For some time now I have noticed a slight "clunk" noise in the steering when stopped (engine off). Moving the steering wheel just a few degrees from side to side I can hear this noise, I've come down with the noise to the area where the torque sensor shaft meets the rack itself, and other thing I've noticed is that I can replicate the sound by shaking with the hand the steering coupler (the link that connects the torque sensor shaft with the steering wheel shaft), I can even feel that the torque sensor shaft has a small play, which I don't know if it is normal or not.

The origin to all this is that from a few years ago I'm paranoid with the feeling that the steering is strangely light at the center, being even more lighter at speed. I've changed a lot of things (outer tie rods, arm bushings, bearings, etc). and the feeling is still there. I've done a few times the "rack adjustment" procedure, and while the steering becomes tighter or lighter depending on how much I torque the screw, the torque sensor shaft play is still there.

Clarify that I'm talking about the weight of the steering, when driving there is no play and the car changes direction without hesitation.

I'm at that point that I don't know if something is actually broken or if I'm starting to be picky, as we all know that steering feeling and weight is not one of the best features of the car, but replacing the whole rack is a big $$$ and risky in equal parts, considering that it is backordered and everything I can get may also be broken off of a wreckage.

Those of you that have replaced or played with the steering rack, is that play in the torque sensor normal? (In fact, is something anyone can try in its own car wihout removing anything, it's reachable from the top of the engine bay).

 

That may be wear in the coupling you are referring to? If so I have it and it should be fixable. Will have to go dig up in it again to see what causes the play

 

Hi Viggen, I have the same problem and the same symptoms. Did you make any progress on this?

I found this out because I hear also a clunking noise at some bumps or pavement changes and I'm going crazy to find it out.

And the torque sensor play... I don't know whether that's normal. And as you said, when the engine is on you don't notice that at all.

Thank you.

 

The torque sensor shouldn't have any play... the play would likely be from the linkage... or somewhere else, maybe the ends or the rack mounts ?

 

Just an update on this, I found the cause of the noise, a sway bar link nut was going loose and that was causing the clunking noise I was hearing, so apparently no problems with the steering. Hope this can help someone.