Problem Symptoms Table

2009 Toyota Yaris S, 4D HatchbackSECTION Problem Symptoms Table

STEERING 

PROBLEM SYMPTOMS TABLE - STEERING

Symptom Suspected area Reference
Hard steering Front tires (Improperly inflated or unevenly worn) INSPECTION
Front wheel alignment (Incorrect) ADJUSTMENT
Front suspension (lower ball joint) REMOVAL
Steering intermediate shaft (for Sedan) REMOVAL 
Steering intermediate shaft (for Hatchback) REMOVAL 
Steering column assembly (for Sedan) REMOVAL 
Steering column assembly (for Hatchback) REMOVAL 
Steering gear assembly (for Sedan) REMOVAL
Steering gear assembly (for Hatchback) REMOVAL
Power steering ECU (for Sedan) REMOVAL
Power steering ECU (for Hatchback) REMOVAL
Poor return Front tires (Improperly inflated or unevenly worn) INSPECTION
Front wheel alignment (Incorrect) ADJUSTMENT
Steering column assembly (for Sedan) REMOVAL 
Steering column assembly (for Hatchback) REMOVAL 
Steering gear assembly (for Sedan) REMOVAL
Steering gear assembly (for Hatchback) REMOVAL
Power steering ECU (for Sedan) REMOVAL
Power steering ECU (for Hatchback) REMOVAL
No free play or excessive play Steering intermediate shaft (for Sedan) REMOVAL 
Steering intermediate shaft (for Hatchback) REMOVAL 
Steering gear assembly (for Sedan) REMOVAL
Steering gear assembly (for Hatchback) REMOVAL
Knocking (or clunking) sound occurs when steering wheel turned while power steering in operation Steering intermediate shaft (for Sedan) REMOVAL 
Steering intermediate shaft (for Hatchback) REMOVAL 
Front suspension (lower ball joint) REMOVAL
Front axle hub (Hub bearing) REMOVAL
Steering gear assembly (for Sedan) REMOVAL
Steering gear assembly (for Hatchback) REMOVAL
Friction sound occurs when steering wheel turned during low speed driving Power steering motor (for Sedan) REMOVAL 
Power steering motor (for Hatchback) REMOVAL 
Steering column assembly (for Sedan) REMOVAL 
Steering column assembly (for Hatchback) REMOVAL 
High-pitched sound (squealing sound) occurs when steering wheel turned slowly with vehicle stopped Power steering motor (for Sedan) REMOVAL 
Power steering motor (for Hatchback) REMOVAL 
Steering wheel vibrates and noise occurs when steering wheel turned while vehicle stopped Power steering motor (for Sedan) REMOVAL 
Power steering motor (for Hatchback) REMOVAL 
Steering column assembly (for Sedan) REMOVAL 
Steering column assembly (for Hatchback) REMOVAL 
RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.