Hi, my mother has a 2003 Lexus RX300 with about 42k miles on it and the steering wheel has been making noise lately when we turn it. The warranty is up so we are on our own to solve this issue. I have already searched and most of the threads said to just spray WD-40 at the bottom of the steering column in the interior but that didn't solve the problem. The noise seems to be coming from the interior somewhere along the steering column.

Here is a video of the noise. Turn the volume up all the way on your computer to hear the noise.






I took a look at the rubber gasket and it seemed to be broken into two pieces.



(I don't know why that shot turned out redish)

-Should I just remove the pieces from there since they don't seem to be working anyway? I thought maybe that was the reason the steering was making sound so I held up the broken pieces while the steering wheels was being turned and it still made the noise.

The nearest dealer is about an hour away and I'm sure that this is something simple that I can solve, so thank you for any assistance.

Mods if you feel that this should be merged with another thread, go ahead.

 

Well, that squeaky noise is normal to my RX300 early in the morning with cold weather. As far as that piece down low, that also won't affect the noise, but let me take a closer look at mine tonight.

 

I have the same noise, no matter what temp. I haven't looked into it, but now that I know it's a more spread issue, I will find out what the heck is it.

 

Thanks for looking at your's tonight. There has been a lot of cold weather in michigan lately so maybe that might be the reason.

Thank you.

 

+1. It also happens to my 2001 RX300. Keep us posted of what dealer find out. TIA.

 

I have it too on my 2002 with 64k

 

I had the same problem. I mentioned it to the service manager when it was at the dealer and he said they would take care of it, no charge. I have no idea what they did, but the rest of the service cost me a fortune.

 

Had the same problem on my 2001, dealer said there was a wiring harness problem (spiral cable I think) and fixed it under warranty. 3 years later it is back again.

 

I'm looking into it tomorrow. I'll get to the bottom.

 

Well, we don't have a "clockspring" like other luxury vehicles, so I can only imagine a few things.

 

mine does it too 2000 w/ 76k

 

I have the exact same problem, but it's not as loud. Barely noticeable but when I am parking I usually notice it the most. I'm at 127,000 miles. 2001.

 

Wow I didn't realize so many people had the same problem. Please post if you find a solution.

 

it looks like you've opened a can of worms.... LOL

I'm checking mine right now.

 

well, went out and after taking the steering wheel apart, I couldn't find anything wrong and the sound seemed to come from under the car and it was transferring into the steering wheel. SO, I put it back together and went under the car. WD-40'ed the entire steering linkage, then the inside of the steering column and finally took the access cover off and sprayed in there as well. Magically, the noise is gone. I'll see for how long.



You have to reach behind the K-member to spray the linkage. I couldn't tell you which of these fixed the noise, but it won't hurt to lube it all anyhow.