Steering Rack And Pinion problems of the 2007 Toyota RAV4

Steering wheel feels like lose and there is a thunder noise coming from rack and pinion according to mechanic, especially when drives in the city or over a hump. No matter how small is, also when driving and make right turn.

I purchased my Rav4 used about 12 months ago. Within the past 3 months I've notices problems with my steering. Slow turns make a clunking sound with loose movement and vibration felt in the steering wheel. Initially I was told it was a bad strut, which I replaced, but the problem seems to get a little worse by the day. In checking online I see numerous complaints of the same nature, some resulting in serious accidents. It appears that the rack & pinion assembly is defective since the problem is so widespread. I have not seen a recall on this and wonder why since steering is so essential to the safe operation of the vehicle. I will be contacting my local Toyota dealer service dept. To see what can be done.

Thumping sound in sterring passeger side. Toyota dealer said rack and pinion must be replaced at 52,000 miles? thumping sound is not always but is getting worse as car is in motion. Frankly seems like a defect. Feels very unsafe, should be recalled since it is weak point of all Rav4 for years 2007-2008.

The rack and pinion steering makes a loud clonking sound when turning vehicle to the left or right. Defective part in all 06-08 Rav4's.

Clunk in power steering and/or rack-and-pinion after making a left turn at a slow speed (can be heard and felt on steering wheel). Has been reported originally on 10/03/07 (odi# 102047400), and after that glen Toyota performed repair as described in TSB st001-08, but replaced the only 1 part out of 2 described in TSB - new, reinforced part has not been replaced. Problem seems to be gone for a while but returned as a result of uncompleted TSB repair performed.

Clunk in power steering (rack-and-pinion) while making a turn at a slow speed (can be heart and felt on steering wheel).