Slack in steering column (rattling noise)

Sorry about the late response but yes, mine has the 17-inch wheels. Thanks for all the info about the steering units. I wasn't aware of the different motors at the time I removed my replacement unit from the wrecked car. Fortunately, they were both the same but that was only obvious after I got home and started tearing down. It's now just over 1 month since changing over and so far, no more rattles.

 

I'll be damned, I think this solved a rough-road rattle I've had for a while. The top bolt was tight and I was only able to turn it about 10-15 degrees, but that seemed seemed to take away some play. Checked the bottom and it was so tight I couldn't turn it. So far, it doesn't sound like my wheels are going to fall off on gravel roads anymore.

 

I will have to try tightening both top and bottom bolts first. However, I have been on a quest to figure out this similar noise. And with the steering wheel in center/straight position, moving the steering wheel 1/2" right and left quickly, makes the same noise. If I turn the steering wheel all the way to the right or left, moving the steering wheel 1/2" right and lft quickly, the noise is not there. I think it is because the power steering motor is pushing on the steering shaft with some torque and this may prevent the two parts that a slightly "loose" to be under pressure eliminating the noise. Here is my question: I had been shown that there is a star shaped bushing/dampener on the top side of the electric p/s unit under the cap. The part number is "45254-28040 Dampener Electric P/S" on Amazon. In some lists it gives me my year and make and model number but others say that it does not fit my car. Steering Dampener Replacement.

This will be my next stop, if this is an actual part for me to replace on my vehicle. Thoughts? I have a Prius V 2013, (Do not know my gen... could be a 3 or maybe a 4.

 

Any luck HoHa? I'm having the same rattle on my 2017 V.