3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
What the hell is up? This is probably the BIGGEST problem I have with my 92 I4 Camry. So im driving along and I run over a bump...could be a simple or huge bump...I go over it then suddenly my steering wheel turns left or right. I have to fight with the steering wheel to keep it straight..... When im driving over a smooth surface everything is fine and the steering wheel stays stright....if i suddenly run over a bump or hole if im not holding the wheel the car would end up in a ditch. What could the problem be? Bad shocks? Steering rack? Power steering fluid?
When I drive my sis 2005 corolla and my 99 GS400, I can roll over a bump and the steering wheel wont budge... Is this just how these years Camrys are? Am I holding my 17 year old Camry to the standards and expectations of newer better built cars?
My steering is just not "Tight". It pisses me off. When the car is off, no key in the ignition there is so much damn play in the wheel. I could literally almost turn the wheel half way when the car is off. In my GS the steering is so tight there is almost no play in the wheel. To give more detail into what im trying to get at, I have my head out the window looking at the front wheel.....I then turn the steering wheel a little the front wheel doesn't move. Turn it a little more they still don't move...turn it some more and FINALLY the front wheel begin to turn. This is what i mean when I say its not tight and there's to much play in the steering . It does not give me the confidence I need when I drive my Camry hard and fast....but its been like this for so damn long im used to it. Does any one else experience this or have these issues with their Camrys? Could be any year really
Its cool bro...this is my biggest problem by far on my Camry. You notice it even more when you drive a different car. The front wheels and the steering wheel are not seeing eye to eye...
Something's wrong. The steering wheel should not have that much play in it. I suspect the problem's either in the rack & pinion, or possibly in the joint connecting the steering wheel shaft to it.
__________________
1992 Camry LE, V6 (3VZ-FE), ABS brakes, 330k miles, dark emerald pearl, owned since new.
1996 Avalon XLS, ABS brakes, moonroof, white, acquired w/ 139k miles, now at 261k.
2001 Yamaha FZ1, Ivan's jet kit, resprung all around, Ohlins in the rear, Race Tech cartridge emulators in the forks, 45k miles.
Yep, owned 3 Gen 3's. One killed by a semi at 160K, another at 80K, (F'ing semis!) and one parked at 250K. Never had any such problem so sounds like you need to get this sorted out.
Clicking while turning could also be outer CV joint. However, a worn CV joint should not change your alignment geometry. But you may have multiple problems??
Soooo.....not counting struts, wheel bearing, strut bearing, stabilizer bar links, outer CV joints, or other suspension components, but I'd say ball joints are among the things you should inspect here (lower ball joints, outer tie rod joints, inner tie rod joints).
A mechanic should check all suspension/steering components and try to identify the real source of the noises. But ball joints are among the usual suspects here.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 93XLEcamry
OOOOMMMMMMMMMMMFFFFFFFFFFFGGGGGGGGG......now im scared....cus every time i turn my wheels to the right i hear clicking noise....
so i need to get the ball join fixed to get rid of the steering play and the clicking noise right?? again sorry sorry to tread jack bro...
Something's wrong. The steering wheel should not have that much play in it. I suspect the problem's either in the rack & pinion, or possibly in the joint connecting the steering wheel shaft to it.
speaking of rack and pinion....theres this part that's busted by my wheel....im goin to take a pic of it and post it...would love if u could tell me what it was bro
Clicking while turning could also be outer CV joint. However, a worn CV joint should not change your alignment geometry. But you may have multiple problems??
Soooo.....not counting struts, wheel bearing, strut bearing, stabilizer bar links, outer CV joints, or other suspension components, but I'd say ball joints are among the things you should inspect here (lower ball joints, outer tie rod joints, inner tie rod joints).
A mechanic should check all suspension/steering components and try to identify the real source of the noises. But ball joints are among the usual suspects here.
how would i go about checking for a bad ball join???....
trevisae86 - the first thing i would do is rotate the front tires to the back then test drive the car to rule out any wheel unbalance problems. since these cars are rack and pinion, i would then focus on that. i dont think bad struts or ball joints would cause the steering wheel to turn back and forth rapidly.
Quote:
Originally Posted by 93XLEcamry
how would i go about checking for a bad ball join???....
to check for bad ball joints, remove the front wheels. inspect the rubber boots for the ball joints. if they are intact and not leaking, grab a long prybar and see if you can pry the steering knuckle away from the lower control arm. be careful not to pinch the rubber boot. there shouldnt be any movement when you try to pry.
TravisAE86 and 93XLECamry
What did you guys end up doing? What were the root causes? Care to share? :-) I need your help!!
__________________ 1995 Camry DX L4 178,6XX miles and counting each mile.... acquired 05/25/2007 at 129K miles
2004 Mazda6 I4 5-Speed Manual 115,500 miles acquired 01/21/2011 at 109,XXX miles
my money is on loose steering rack. worn/missing bushings, or simply not bolted down on one side. that could defintely do what he's describing, and would be scary as hell!
__________________ 98 Camry CE v6 5s 97 MX-5 95 Camry SE v6 2dr SC (sold) www.gibson99.com
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. When im driving over a smooth surface everything is fine and the steering wheel stays stright....if i suddenly run over a bump or hole if im not holding the wheel the car would end up in a ditch. What could the problem be? Bad shocks? Steering rack? Power steering fluid? 
. It does not give me the confidence I need when I drive my Camry hard and fast....but its been like this for so damn long im used to it. Does any one else experience this or have these issues with their Camrys? Could be any year really
I4 5-Speed Manual 115,500 miles acquired 01/21/2011 at 109,XXX miles
98 Camry CE v6 5s
97 MX-5
95 Camry SE v6 2dr SC (sold)
Linear Mode
