Tybodaddy

Thanks for the fair warning. And as Dirty Harry says "A man's gotta' know his limitations". I don't play with my airbag! The only additional diagnostic info I could provide is all steering based switches work, no airbag warning light issues, and the the steering seemed harder (more resistance) after the belts were installed. I'll pose something more solvable later. :D

Code58, if you or any members want to hear the problem I have a mp3 attached here. The whining sound is not me ;) , it occurs as I turn the wheel, engine on, without moving forward or backwards. I took the covers of the steering column and it seems the sound is coming from the point where the wheel meets the column in the circular shaped, aluminum colored thingies (kinda' like gears working as bearings??". The sound is more like loose change in a glass jar. Also I should note that steering seems stiffer than before the drive belts were installed. Does anyone have a shop manual page regarding the connection of steering wheel to column? steering_sound.mp3

First, I’m new to the board and a BIG thank you to those posting how to’s. I just programmed two keys! Now for the problem. I just had the drive belts replaced on an ’02 RX300 with 85K on it. As I was preparing to leave the dealership (Classic Toyota, Waukegan IL) I heard a rattling sound coming from the steering column as I turned. The sound occurs when I turn left or right, but is more pronounced when turning left. The service guy and the tech who installed the belts acknowledged the sound was not present when I brought it in, but deny there is any connection between the service and this new problem. First, am I justified in thinking the belt replacement caused the sound – not just a coincidence? Second, what might that sound be and what is involved in repair. It sounds like a nut is rattling/scraping inside the steering column (by the steering wheel not at the floorboard). Help & thanks.