Steering rack life Auris Hybrid

[Roger1966]

Hi folks, steering rack picked up in service as needing replacing due to play, Toyota have declined to pay under extended warranty as it is wear and tear, car is 2013 on 106k miles. The new rack is £1250 just for the parts so I'm a bit sore about it. Any thoughts as to how long a rack should last? Thanks all.

[Gerg]

Was this picked up at a Toyota garage?  Are you able to detect any steering irregularities when driving - looseness, clicking, wandering etc.?

On two different  2013 Auris hybrids I have had steering column parts replaced to fix the same type of steering 'click' that was occurring, but at much lower mileages than yours. There exists a Toyota technical bulletin for 'steering clicking' but the bulletin is only acted on whilst under warranty. The fix doesn't include replacing the rack.  On these 2 cars the problem was caused by too much play in the steering column splines that allow the in/out steering wheel adjustment.  One was fixed under warranty, the second I did myself as the warranty had expired.

Many Toyotas seem to suffer from loose clamp bolts at the base of the steering column on the flexible coupling (a quick, easy fix).  I have not suffered that fault, but many on the forum have, although that tends to be on slightly older Aurises than yours.

[furtula]

Was the steering rack replace because of some serious issue, or just because they said it needs replacing?

Many of steering rack, mine included now original on 105k miles no issue, does click during slow speeds when maneuvering on parking lots.

[TonyHSD]

My one clicks as well upper part behind the steering wheel, thinking just needs lubrications but don’t really have time to take it a part and look at it , some guys fixed that with some shims . Monday booked an MOT and if any trouble will take a few days off and see if I can fix myself. Toyota just avoids a major recall this time because it’s not an safety issue but it’s so annoying. If steering rack itself has a play caused by worn out inner track rods they are not replaceable separately at least not listed in Toyotas catalog and maybe that is the reason mechanics offer a whole rack change. If this is the problem those track rods can be removed from the rack and taken to the local auto parts store, measured and parts from other Toyota like previous Corolla or avensis may fit. 

[FROSTYBALLS]

Do you need to update your profile to include the Auris.

[Motheo]

My 2011 Auris also has that irritating click sound for over 50 000km when I travel at 120km/h then when I drive at slow speeds going over speeds humps you can hear the clicks sound.

When the car was still getting serviced by Toyota Dealership, they told me that my Steering rack needs to be replaced at a cost of R15 000.

I once went to my local repair shops to have a look and I was told that my Steering rack needs replacing and honestly there is nothing wrong with the rack itself.

So I went to a Toyota Dealership to get pricing of the shaft assembly that connects to the steering rack and the quote was R3.500 for the part.

I will be taking the car to a steering rack shop to have a look and advise.

Sent from my SM-A500F using Tapatalk

[Roger1966]

Thanks all, it was main dealer and no noise, just excess play. I'm awaiting a call from Toyota technical with the design life so I'll update then cheers

[TonyHSD]

Ok, so we are talking about the steering rack for sure? Not the column? 

[mrfixer]

The extended 'warranty' is not really a warranty at all. Its an insurance policy against parts unexpectedly failing and doesn't cover wear and tear. I suspect Toyota will say that at 106k miles the rack is just worn.

I think its quite a simple rack with EPAS on the column.  I would be inclined to go to a steering specialist for a rebuild. Depending on where the wear is it could mean a replacement of tie rods or even a simple tightening of the yoke, if that's possible on these racks...  Toyota will just want to do a credit card repair (complete new part).

[FROSTYBALLS]

49 minutes ago, mrfixer said:

The extended 'warranty' is not really a warranty at all. Its an insurance policy against parts unexpectedly failing and doesn't cover wear and tear.

As are the majority of extended warranties sold in the UK, whether it is a vehicle, a TV or a home appliance that is covered. Toyota extended warranties are managed by The Warranty Group.

[mrpj]

" Toyota have declined to pay under extended warranty as it is wear and tear,"

That's exactly why I haven't taken out their extended warranty. It's too easy a get out and, like any of these warranties, a waste of money, in my opinion.

A steering rack shouldn't wear out in 6 years and 106k miles. I'd wager most of that mileage is on mostly stright roads too. The steering rack on my 167k miles (yes it's been round the clock and started at 0 after 99000), 57 years old Morris Minor is still as good as new!

[FROSTYBALLS]

Wear and tear is a factor for any warranty, whether it is a new car warranty or an extended warranty.

One thought as regards the OP, is the wear and tear stance for replacing the steering rack the dealer's opinion, or has a claim actually been made on the extended warranty, and been refused?

[Roger1966]

Thanks all, yes seems to be a sealed unit with no replaceable parts, just seems it should have a longer life, I’m waiting a call back fro Toyota on what design life is ....

[Roger1966]

Yes both Toyota warranty office and now their head office have both refused on basis of wear and tear so I’m going to take to local garage and see what they can do around changing just bits... thanks everyone for input

[eygo]

hi roger

you could try one of these breakers

https://www.car-transplants.co.uk/breaking-vehicles/details/toyota-auris-hybrid-2012-to-2015-icon-plus-5-door-hatchback/4595

or

https://www.hills-motors.co.uk/

 

hills motors is near you in skem, car transplants are in nantwich but will post to you.

[sportse]

Did Toyota say what the mileage limit was for it to be covered under warranty?

I was thinking of buying a Toyota extended warranty, but it's no good if it doesn't cover things while still under the warranty mileage limit.

If the car is within 6 years from build date, there's also an EU law that goods have to last a minimum 6 years.

[FROSTYBALLS]

Don't think that was the question asked. The OP asked about the design life of the steering rack - which is different to what you wish to know. The OP's car is a 2010 - so 9 years old.

[Roger1966]

Hi, thanks, OP here  it’s actually a 2013.  Toyota head office are avoiding stating the design life. Re the warranty I also took the Toyota one out for daughters 2010 Yaris and a week later the EGR valve went and they did repair it under the warranty (which saved twice the cost of the warranty) so I’d still recommend it on balance, you get two free mots too so that saves you £100.

[mrfixer]

There is no way that Toyota will tell you the design life of the rack. In fact their UK staff probably wouldn't know the figure. It would also depend on numerous variables such as road condition, use (e.g. taxi, police ?) etc etc.  I think at 106k miles any claim under consumer protection legislation would likely fail.

It is likely that the rack can be repaired/reconditioned to extend its life. Google "ACS Power Steering" and have a chat with them to see if anything can be done. I am not very familiar with this rack, but I believe it to be a simple manual rack with power assistance provided by a column-mounted motor - I think its a KOYO unit.  The problem with these is that because the assistance is applied on the column (as opposed to on the rack) the pinion loads are very high indeed. But to be fair you don't hear of massive numbers of failures...

For many in the repair trade 'extended warranty' can be a bit of a nIghtmare. Its a frightening sight to have a customer arrive waving an extended warranty booklet in the belief that its going to cover whatever repair is needed. These are normally re-branded insurance policies originating from insurance companies. The vehicle manufacturer will take a commission, as will the selling dealer. These policies vary from one to another (and I've not looked at the Toyota one), but mostly cover the sudden breakage or failure of a part, not wear and tear or age-related defects (perished rubber or parts siezed  due to corrosion). Unfortunately 80%+ of faults on an older car will be due to wear and tear.  Also they often don't cover seals and gaskets. So for example an inlet manifold will be covered but not its gasket. Inlet manifolds seldom break, but gaskets frequently leak.....

Another problem for the repairer is that it can take ages to get hold of someone at the warranty company to approve the repair. It can take an hour+ waiting on hold - that time is money lost.  They are also likely to want a report and photos first. When they don't approve the repair (more often than not) the repairer is left trying to explain this to the irate customer...

With relatively reliable cars like Toyota I would suggest saving the money in a 'car repair fund' rather than buying a warranty.

[Roger1966]

OP here, just an update, they still put it down to wear and tear but are now replacing it for £650 parts and labour (instead of £1500) after I praised the dealer (Johnsons at Wallasey who are great) so I'm happy now as I get a new rack. I think this is because I bought the warranty so I would still recommend getting the Toyota one as they do take care of you. Thanks all.

[eygo]

glad you've got it sorted out....

martin in service is a good guy and is always as helpfull as he can be

we use this branch aswel.

 

[FROSTYBALLS]

4 hours ago, mrfixer said:

For many in the repair trade 'extended warranty' can be a bit of a nIghtmare. Its a frightening sight to have a customer arrive waving an extended warranty booklet in the belief that its going to cover whatever repair is needed. These are normally re-branded insurance policies originating from insurance companies. The vehicle manufacturer will take a commission, as will the selling dealer. These policies vary from one to another (and I've not looked at the Toyota one), but mostly cover the sudden breakage or failure of a part, not wear and tear or age-related defects (perished rubber or parts siezed  due to corrosion). 

Where MOT cover is included, this can apply to wear and tear items. A Honda we had, failed its MOT on front bushes. Although the dealer initially said it was wear and tear, confirmation from Honda confirmed that wear and tear was covered on listed components as regards the MOT cover. In our case listed components were simply 'steering and suspension'. £10 excess was all we had to pay.

When the airbag light started flashing on a Mazda we had an extended warranty on, the dealer asked for the sequence of flashing and confirmed the drivers airbag needed replacing. This was all done over the phone. The airbag module was ordered and replaced later that week under the extended warranty.

The Toyota extended warranty also includes MOT cover and full roadside assistance for the period of the extended warranty. Currently the Toyota extended warranty is quite good value as they offer two years  for the price of one (and 'No' the price hasn't been inflated above the normal annual cost). One can buy directly from the Toyota website, so a dealer doesn't necessarily get commission.

Generalisations don't necessarily apply in all circumstances.

[Roger1966]

He really is, Danny great too, best service I've had in a garage. 

[mrfixer]

5 hours ago, FROSTYBALLS said:

Where MOT cover is included, this can apply to wear and tear items. A Honda we had, failed its MOT on front bushes. Although the dealer initially said it was wear and tear, confirmation from Honda confirmed that wear and tear was covered on listed components as regards the MOT cover. In our case listed components were simply 'steering and suspension'. £10 excess was all we had to pay.

When the airbag light started flashing on a Mazda we had an extended warranty on, the dealer asked for the sequence of flashing and confirmed the drivers airbag needed replacing. This was all done over the phone. The airbag module was ordered and replaced later that week under the extended warranty.

The Toyota extended warranty also includes MOT cover and full roadside assistance for the period of the extended warranty. Currently the Toyota extended warranty is quite good value as they offer two years  for the price of one (and 'No' the price hasn't been inflated above the normal annual cost). One can buy directly from the Toyota website, so a dealer doesn't necessarily get commission.

Generalisations don't necessarily apply in all circumstances.

Yes, I was generalising, but my comments are based on trade experience. You really need to read the small print. MoT cover is a special case that does indeed cover certain items for wear and tear.

Keep in mind that the warranty companies make healthy profits - so on the average customers will pay out a lot more in premiums than is claimed. Commissions on warranty sales are also pretty healthy - again that's based on direct experience.  

Does the Toyota-branded extended warranty require the car to be serviced within the dealer network?

[FROSTYBALLS]

59 minutes ago, mrfixer said:

Does the Toyota-branded extended warranty require the car to be serviced within the dealer network?

Yes -  as with most manufacturer's extended warranties, be it a vehicle or a washing machine.