Car is messed up

[Yaserk88]

I have a 96 camry 2.2L with no abs. It has been pulling to the left lately and it is not due to the alignment. Sometimes when I'm driving the car, all the sudden it will jump to the left and keep doing it. When I hold the wheel strait it will keep wanting to the left and the steering wheel will start shaking. It will do that than it goes away when I accelerate, or it goes away after driving the car a little more.

Today when I was driving it on the highway it started doing that really bad. The car kept on wanting to go the left and it felt like the driver's side wheel assembly was about to fall off. I mean it was shaking really bad.

I think the axle may have something to do with it because I had a similar problem with the car pulling to right awhile back and I replaced the passenger side axle and the problem went away.

I pulled the axle out today and the boot is messed up. I'm just not sure that a new axle will fix the problem. I have a brand new axle waiting to be put in. I just want to make sure that it is the problem so I don't waste my money putting it in, and not be able to return the new axle after its been put in.

[1996camry]

here is how u check if your right axis (sorry spelling)...jack your car up and hold both hands like u pick up the tire....then try to shake back and forward...it should not be any play at all...it should be stay still not be any play....if it move back and forward...your axis has problem (need replace)..also look for inside of your tire (face toward the engine) for wear unveven..

hope this help..

[Kep]

If your boot is torn up then your CVC joint is probably bad or soon will be. Changing the axle will help that situation whether or not it helps the steering problem you describe.

Also check your front end suspensiion. Check the bushings in the control arms for sloppyiness and deterioration. Ball joints should be stiff/tight/firm...

1996Camry described a good way to check the wheel bearing as well.

Kep

[Yaserk88]

I have already taken the driver's side axle out, so I will not be able to do what 1996camry described. Tomorrow I will look for any deterioration in the ball joints and to watch out for anything that does not seem right. Thanks guys.

[toyomoho]

Check the tires to see if the tread is separating or they have other issues.

[Yaserk88]

The tires are fine.

[Novice_cardude]

Make sure the left front caliper is not seized, and check the slide pins as well for proper lubrication and movement.

[Yaserk88]

I have swapped out the axle for a new one, and the car seems to be doing much better. The driver's side axle used to click when I turned, and it doesn't do that anymore. I will let you guys know if anything else happens.