Kia & Hyundai Steering Clicking Flexible Coupler Replacement

By the Radman Auto Repair team, independent auto repair in Etobicoke since 1999 · Updated November 2026

Many Kia and Hyundai cars with column-mounted electric power steering (MDPS) develop a click or clunk in the steering wheel, felt when you turn it slightly. The small rubber flexible coupler between the motor and the column has worn out. The part is cheap; the job is tight but doable.

Symptoms

What Causes It

Before You Start

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake and chock the wheels. Never work under a car held up only by a jack: use rated jack stands.
• Let the engine and exhaust cool before you touch them; coolant systems are under pressure when hot.
• Wear safety glasses and gloves, and disconnect the 12V battery before unplugging electrical parts or working near airbags.
• Check for open recalls on your VIN (Transport Canada or the manufacturer’s site) before you buy parts: a recall repair is free at the dealer.
• Disconnect the 12V battery before working under the steering column. You don’t need to remove the airbag.

Step-by-Step: Kia & Hyundai Steering Coupler

1. Confirm the noise. With the car parked and the engine running, rock the steering wheel gently. A click felt in the column is the coupler.
2. Disconnect the battery. Disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait a few minutes.
3. Remove trim. Remove the lower dash panel (knee bolster) and the lower steering column cover.
4. Unplug the motor. Unplug the power steering motor connectors on the column.
5. Unbolt the motor. Remove the bolts holding the motor to the column and slide the motor off.
6. Replace the coupler. Pull out the old rubber coupler and push in the new one, with a light film of grease.
7. Reinstall. Slide the motor back on, align it, refit the bolts and connectors.
8. Test. Reconnect the battery, start the car and turn the wheel lock to lock. The click should be gone and no EPS light should appear.

When to Stop and Bring It In

• An EPS warning light comes on: the motor or its sensor has a fault.
• The noise is from the front wheels or suspension (see clicking noise while turning).
• Your model needs the column lowered to reach the motor.
• There is real free play in the steering: get the tie rods and rack checked.

Not sure, or out of time? Radman Auto Repair in Etobicoke does this repair every week. Book online or call (416) 742-4521.

Also Known As

Searched as “Kia Forte steering clicking”, “Elantra steering wheel clunk”, “Soul steering noise”, “Hyundai MDPS coupler”, “steering column clicking when turning” and “Kia steering coupling replacement”.

Frequently Asked Questions

See also Kia Repair & Service, Hyundai Repair & Service, Clicking Noise While Turning, Power Steering Repair.

Radman Auto Repair

4.8

Based on 118 reviews

powered by Google

review us on

Alex Joseph

11:02 10 Oct 26

Alex is a great guy. He took the time to respond by phone and walk me through my options for my Tesla Model Y 2024 and gave me his perspectives as a Tesla owner. Top recommendation in my books for the Toronto area.

France T

20:58 31 Aug 26

I cannot say enough good things about Livio and the team at Radman Auto Repair in Rexdale. We brought in my son’s 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer because the A/C was malfunctioning. We had already been to two other shops, paid for diagnostics, and received different explanations, so we were frustrated and unsure what to do next. Livio was outstanding. He listened carefully, looked at the issue, and explained everything clearly and in detail in a way that actually made sense. He was able to narrow down what was going on within minutes, without guessing, pressure, or recommending unnecessary work. What really stood out was that he did not charge us another diagnostic fee after learning we had already paid for two separate diagnoses. Even better, the work was completed the same day, which was a huge relief. It is rare to find a mechanic who is knowledgeable, honest, patient, efficient, and genuinely focused on helping customers understand the real issue before they spend money on repairs. Livio truly gets it. We are so happy we found Radman Auto Repair and would highly recommend Livio and his team to anyone looking for trustworthy, skilled, and customer-focused service..

Roney Zachariah

04:42 10 Aug 26

My 2015 Honda CR-V was blowing hot air and making noise when the A/C was on. The Compressor and Expansion valve needed replacement due to metal debris in the system. I rarely write reviews, but I felt it would be wrong not to appreciate Radman for their service, especially after what I went through before finding them. I’m writing this one month after the repair because I wanted to test my A/C on multiple long trips before recommending them. One thing I learned from this experience is that many mechanics know how to replace parts, but very *few follow the right procedures* and perform the proper checks. I initially went for a cheaper repair at a local mechanic. The problem came back, and afterward he didn’t seem to know what to do next. I found Radman through Google reviews without any personal recommendation, so I was taking a chance. They properly diagnosed the issue, explained everything clearly before starting the work, didn’t exaggerate the problem, and charged me a reasonable price. A/C issues can be complicated but they answered all my questions and I honestly haven’t had such a good and detailed conversation with a mechanic in the GTA about an A/C problem. Their knowledge and experience with A/C systems really stood out. I also had a catalytic converter issue. Another mechanic simply recommended replacing it, which would have cost at least $2,000. Radman explained that considering the age and condition of my 2015 CR-V, such an expensive replacement might not make sense. They gave me the replacement cost but also suggested trying Cataclean first. I tried it, and so far I haven’t had any issues. After a month and several long trips, my A/C is still working well. It’s rare to find this combination of knowledge, transparency, and honesty. Thank you, Radman, for the knowledgeable and honest service. I genuinely appreciate it.

Moklas Salkon

17:17 23 Jun 26

I fix my cars myself but I always go to Radman for AC work. Been coming here for years and they do great work and are fairly priced. The guys are honest and reliable. Very clean waiting room too!

Alexa De Los Santos

18:30 26 May 26

Finding a mechanic who actually understands EVs and is completely trustworthy is hard to come by, but ⁠Radman Repair is excellent. The service was top-notch, they explained everything to me with so much patience, and the overall experience was a 10/10. 100% recommended!

See All Reviews