99 Camry steering difficulty in cold and at slow speeds - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

daggoo · 01-24-2008, 10:05 PM

Hey all,

I'm having a strange problem with my 99 Camry. When the car and weather are cold, the steering becomes stiff, makes a loud noise, and the power steering ceases to work. I checked the PS fluid, and it's fine. Searching here and elsewhere on the internet suggests power steering rack. Any other ideas what it might be? Thanks!

freestylez · 01-24-2008, 10:08 PM

sounds like you need a new steering belt

youngflashycamr · 01-24-2008, 10:09 PM

no no..me has the same problem, but me livin in a place where, in the morning, weather above -15 is considered good...methinks that its just the ps pump and fluid and whatnot

Black95Cam · 01-24-2008, 10:32 PM

yeah its the fluids.. mine does the same and its a 95.. give me a few minute to warm up and it should go away. if not, then you have a problem with the steering system.

youngflashycamr · 01-24-2008, 10:33 PM

mines a 96! hooray for gen 3!

daggoo · 01-24-2008, 10:40 PM

Thanks for the replies. The problem does indeed go away after the car warms up. Is this something that can lead to a bigger problem later on?

***Eye8Pussies*** · 01-24-2008, 10:57 PM

what kind of noise are we talking about it? it could just be the belt needs replacing, or maybe tightening

daggoo · 01-24-2008, 11:10 PM

It's a knocking sound accompanied by a shriller shrieking--yeah probably sounds like a belt but could be independent things. Oh, and I forgot to mention in my OP that the car vibrates with the noise, I can feel it in the steering wheel. This is what I found on the internet that suggested it might be the steering rack: http://www.autocarepronews.com/defau...=art&id=80894&

Black95Cam · 01-24-2008, 11:16 PM

not sure if it can leads to other problem.. mine is leaking so doesnt really matter to me.. lol..

Hajoca · 01-25-2008, 07:59 AM

I replaced my ps fluid with a synthetic dexron fluid and that has improved cold performance.
The knocking noise can be worn joints, and the shriek is definitely a sign of worn / slipping belt.
the pump is supposed to have an unloader when you have the steering wheel fully turned.

Kep · 01-25-2008, 10:24 AM

Daggo,

Another thought. Have you ever added power steering fluid instead of Dexron III? If you have you may have damaged some seals and the like in the system and this may be a result.

Kep

nowhining · 02-11-2008, 08:09 AM

I have same problem once car warms up steering improves, however up to 50 mph when turning wheel left or right there is a pulsing type feel to the steering, like your flipping a light switch on off, on off. How do you determine if its ps pump or rack?
Thanks Eric
1999 camry le 4 cyl.

rloveys · 02-16-2008, 04:51 AM

I have a 2000 4cy, that has similar problem. When temp cold -5 C steering is very stiff. When above freezing everything is fine. I bought it used and according to my mechanic buddy it looks like the Rack has been replaced recently. New lines etc. Not sure what the problem can be. Havent asked by buddy yet.