92 Camry has become very hard to steer

[sbeausol]

Over the past 4 months i've noticed the steering on my 92 4cyl 217K getting quite tough. It has gotten progressively worse over time, although it is more annoying than anything. I checked the fluid level it was on the low side so i topped it off. it didn't make any difference. I read somewhere that i might need to lube the universal joint? Can anyone offer anything i might be able to do?

thanks for any input

[sk8ersublime]

get your belts checked, and get your pump checked. If you get a new pump make sure you get TOYOTA OEM pump. I didnt.....and ended up getting 5 pumps before finally the mechanic put in a OEM one for free. I only paid once for all the work, but it was a hassle to be without the car.

[sbeausol]

can anyone offer any other comments? Should i change the power-steering fluid? Are there any parts that i could check that are sticking? My understanding replacing a major part like this is uncommon in these cars, however is that something i need to consider?

thanks

[RichieRichJP]

Sounds like its a power steering issue. But again, I've heard of this happening when the universal is starting to go to shit. I would definitely look at the universal

[sbeausol]

where is the universal joint?

[Kep]

Read over the steering section of the stickied on-line manual. Review Page SR-15 - SR-19 for pointers as to what can contribute to hard steering. Evidently there are several areas to check.

Kep

[sbeausol]

from the sounds of it, i most likely have an issue with the pump. Anyone know how to check the pressure? What tool do i need (obviously some kind of pressure gauge)? I called toyota and the price from my local dealer is $378 for the part, any thoughts on going aftermarket?

[RichieRichJP]

I thought in your original post you said that you already replaced it?
Well if you hadn't, you probably should do that first

[parimento1]

Well if you're losing PS fluid check the pump and rack for leaks. Mine started with a slow leak and all of a sudden the seal blew.

[Kep]

Difficult steering can be a problem with the gear housing, the control valve (in the gear housing), air in the system, a faulty relief valve, or even the idle-up system. (You have a 4 cyl but 1MZFE engines also have a hydraulic driven cooling fan driven by the power steering pump that can interfere with proper pressure.)

If you have isolated your problem to the pump then, of course, buy a pump. However, if you haven't gone through the troubleshooting checks you may want to hold off until you determine that it actually is the pump. Throwing parts at a problem can be frustrating as well as expensive. Again, the steering section of the manual is pretty thorough and will walk you through the procedure. It even describes how to disassemble and reassemble the pump itself (if you can get the parts to rebuild it with).

Kep

[ihateu3]

old thread, but i am having the same problems with my 92 XLE. First off i know its not the pump, as it doesn't get any easier to steer with speed, no whining, and proper power steering levels. My problem seems to be that the steering is binding since speed has no effect. At the 12oclock position everything is normal, but when i go to turn the wheel either left or right, it is hard until i get to the 2oclock position on the right, or the 10oclock position to the left, then the steering is easy again until i turn the wheel farther in that direction.

so basically my steering feels like it has 2 hard zones on both left and right sides and they are quite hard (no power steering parked hard) anyone have any suggestions?

this extra info may help in the diagnoses....before the hard steering problem occurred, i noticed if i was at a dead stop or really moving slowly with my wheel turn to the max that one of my tires would seem to skip across the pavement, almost like one wheel was turning more than the other making it skip a little to catch up. Not sure if this is normal

[96JDMCamry]

same here having the same problems at the moment

[Jimnist]

Definitely check the universal joint before anything. Easy to diagose and replace if it is seized. The uni joint is very close the firewall, look in the area where the steering shaft should be and you should be able to to find it. You NEED to remove it to check if it has seized, extenion bars will help undo the pinch bolts holding it on. Slide the uni joint further back onto steering shaft to free it from the steering pinion, then remove. If it doesn't move freely in ALL directions, it's seized and needs replacing. If that's fine, give it lube since it's out.

Like mentioned above, check lines for leaks, check belt tension and belt itself, pump and if the vacuum hose is attached properly. Also mentioned above, the high pressure hose will eventually give. It starts as a leak and will blow soonafter. This happened to my uncle's Vienta. I drove it for a day, maybe 70km's, was fine. Noticed it was leaking fluid in my driveway. Next day, he gives me a call and says the steering is gone. Two days later, a new high pressure hose and it's all good again.

[BlackCamSe]

i would think its the power steering motor.

[96JDMCamry]

for curiosity sake which vacuum hose are you reffering to Jimnist?