Steering Clicking, Knocking & Clunking Noise Over Bumps – Common Toyota, Honda & Mazda EPS Steering Motor Problem

Does your car produce a metal clicking, knocking or clunking sound from the steering area whenever you drive over potholes, uneven roads, road humps or multi-storey car park ramps?

Many vehicle owners immediately suspect worn shock absorbers, lower arms, steering racks or dashboard rattles. Unfortunately, many expensive suspension parts are replaced before the actual cause is discovered.

At Edwin Garage, we regularly diagnose a lesser-known but common issue affecting many Toyota, Honda and Mazda models — a worn Electric Power Steering (EPS) motor coupling bushing. In many cases, the complete steering motor does not need to be replaced.

Common Symptoms of a Worn EPS Steering Motor Coupling

One of the unique characteristics of this problem is that the steering normally feels perfectly fine, yet an irritating noise develops while driving over uneven roads.

• Steering clicking noise over bumps
• Metal knocking sound from the dashboard
• Steering clunking noise on uneven roads
• Ticking sound near the steering wheel
• Noise when entering or exiting multi-storey car parks
• Clicking sound over potholes
• Noise transmitted through the steering column
• No steering warning light
• No heavy steering
• Steering operates normally despite the noise

Common Toyota, Honda & Mazda Models Affected

Over the years, Edwin Garage has encountered this issue on numerous vehicles, particularly:

Toyota

• Toyota Alphard
• Toyota Estima
• Toyota Prius
• Toyota Noah
• Toyota Voxy
• Toyota Wish
• Toyota Sienta

Honda

• Honda Odyssey
• Honda Freed
• Honda Jazz
• Honda Shuttle
• Honda Civic
• Honda Vezel

Mazda

• Mazda 2
• Mazda 3
• Mazda 6
• Mazda CX-3
• Mazda CX-5

Not every vehicle experiences this issue, but these are among the models where we most frequently diagnose worn EPS steering motor couplings.

What Causes the Steering Clicking or Knocking Noise?

Inside the Electric Power Steering (EPS) motor is a flexible coupling bushing designed to absorb movement between internal components.

After years of driving, the coupling gradually wears and develops excessive free play. Every time the vehicle travels over rough roads, potholes or humps, the worn coupling moves slightly and creates the familiar metallic clicking or knocking sound heard inside the passenger cabin.

Why This Problem Is Often Misdiagnosed

Because the sound travels through the steering column into the dashboard, many workshops mistake it for suspension or steering rack problems.

Customers often replace parts such as:

• Shock absorbers
• Lower control arms
• Stabiliser links
• Tie rods
• Steering rack

Only to discover the clicking or knocking sound is still present afterwards.

The actual source may be inside the Electric Power Steering motor instead.

You May Not Need to Replace the Entire Steering Motor

Many workshops recommend replacing the complete Electric Power Steering motor or steering column assembly.

However, if the steering motor itself is functioning correctly, replacing only the worn coupling bushing can often eliminate the noise while significantly reducing repair costs.

This repair requires dismantling parts of the dashboard and steering assembly to access the steering motor, which is why experience is important.

Why Choose Edwin Garage?

At Edwin Garage, we have extensive experience dismantling dashboards, steering assemblies and automotive electrical systems. This allows us to accurately diagnose steering noises and replace only the worn coupling whenever appropriate instead of recommending unnecessary replacement of expensive steering components.

Our philosophy has always been simple — Repair what is faulty. Replace only what is necessary.

Road Test Before Any Repair

Not every steering clicking or knocking sound is caused by the EPS steering motor coupling.

Similar symptoms may also originate from:

• Steering rack
• Lower control arms
• Suspension bushings
• Shock absorbers
• Stabiliser links
• Dashboard or interior trim

For this reason, we always recommend performing a road test together with the customer before any repairs are carried out. This allows us to reproduce the noise, identify the source and recommend the simplest, fastest and most cost-effective repair solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my steering click only over bumps?

Road vibrations cause the worn steering motor coupling to move, creating a metallic clicking or knocking sound inside the steering column.

Do I need to replace the complete steering motor?

Not always. If only the internal coupling has worn out, replacing the coupling is often sufficient and much more economical than replacing the complete steering motor.

Is it a steering rack problem?

Not necessarily. Steering rack faults and worn EPS couplings can produce similar symptoms. A proper inspection is required before replacing any parts.

Is it safe to continue driving?

Many vehicles remain drivable, but the source of the noise should be inspected promptly to ensure there are no other steering or suspension faults.

Book a Steering Noise Inspection

If your Toyota, Honda or Mazda produces a clicking, knocking or clunking sound from the steering area, let Edwin Garage inspect it before replacing expensive steering components.

We will road test the vehicle together with you, identify the source of the noise and recommend the easiest, fastest and most cost-effective repair.

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