Hard steering when cold intermittently - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Camry LE 94 · 07-28-2009, 02:01 AM

Hey everyone. I have a 96 Camry LE L4.
My problem first started with my power steering fluid leaking. I let the level go down pretty low a couple times, which most likely damaged my power steering pump, correct?

Well after adding a couple bottles of that Lucas Power Steering Stop Leak, the leak has seem to go away, however every once in a while, when I start my car cold and turn the wheel while driving, the steering does not want to operate as a normal power steering system would.

The fluid level has consistently stayed up to the lines after using the Lucas Stop Leak, so I'm just guessing that my power steering motor will need to be replaced. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

Jimnist · 07-28-2009, 04:26 AM

Flush the power steering fluid and put some new in. Then tell us how it goes.

Kozg · 07-28-2009, 05:03 PM

Does the issue go away when the car is warm?

If it does, it's called Morning Sickness:

http://74.125.93.132/search?q=cache:...ient=firefox-a

GaviN · 07-28-2009, 10:40 PM

My car does that occasionally when its brick cold outside. It goes away within a few minutes...if it ain't broke, don't fix it, thats what I say

murphy390 · 07-29-2009, 11:45 AM

Had the same issue on my 97 Camry with 170K miles and also used Lucas...too much of it for the cold winters here in New England! Considering how thick it is versus the tranny fluid the system is designed for it's much harder for the pump to work but it did stop the leaking. I probablly got to 50% Lucas but have since removed some fluid from the reservoir and put in tranny fluid to thin it out. So far, and I did this a few months ago, so good. The jerking and lack of power assist has gone away and still no leak. Try thinning things out and your issue should go away....but keep checking the level for a leak.

***JohnGD*** · 07-29-2009, 09:29 PM

Hardened rubber seals is one reason. The other loose drive belt. After 50K miles need to check. About $22 on Amazon or your local NAPA store.

http://www.gates.com/brochure.cfm?br...cation_id=2742

Camry LE 94 · 07-29-2009, 10:45 PM

alright thanks for your help everyone. ill try what some of yall said when i get the time to.