Heavy Steering - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Jimnist · 08-28-2008, 06:46 AM

Hey everyone, New here and i'm loving this forum. Anyways, to my problem. I've currently got a 2nd gen Camry sv21. It's got standard rack and pinion steering; NOT power steering and a while ago, the steering went to the crapper overnight. Previous owner said that it was fine the previous day, woke up, got in and the steering was unbelievably heavy, even for non PAS. You cannot drive faster than 40-50km/h as it will lock the steering wheel. Also, it DOES NOT self-return. Tyres are fine and inflated (although it feel like they're flat; it's that heavy), steering wheel is straight, has not been in an accident e.t.c... Anyone ever had a problem similar to this or know how to solve it? Thanks in advance.

gspservice · 08-28-2008, 08:55 PM

You might check the steering coupling on the shaft they can freeze up try spraying it with some lube and maybe a few raps to loosen it up

Jimnist · 10-28-2008, 07:33 AM

Well, i finally got around to fixing my car (well.....starting to) and i think i know what made it heavy. There's oil and dirt all over the rack, especially over the boots. So it probably got past the seal and/or there's a crack in the boot somewhere. Either way, it's probably in there, causing it to bind.

Now i have to find out where all this oil came from. The front of the engine looks relatively clean, but when i'm under and looking at the rear, there's a good layer over the block below the intake manifold. I think there's also some oil on the manifold as well.

I know the car is old so oil leaks are a definitely present, but are there any usual trouble spots? Especially with these Camry's? Tappet/valve cover gasket was replaced last year, so i don't think it's that. Suggestions?