3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
on my 92 camry, the power steering seems to be acting up. when i turn the wheel, halfway through a turn the steering wheel becomes difficult to turn(almost like its under boosted, but not like the power steering were totally out) and the wheel will not guide itself back to position when the car becomes straight. i installed a new power steering pump last fall, new belts, bled the system twice and after the second time bleeding last week everythig was fine for a few hours and now its back to the same old crap. any ideas?
Could this be a problem with the belt? I think thats the problem that I am having. I have problems with the P/S when the car is cold, the belt sqeals when turning. Does your belt squeal? I have looked and looked for a procedure to adjust the ps belt in the manuals on here, but I can't seem to find it. Can someone help with that? (sorry for the hijack if this is not your problem)
If the steering does not center after turning might be a problem with the rack and pinion setup. The steering should work OK with or without power assist, just be more difficult to turn the wheel. Any other suspension issues present?
The seals on the hydraulic pistons in the steering rack begin to leak causing the pistons to build pressure and then release quickly causing the sluggish and jerky operation you feel when turning the wheels. It progressively gets worse and becomes almost to the point were you don't have much assistance from the power steering circuit
__________________ It worked fine until I fixed it!
that makes sense as to why it would only hold pressure through part of the steering wheel's rotation. it would seem that down goes the subframe again......
well, i figured something out with the help of a fellow toyota enthusiest. coming out of the firewall there is a steering knuckle. its shaped like a u-joint. when that builds up with crud your steering will exhibit the same symptoms as a failing rack. i lubed that sucker up with some pbblaster and the steering is as good as new. just a little tech tip in case someone is having similar trouble, this would be a good place to start before replacing the rack.
Good find. I would add some white lithium grease over the PB Blaster. The PB Blaster will wash away over time. The white lithium grease is a bit more water resistant.
definatly will need to be greased again. i have been using valvoline's dura blend grease on nuts and bolts and slide pins for a couple of years with good seccess so i figure i'll give that a try.
I don't want to start a separate thread so let me ask here:
When making any turns over a few degrees (car, not steering wheel), suddenly the steering wheel feels like it skips and the car would go straight if I don't turn it more to compensate. Then when I finish the turn and the wheel re-centers, it's not really centered and I have to jerk it a little in the opposite direction and then I feel like it skips again and centers. Other than that the steering is fine, fluid is topped.
I think this is a bad steering rack, any other ideas would be appreciated.
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'93 Eagle Talon TSI AWD 5-speed weekend fun and 400AWHP project
'96 Camry 2.2 auto daily driver
definatly will need to be greased again. i have been using valvoline's dura blend grease on nuts and bolts and slide pins for a couple of years with good seccess so i figure i'll give that a try.
That's probably a good choice since the durablend grease is partically a synthetic grease. It shouldn't wash away that quickly.
I don't want to start a separate thread so let me ask here:
When making any turns over a few degrees (car, not steering wheel), suddenly the steering wheel feels like it skips and the car would go straight if I don't turn it more to compensate. Then when I finish the turn and the wheel re-centers, it's not really centered and I have to jerk it a little in the opposite direction and then I feel like it skips again and centers. Other than that the steering is fine, fluid is topped.
I think this is a bad steering rack, any other ideas would be appreciated.
You don't say how many miles are on the car. That would be usefull information. That said, it's possible the rack and pinion is going, especially if it does this more often when the car is first driven. The seals inside the rack deteriorate and allow fluid to pass by them without holding any pressure. As the car and the rack get a bit warmer, the seals expand and they begin holding pressure. GM had a major problem with this in the mid 80's to the early 90's. They called it morning sickness. They had to replace many rack and pinions under an extended warranty. Before condeming the rack, check the basics. Is the power steering belt tight and not glazed? Also, check and grease the steering knuckle mazdaverz7 is referring.
That's probably a good choice since the durablend grease is partically a synthetic grease. It shouldn't wash away that quickly.
Mike
well, i greased it as best as i could tonight and the steering feels great. i used the dura blend. i'll keep everyone updated on the length of time it lasts or if the steering feeling seems to diminish after some driving or some foul weather.
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It worked fine until I fixed it! 
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