why do I hear a grinding noise when turning my Toyota RAV4

Solution

1. Preparation

• Gather necessary tools and parts.
• Park the vehicle on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.
• Disconnect the battery to ensure safety during repairs.

2. Inspect and Replace Power Steering Fluid

• Check the power steering fluid reservoir for proper levels.
• If low, top off with the manufacturer-recommended power steering fluid.
• If fluid is dark or contaminated, drain and replace with fresh fluid.

3. Inspect and Replace Damaged Components

• Tie Rods and Ball Joints:
  • Raise the vehicle using a jack and secure it with jack stands.
  • Remove the front wheels.
  • Inspect tie rods and ball joints for play or damage. Replace any worn components.
• CV Joints:
  • Inspect the CV boots for tears or grease leakage.
  • If damaged, replace the entire CV axle assembly.

4. Inspect Wheel Bearings

• Spin each wheel by hand and listen for grinding noises.
• If a bearing is noisy, replace the wheel bearing assembly.
• Remove the brake caliper and rotor to access the wheel bearings.

5. Reassemble and Test

• Reinstall all components in the reverse order of removal.
• Torque all fasteners to manufacturer specifications.
• Reconnect the battery.