Steering Wheel sounds like it has a bad stomach! - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

MOBB · 10-06-2007, 03:54 PM

I just bought a 2001 Camry XLE V6 from my uncle it has 182km on it . He has owned it since it was new and it is in top shape. There's a slight annoyance coming from the steering weel, when I turn left, or right or make a u-turn no matter in what direction the steering wheel makes a whimpering sound as it turns. The best way to describe it as a bad stomach making noise! Anyone know what it could be? It's pretty embarrassing when my friends are in it.

GrkBallaG · 10-06-2007, 04:46 PM

Sounds like the power steering fluid is low, you probably have a leak somewhere.

xet · 10-06-2007, 04:51 PM

does it like make a groaning sound?? mine does and it's because there is a power steering leak somewhere but so far it has been ok just keep topping it off but it will eventually have to be replaced.

redgtxdi · 10-06-2007, 04:56 PM

unless you're talking about from "inside" the car.

Then, it's probably the horn contact mechanism. I haven't ever taken my Camry's steering wheel apart, but my mazda truck used to do this & it was the lube between the metallic disc and the spring-loaded piston.......(setup used to maintain an electrical connection for the horn button within your steering wheel).

If that's it, then typically a matter of lubing that contact area.

MOBB · 10-06-2007, 05:45 PM

Fluid is not low, i just had a throughout inspection of the car no mechanic can seem to tell me what the problem is. The noise is faint and not a graon or anything sort of like a soft cat-like noise.

nodrogkam · 10-07-2007, 01:25 AM

man my friends mom's 92 camry used to make that sound all the time, it was in the cabin.

my 98 camry started making that noise a few years ago but only when you turn the steering wheel fast for a u turn or for quick parking procedures. but normally its alright. i think it has something to do with the steering wheel hub or something, and not the powersteering.

the sound is definately inside the cabin and its a mix of groaning and whimpering.

i should add i've never figured out what was wrong, but its not really loud enough to cause concern for me.

MOBB · 10-07-2007, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nodrogkam

man my friends mom's 92 camry used to make that sound all the time, it was in the cabin.

my 98 camry started making that noise a few years ago but only when you turn the steering wheel fast for a u turn or for quick parking procedures. but normally its alright. i think it has something to do with the steering wheel hub or something, and not the powersteering.

the sound is definately inside the cabin and its a mix of groaning and whimpering.

i should add i've never figured out what was wrong, but its not really loud enough to cause concern for me.

My camry has been doing this for over a good 2.5 years, there no problems with it but it seems to be hitting the XLE models?

Turboman412 · 10-07-2007, 10:22 PM

why dont you try to lube the rubber boot at the bottom of the steering shaft. just spray any lubricant on it and the sound will go away. if it sounds like a rubber noise. its very normal for this to make noise on a toyota...