Good luck!!!

 

If this goes unfixed, is it merely a noise nuisance or is it the start of a larger problem over time?

 

Ok so just as update, I had it checked out at my local dealership ship and they said there was nothing wrong, they said they had their "master technician" check it and there was nothing wrong with the steering system and the noise can be just part of the electric power steering system... but somehow I'm not so convinced, I have never had an issue like this before with the multitudes of vehicle I have owned, some with hydraulic steering systems and some with electric, and to what spoogenet mentioned, would it just be a noise nuisance or would it actually develop into something more costly to fix if it wasn't caught early enough?

 

Sorry to bring this out from the dead. No one ever got it solved? The squeaking sound does not feel mechanical, i read the above and more inclined to the spring/wire squeaking symptom. Mine started about 6 months ago and it's still 'bearable' but so far can't seem to find any solution on the web...yet.

 

The only sure solution/remedy to get rid of the squeak is to replace the Spiral Cable (Clock Spring) sub-assembly. Once a clock spring starts squeaking it usually continues, but doesn't necessarily get louder - it just gets more on your nerves!

 

I found this, not sure if it's the correct part though.....
​​​​​​https://www.amayama.com/en/part/toyota/8430853010