HELP. Auto problem

[BlasterBob]

Just need some ideas here and I don't want to take my vehicle to a Toyota dealership shop unless I ABSOLUTELY have to. I have a 2013 Toyota Highlander 4WD. When I make a right hand turn, I hear a bump from the LEFT front end and can barely feel it in the steering wheel. Very briefly told a former Toyota mechanic and without seeing/hearing himself, just kinda guessed it may be the front axle and likely to be the CV perhaps dry and no lube. I don't want to have to spend an arm and a leg at a dealership attempting to get to the bottom of this noise but sure don't want to breakdown on the street. Any SERIOUS suggestions on what may be causing this bump - only on turns, not real sharp turns but just turning corners at a very slow speed. I hope no one suggests just buy a new vehicle as at my age, no new vehicles are within my reach.
Oh finally, exactly 59 years ago tomorrow, I got my honorable discharge from the U. S. Army. Wow, how the time does fly fast when we get old.

[Gunner]

Could be a front Axel u joint. My 2012 Ram is having a similar issue I'm not getting any pops or vibrations but when I turn left or right it's real squeaky. Thankfully it's under warranty


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[Erni]

If your Toy has electric powersteering then I would guess it is the intermediate steering shaft making that noise. How many miles on it?

[Hotchef181818]

Sure sounds like a bad cv joint to me.

[Jamnanc]

Does it have cv joints?

[ray1970]

I'm going to guess it's not a CV joint. I'd describe a bad CV joint as more of a constant clicking sound when turning. You make it sound like a single noise and not a constant, repeating noise.

Hopefully it's something simple and cheap.

How many miles are on the vehicle?

[kwando]

Another option is toycarcare centers. They are Toyota mechanics but not Toyota prices

[ben4372]

The fact that you can sorta feel it in the steering wheel means it should be easy to find. Sounds like dry and worn steering linkage or ball joints. If you have a person who can jack it up and shake the wheel about. Any independent shop should be able to sort it out. Places that do alignments usually will do an inspection as part of the process. Mostly because they would like to repair it for you. You might check AAA as for recommended shop. Get it checked. I had a ball joint let loose in my youth, bad experience.

[BlasterBob]

If your Toy has electric powersteering then I would guess it is the intermediate steering shaft making that noise. How many miles on it?

And to ray1970:

This Highlander has had zero problems up to now and has about 69,500 miles on it. It does have the electric power steering.

[Erni]

BB, I have 2 toyotas with the electic PS. Both have developed the clicking at around 70k. One has 100k now and if I drive slow and go left right quick I can get it to click repeatedly. The other has only 75k and clicks when I back up down my driveway while turning.

I think Toy undersized the intermediate shafts as there are a bunch of other toy makes with this issue. I wont bore you with my theory as to why that is.

Test first by driving slow and go left right quickly. Does it click everytime? If not park somewhere quiet, open the hood, with engine off and steering unlocked but PS off and turn it by hand hard until wheels move can you hear a click? Also turn quick left and right, any clicks? You may need a friend to turn while you listen.

If these tests fail to make the noise, it is something else. But a CV joint should make a constant racket while turning.

If this is the intermediate shaft I tell you what I found about cost to change.

Disclaimer of non responsibility, etc.