I noticed recently that when I turn (especially to the right) that I hear a noise. At first it was kind of a rubbing sound but now has turned into more of a metal on metal sound. Any ideas on what this might be?
check the power steering fluid level
=============== Take off the wheel and look?
Is it like a clicking noise? My bet would be a worn CV joint, which would be cured by replacing the axle on the side of the car the noise is coming from. On most Toyotas, this is a fairly easy project. About $65 for a rebuilt axle. CHECK it when you pick it up!
The CV joint is like a Universal joint on a RWD car; they tend to wear faster on FWD cars. You can jack up the side of the car making the noise, and use a jack stand! Then, grab the wheel and try to rotate it. If it's bad, you'll feel and/or hear it, if not, put the car in Neutral (of COURSE you set the Parking Brake BEFORE you jacked it up...)and then try it again.
Other things to check while you have the car in the air: with one side up and one side down, try turning each tire like you would going into a corner, left-right. If one side moves more than about 1/4 inch, you could have a bad tie rod end (inner or outer; you'll see the outer one) or a bad Rack and Pinion unit. Also, place a very large screwdriver or crowbar under the tire and pick up. If you 'feel' a 'click' then the ball joints may be bad. Or you could have bad suspension bushings. You can see these, they're the pieces of rubber the bolts are put through to attach the suspension pieces to the frame.
However, my bet is the CV joint, from your description. You may be able to get by a little longer by greasing the joint, and check the rubber boot to see if it is worn/has holes in it.
Good luck!
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