steering knuckle

[ainsliegirl]

I have a 89 camry xle. The steering sometimes is stiff and does not return to centre. any suggestions?

[Hajoca]

With a car that age, has power steering belt, pump and fluid been inspected?

Several locations may cause binding:

Strut mount and bearing
Lower control arm ball joint
Steering tie rod end

[ainsliegirl]

Sorry it should have said a 98 camry xle. The mechanic said it needed a steering knuckle when the wheel bearings were replaced.

[toyomoho]

Replacing a steering knuckle is not typically, why did the mechanic state this needed replacing?

Is this constant hard steering or just in spots?

Issues that can cause hard steering: low PS fluid, loose PS belt, problems with the steering rack (rack, bushings), ball joints, upper strut bearing, low tire pressure.

Poor alignment can cause failure to return to center but don’t think this is you issue.

Jack the front end of the car up to unload the weight from the suspension items that could be worn. Then check the steering items by turning the wheel lock-to-lock and checking for hard steering and binding (engine on and off). The bushings in the column and U-joints can bind or the steering rack and bushings.

If the steering is better, then suspect a suspension problem, if the same stiff steering then issues it in the steering column or rack.

[ainsliegirl]

It seems to stick in certain places and does not return to centre. It does not seem to be all the time. The car was supposed to be lined up after the wheel bearing but the other one was very bad so my husband does not think it was aligned.

ainsliegirl

Originally Posted by toyomoho

Replacing a steering knuckle is not typically, why did the mechanic state this needed replacing?

Is this constant hard steering or just in spots?

Issues that can cause hard steering: low PS fluid, loose PS belt, problems with the steering rack (rack, bushings), ball joints, upper strut bearing, low tire pressure.

Poor alignment can cause failure to return to center but don’t think this is you issue.

Jack the front end of the car up to unload the weight from the suspension items that could be worn. Then check the steering items by turning the wheel lock-to-lock and checking for hard steering and binding (engine on and off). The bushings in the column and U-joints can bind or the steering rack and bushings.

If the steering is better, then suspect a suspension problem, if the same stiff steering then issues it in the steering column or rack.

[toyomoho]

The power steering works then, the issue is the steering binds up occasionally.

Does the steering wheel feel like the PS stops working for a second then starts to work OK? Does the steering always fail to return to center or just when the steering is binding?

[ainsliegirl]

Yes it is like the PS does stop then continue on. A hard turn especially to the left makes the steering not want to return to centre

ainsliegirl

[washind]

I had the same symptoms on my 02 Camry (scary) and penetrating oil to the steering shaft knuckle eliminated the problem. If it re-occurs, I'll change the knuckle with confidence (rather than the rack or the pump$$).

[Fruitbat]

I'm starting to experince some issues with the steering binding up every 180 degrees on my 95. I suspect the knuckle might be the issue - is there a grease fitting on it, or should I just douse it in WD-40/penetrating oil?

[washind]

Originally Posted by Fruitbat

I'm starting to experince some issues with the steering binding up every 180 degrees on my 95. I suspect the knuckle might be the issue - is there a grease fitting on it, or should I just douse it in WD-40/penetrating oil?

I used a "Deep Creep" penetrating oil, but WD-40 should work too. If it solves the problem, you will have at least eliminated the more expensive bits, but think you'll eventually have to change the knuckle. There is no grease fitting that I could see and since there are none on the other steering components, suspect there isn't one.

[Fruitbat]

Originally Posted by washind

I used a "Deep Creep" penetrating oil, but WD-40 should work too. If it solves the problem, you will have at least eliminated the more expensive bits, but think you'll eventually have to change the knuckle. There is no grease fitting that I could see and since there are none on the other steering components, suspect there isn't one.

Yep - soaked it in WD-40 from every angle, let it sit for 15 minutes - now it drives like it should again. Not 110%, but way WAY better.

Glad I looked here before using up more of my welcome in my uncle's garage ripping apart the front end.

Thanks!

[washind]

Originally Posted by Fruitbat

Yep - soaked it in WD-40 from every angle, let it sit for 15 minutes - now it drives like it should again. Not 110%, but way WAY better.

Glad I looked here before using up more of my welcome in my uncle's garage ripping apart the front end.

Thanks!

I forgot to mention, there is also a rubber 'dust boot' on the steering shaft that I lubricated with silicone spray. It is located on the firewall just above the top of the drivers floor mat. It may not free up stiff steering, but it sure makes it more quiet.