Steering Noise problems of the 2006 Toyota Avalon

My 2006 Toyota Avalon xls exhibits loud knocking noise when turning steering wheel at low speeds. Dealer said this is a problem with the 2006 Avalon and can be fixed by replacing the steering column at a cost of $911. This is a problem that Toyota should have issued a recall to fix since they knew about it since 2004 and have issued various service bulletins on subject.

I have begun to notice a clunking noise when turning the steering wheel at low speeds, going forward or in reverse. I am now reading about this happening to other Avalon 2006 owners. The car has 35,000 miles on it and this started showing up at around 30k. At first I thought it was the brake pads knocking, but I'm almost certain it is the steering shaft from what others are describing. It goes in the shop tomorrow for the vvt oil recall fix and I will discuss this unacceptable and perhaps dangerous condition with the Toyota service department.

My 2006 Toyota Avalon(touring) has a loud knocking/clunking noise when turning steering wheel at low speeds. Dealer said this was a problem with the 2006 Avalons and can be fixed by replacing the sreering column at a cost of $700-800. Car had 42k miles just out of warranty and offered no Toyota help until I told him I had an extented warranty with Toyota repair was made. 15k-20k later ,same problem. Second steering column replaced. 15k-20k later. . Same problem. . Dealer lub the linkage,15k-20k later same problem,dealer lub the linkage again. At 98000,same problem,my Toyota warranty had expired at 96k and the dealer wated $800 to replace the steering column,his cost amount. Area Toyota repr. Said it was not a safety issue ,more of a nuisance factor. Should be a Toyota recall to find the fix. Just replied to a Toyota survey . Have not replaced the steering column. . Waiting for an update on the survey. Likely will not be contacted.