Q: When I turn to the right no matter how fast im going i hear and feel a popping noise in the steering column, not the front of car. 2003 Toyota Avalon

asked by on February 10, 2017

My main concern is, is this something that if it breaks or gets any worse and im driving while it happens can it be very bad. Also, how much would it cost to get fixed?

My car has 250000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Hello - this is a bit unusual, although there is at least one flexible steering coupling in the column that could cause this behavior. And, if your car has the "telescoping steering wheel" option (the steering wheel can be adjusted closer or further away from you), this mechanism may be worn enough to behave like this. I recommend a steering inspection performed by a mobile, professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, who will come to your location, diagnose this problem, give you an accurate assessment of damage and cost estimate for repairs.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Coolant leak causing overheating.
The service engine light (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/check-engine-light-is-on-inspection) would have to be scanned to find the cause of it being on. The overheating can be caused by the thermostat stuck or the fan control system problem. Since the engine overheated the loss of...
Rattling sound
Hi. Maybe the light is the rattling sound you're hearing. If the light housing is loose, it will vibrate upon acceleration and cause noise. However, your rattling noise has countless potential causes. The only way to find the answer is...
Transmission fluid leak in 1996 Ford F-150
Unfortunately without looking over the vehicle in person, it is difficult to say whether additional work is required for your Ford F-150. It appears from the information provided that your Ford had a transmission leak prior to performing the transmission...
Interior lights quit working
Hello. There may be a problem with the combination switch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/combination-switch-assembly-replacement) or a headlight switch (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/headlight-switch-replacement). It is also possible that there is some damage to the wiring of the dashboard, interior lights, and fog lights. I suggest that you...
I've been checking my oil and it's still at fulll and the oil is still light brown. What are some key indicators that I need it changed?
Hello. Most of the indicators that the oil needs to be changed (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/when-should-i-change-my-oil) are not visible to the naked eye. Simply getting oil hot while driving down the highway will darken it. The road grit and engine wear "debris" is...
The "service battery charging system" light is on but the voltage gauge is reading over 14 volts
Hello There, Depending on how much over the 14 volt mark your gauge is reading, you may have a voltage regulator that could be overcharging the battery at a rate that is too high relative to what the system requires....
Already checked timing Belt, but now it don't recognize the computer immobilizer.
Hi there. Try reprogramming the key fob to your vehicle. Click here to view the procedure on reprogramming your key fob (http://www.carandtruckremotes.com/how-to-program-honda-replacement-car-remotes.html). If the key is programmed to your vehicle, then the immobilizer controller may need to be replaced. I...
Message come up Reduce engine power
A reduced power light usually indicates a fairly serious problem with the throttle system. When this light illuminates the vehicle will often go into a “safe mode”, which will severely limit the speed of the car and in some cases...
Car won't start, brake lights turn on
Hi there. Thanks for contacting us tonight. Usually, when you hear the clicking noise when you turn the ignition, and you have some power, it means your battery does not have enough cranking amps to engage the starter motor. This...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a Farmer
If If you're a farmer, you know that what you need isn’t a used car – it’s a used pickup truck. How else are you going to haul around hay, implements, garden produce, fertilizer, and all the other things you...
How to Use an iPod in a Toyota Prius
Gone Gone are the days of toting around cassette tapes or CDs in cases to keep tunes on hand when you're on the go. Today, we have playlists on our portable devices like iPods. When you don't have the latest...
Top 10 Best-Selling Cars of 2016
Ford F-series pickup trucks, Toyota Camry, and Honda Civic are some of the best-selling cars of 2016 and all deliver on reliability and efficiency.