you comment?

[@INTERNA9]

Awesome!

[@baseballdipper111]

I think I have the same sensation. Especially when going over bumps off road with the wheel turned either way. Feels like dang things going to break. Is it possible for the lower shaft to be bad to rather than the top one you replaced?

[@heankheng3944]

Hi Josh, I think my 2001 4-Runner is having this problem. I have many parts--new rack n pinion, new pump, other rack n pinion parts, new lines, fluid flush and bleed--replaced already; it turned out to be real soft and came back to stiff and hart to turn again after a few hours or so. Do you think I should have this intermediate steering shaft replaced? Can you please help me with this? I can have a home mechanic do this for me as soon as possible because I cannot drive my SUV because it's so hard to turn and making a whining sound as well. I appreciate for the advice. Thanks in advance.

[@DS-ft6sd]

Does anybody know if the 2018 tacomas are doing this,mine has started to be little sloppy in the steering as well.specialy on gravel road.

[@jhunest0430]

Thank you!!!

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

🤙🏽

[@scorporsupremacy7948]

Can you tell me what this part is called or can you provide me with a part number? I have this same exact problem on my 2005 Tacoma

[@lergeneral]

Thank you for the video, my 2007 Toyota had the same problem ....and a " big mechanic shop" ! ask the cost 1,900. Dollars! I stop by the small mechanic shop founded and fixed !

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Glad it helped!

[@ScooterBlia2]

Having this issue with my 03 4runner. I'm going to assume it's the same thing. I replaced inner and outer tierods because I needed to, but they didn't fix the jittering steering wheel. I'm almost 100% this is my issue. Thx for the instructions.

[@041185]

Did changing this part fixed your problem?? I feel that the steering wheel trembles and vibrations are felt on streets with imperfections(they feel sometimes exaggerated) , it is felt even with a small stone and the steering wheel feels loose, already. Change all the. Suspension,,,

[@ScooterBlia2]

@@041185 I have not unfortunately. Shortly after my fan clutch bearing went out so the 4runner is parked. No time to start the project to fix. Going to replace the bearing along with timing belt and other things while I'm at it.

[@phillippardo5712]

​@@ScooterBlia2 curious if you ever fixed the vibration/rattle. I have the same at highway speeds and just curious how you fixed yours..?

[@ScooterBlia2]

@james ruvalcaba I never got to it. Trucks been sitting for awhile now. I'll eventually get to it. Just too busy and don't drive the truck anymore.

[@colt1815]

I found a cheat for this a few years back. Take a small zip tie or two and feed them up through the middle of the shaft to take up the extra space, and then tie them off. I did it on my old '07 and it worked just as well as replacing the shaft.

[@brokeandbored85]

Where exactly do you put the zip ties please explain thanks

[@variosv3217]

Thanks !

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

🤙🏽

[@maxkeohane]

Aloha, What would you rate this in difficulty compared to replacing rotors and pads? I’m deep big island, far from a garage and thinking about doing myself but not too mechanically inclined. Mahalo 🤙🏾

[@makaiokalahama]

How long is this issue safe to drive on.? 2007 Tacoma, rattling sound over any slight bumps, obvious in the steering wheel area but also the front end in general somewhat. Started yesterday I believe.

[@markmutambuka1393]

i have a totyota voxy 2012 that i bought used on beforward. It rattles below the steering wheel when i hit speed bumps. What could be the problem?Your answer will be highly appreciated

[@tonyto8384]

can i follow this guide for a 2014 camry?

[@user-hc6no4wo5u]

Is the new steering shaft supposed to “telescope/collapse”. I gave mine a few tap on the bottom going up when trying to install. Was able to extend it all way with some vice grips with quite a bit of force. Is it normal for the shafts to do that or should I just send it back and get a new one?

[@PureChivalry]

Do you know if this would apply to a 1995 tacoma?

[@eurika7655]

Do you think this is the problem 4 runners are having with steering wheel shake at 45-50 mph.?

[@franciscojavierramos5041]

Have you replaced the same part in a Jaguar ? ... Like I said before mine is a 1997 XK8. Thanks

[@041185]

Can the steering shaft, cause my 4runner not to stay aligned?? Pulls to the right side. And steering feels sometimes hard to turn and shaky or loose even on small rocks... All suspension is new except de steering shaft....when I move the steering shaft the u joint moves a little...

[@chinesevirus7709]

I can't seem to find a shaft that comes with the upper boot, can u point me to the right direction, my upper boot is torn and it's causing vibration on bumps, but I also want to replace the whole steering intermediate shaft while I'm at it

[@americanmade422]

Would this also cause steering wheel vibration??

[@abdalqadr1]

Greetings for you from Iraq

[@janbakker9866]

Did this to a T. Bungee corded wheel lined up the flat spots. My wheel is like 3 degrees off and it's driving me nuts lol...

[@marcuscastaneda15]

Do you happen to know the torque spec on those 3 bolts

[@user-yw3bm1oc6w]

this video saved my butt

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

That’s what I like to hear 🤙🏽

[@danhen222]

Have you tried putting white lithium grease on just the splines? I bet that would have solved a little pit of that issue

[@ncmusic61]

Great. Idea thanks! Can this cause stiffness in the steering as well, if not leaking fluid ?

[@JacanaProductions]

Would this issue cause whole vehicle between 75-85mph on a 2008 Highlander Hybrid? The 2008 Highlander Hybrid has a TSB for the intermediate shaft and my vehicle definitely has a steering clunk at low speed.

[@phillippardo5712]

Did you ever figure this out? I have a rattle at highway speeds that seems to maybe be coming from this intermediate shaft.

[@kevinpilotte8738]

Toyota has a part that has been counter measured, meaning an updated part. It is p/n 45220-04020. There is also a related TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) that covers 2005-2015 Tacoma’s. The part costs around $200! BTW, good video.

[@270wsm140gr]

That TSB is it a recall can Toyota replace it under a warranty?

[@kevinpilotte8738]

@@270wsm140gr It is NOT a recall so unless the vehicle is under the 3/36 warranty, it is NOT covered.Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) are repair processes covered only if the vehicle is under warranty.

[@270wsm140gr]

@@kevinpilotte8738 ok thanks

[@luismendez3287]

Thanks for the video man. I have one question did your steering wheel making a squeaking noise because that’s what my 2002 Tacoma does it also smells like burned rubber.

[@tonyhubert4394]

Sounds like power steering by pump.

[@blakepratt4005]

Great Video! I'm having this same issue on my 2017 Tacoma with only 53k on it. Is the rubber grommet not well designed? Would a non-OEM replacement part work better? My dealer said the Service Bulletin covers up to '21 Tacoma's but mines out of warranty already so I have to pay for repair. Disappointed that this Toyota part only lasted 53k when it should last longer. Thanks!

[@gabebecerra99]

Are you stock or got a lift and bigger tires ?

[@shawntapang5642]

Where did you get the part from?

[@gomesreyes]

Good video man. I'm having trouble with my 2015 Tacoma something the stirring wheel is little hard

[@kennegun]

Put wd 40 on steering u-bolt to get smooth steering. Temp fix. Look up KZbin video

[@merycastro2608]

Thanks . No I know what is wrong with my Camry. I won't de clueless when my Mechanic and I start negotiations

[@korndawggy1801]

I noticed some brake dust on your wheel. Mine seems to make quite a bit in a short amount of time. I'm not hard on my brakes either.

[@1sttobylopez]

I wish you had shown us the rattle Sounds during operation Or driving. I'm not quite sure if this is the rattling I am hearing Or if this is the same part on My Corolla.

[@jf3028]

Right! I was hoping I found a video that did that

[@jonnytacooutdoors]

Why would my 2018 Tacoma appear to be having this issue?

[@FLdb-wj4wc]

My steering wheel shakes when I hit the brakes. I changed the rotors and brakes but it didn't fix it. Thinking this could be the problem

[@jacoe33333]

I have a steering wheel shake for about 5 miles on the highway forst thing in the morning. Could this be the problem?

[@twigouthouse4487]

Did replacing the intermediate shaft end up fixing the problem?

[@burnyknob9502]

my front wheel is making a loud creaking sound every rotation followed by a clunk. while checking things i grabbed that shaft that has the sleeve clamp and shook it and i can feel and hear a clunk. is that normal or should it not move.

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Which shaft? Axle? Inner tie rod?

[@burnyknob9502]

@@BudgetMechanicHawaii the one u replaced.

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Not sure why your intermediate steering shaft would be connected to a wheel rotation noise but no, there shouldn’t be excessive play or clunking noise coming from it if you shake it back and forth...

[@ImranAli-dk9br]

Thank you for your video. If you don't replace it, is it dangerous?

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Not really, there’s metal safety structure built into the joint so it can’t separate completely, but you will develop more and more play between steering wheel and front wheels. Mostly the rattling will just get louder and louder

[@ImranAli-pt2go]

Thank you.

[@waheedamjad3142]

You are damn good doing your job keep posting new video I got TOYOTA auris hybrid 1.8 litre I got the same problem but it also make a sound of ‘TAAK’ upon certain point of steering, some mechanics suggest that its steering rack some say its steering column what would you suggest? I’m your new subscriber from U.K. anxiously waiting for your reply

[@austintajalle4086]

where can we buy this

[@chrisflaig5768]

Where do I get the replacement part???

[@haroldvelasquez9185]

What’s the part number from the shaft , thank you for posting the video

[@roseturner7889]

Go to carparts.com and put your Vin number in should help you out. If not message a tech on the page.

[@roseturner7889]

Do you have to secure the steering wheel even if it doesn't have controls on the steering wheel?

[@hitmynuts11]

Yes

[@andyg5004]

Does this mess up the wheel alignment

[@takiea2082]

Yea unless you mark the exact location

[@treyhaynes6172]

I did this today. And now my steering wheel is crooked to the left about 30 degrees. I even had a person hold the steering wheel straight the entire time I worked on it. Help?

[@takiea2082]

You’ll need to have it realigned. You should have marked the exact location when removing it.

[@bowhntr1210]

I wish someone would post an example of the "rattle " !

[@zacharyschendel554]

Is this fix permenant? Or does the rubber gasket wear out again? I’ve heard a few guys on the forums say it comes back. Has anybody else noticed it after they replaced the intermediate steering shaft?

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

Can’t say from personal experience yet, but like you I heard mixed reports. May depend on how rough it is driven

[@zacharyschendel554]

Sounds good. Have you personally noticed yet? I’m thinking about replacing it. It’s driving me absolutely nuts.

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

I did the job on my truck about 8 months ago (~10k miles) and it’s holding up fine. The sound drove me insane as well!

[@phillippardo5712]

​@@BudgetMechanicHawaii Did it rattle at highway speeds with some vibration as well?

[@gregburgess4131]

Where did u buy replacement

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

I bought on ebay I believe

[@bikerdoot]

Awesome video! What is the part called? I’ll have to order it from Rock Auto.

[@rostahang1341]

I think this is mysterious clunky noise on my Range Rover !!! I change every part of my suspension and it never goes away and this is maybe the last suspect

[@oberurselts]

The problem with my intermediate steering shaft was the bushing.

[@edgarandreasyan521]

Anyone have a part name or number ?

[@osmelhernandez7441]

Hello

[@jpoy8088]

I'm getting quoted around $500 for this job parts and labor ? I'm I getting a good deal,local mechanic in hawaii

[@mikeallan7814]

I thought the steering rack was steady and not goes up and down cousing vibration.why it happen this isn't the all system steady?

[@BudgetMechanicHawaii]

The whole steering system is floating on rubber bushings to isolate vibrations from the rest of vehicle and steering while. Great concept until the rubber starts letting go...

[@mikeallan7814]

@@BudgetMechanicHawaii ouu now i get it 😉 thank you!