I Really Need To Rack Everyones Brain - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

kemp215 · 03-19-2008, 06:22 PM

Hello All,
I have a 2000 camry..4cyl
OK so here is the problem.
In the past month or two my steering started to get VERY stiff. It was as if there wasn't any power steering in the car anymore. I took it to a shop and they though it might be the rack and pinnion, but really were not very sure. A week or two later the steering went back to normal...it was like the problem never even happened. A few days later the lack of power steering was back in full tilt.
Now a little background...in the beginning of winter i added power steering fluid to it that wasn't dextron II, which the manual says it should be. After looking into this i have found that that shouldn't really do anything because i did use power steering fluid.
However, i did suck out as much fluid as i could and replace it with dextron II and the steering worked great for about a day or two until it returned to being very hard.
The problem i am having is that nothing really adds up. If it was the rack and pinnion it should be constant. If it was the fluid then it should stay fixed after i sucked the old stuff out. If it was teh steering pump it would make a winding noise (there is not any noise).
I am at a total loss and don't really want to drop $1000.00 on a rack and pinnion if its not gonna solve the problem.
PLEASE HELP..ANY IDEAS?
Thanks for taking the time to read all this and I really look forward to your feedback.
Jon

BlueFusion6851 · 03-19-2008, 06:30 PM

Have you had any fluid loss? Any strange noises as you turn the wheel from lock to lock? (having replaced my own rack and pinion 2 years ago while in high school) my first thought is your power steering pump. I had to replace my rack and pinion due to leaking seals on either side of the steering gear though, not power-assist issues.

kemp215 · 03-19-2008, 06:57 PM

No loss of fluid and no noise...
Well....except that my steering wheel itself squeeks a little.

CamryWilly · 03-19-2008, 09:28 PM

Are you sure the two fluids you mixed are compatible...with each other!?!

I heard horror stories of prestone that was mixed with an other type of radiator fluid and turned to Jello

...And in mixing I mean not alot...just like someone who didn't thoroughly flush the engine before adding the fluid.

Or maybe your system just need a fluid change...

For more info, your not the first...I recently started having some hard steering when it's real cold. Do a search in this forum you'll fing some interesting info.

Oh and before I forget, I had that problem also a while ago when my cv joint boot ripped and my joint was open to the elements...don't forget to check that out.

putz82 · 03-19-2008, 10:18 PM

Have you checked the u-joint in the steering shaft? Those can bind sometimes.

CamryWilly · 03-19-2008, 11:29 PM

thanks! didn't think of that one!

kemp215 · 03-20-2008, 06:12 AM

We did take a quick look while the car was up on the stand and everything seemed to look ok. My mech is only guesstimating that it was the rack and pinnion....expensive guesstimation if ya ask me.
If it was a stiff rod or ripped boot that still doesn't explain why it gets better for a bit after changing fluid.
Thanks for the ideas and keep racking your brians
thanks

Hajoca · 03-20-2008, 07:31 AM

look for the diy for steering fluid flush with some hose and alot of transmission fluid, that should solve any contamination issues you have.

The power steering fluid you put in may have affected (swelling) the seals for the two months, but is now returning to normal... the fluid lubricates the seals too.

mvftw · 03-20-2008, 08:00 AM

You have morning sickness. Does it seem to be better when it's a little warmer...it should. Your rack is worn, but don't replace it yet. Flush out the fluid with a turkey baster and replace with Synthetic Dex IV (it's good for DexII & III). Drive a few days a repeat the process. It should 80 - 90% better. If it does get better, then you know it's the rack. It should much better for the summer. You can think about replacing the rack next fall or winter if you need to...

kemp215 · 03-20-2008, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hajoca

look for the diy for steering fluid flush with some hose and alot of transmission fluid, that should solve any contamination issues you have.

The power steering fluid you put in may have affected (swelling) the seals for the two months, but is now returning to normal... the fluid lubricates the seals too.

Sorry...what do you mean "diy".
I did put some lukas power steering fluid in about two days ago and it helped some, but there is some hard spots still.

Kep · 03-20-2008, 12:49 PM

DIY = Do It Yourself. We try to include that description in posts that have a good explanation of a repair proceedure. Eye8pussies included one in his DIY list stickied at the top of this forum. http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t19334.html

Also, I don't know if there are hoses in your steering system but one that is unraveling on the inside might give you these symptoms. Just a thought.

Kep

Mike Gerber · 03-20-2008, 05:05 PM

I have to agree with flushing the system completely to rid it of all of the old wrong fluid. Then keep your fingers crossed.

Mike

long27 · 03-20-2008, 05:24 PM

iv had two cars recently with steering stiffness ect. hoped for the best ended up rack and pinion, hope its not your problem.f.y.i traded both of them cars. too much money!

DFBonnett · 03-21-2008, 01:25 PM

OP,
I haven't seen any mention of checking the tension on the PS belt or whether or not it may be glazed.

daveart · 03-22-2008, 05:30 PM

in canada its a comone problem at this time of year,cold to hot,lub your steering yoke and see if it helps is it dose then that the problem