93 SE V6 Steering problem Help Needed

[ctr98]

When making right hand turns my Camry is fine for the first 1/8 of a turn of the steering wheel. Once past there the car dives (DIVES) right. Feels like something gives and something moves. When I straighten it back out it feels like something moves back into place. The move to the right is drastic but you have to pay attention or you won't feel the "something" giving. Car handles perfectly normal turning left.

Last winter my son slid the car into a curb, I thought this might be the cause but now not sure. I have replaced the left side control arm (curb hit side), both left and right side control arm bushings, and even the steering rack. Nothing has made a difference. I have taken it in to two separate shops and they can't find anything. I'm out of ideas.

Has anyone else run into this? Anyone know what it might be?

TIA!

[73sport]

OK - you did the action of replacing controls/bushings. . . That leaves the ball joint.
For kicks, replace the ball joint on the damaged side or at least remove it from the spindle for complete inspection. Its

Beyond that, Best bet is to see it.

Take it somewhere with a four post lift where you can drive up and leave the cars tires supporting the car. Engine running, steer it left and right and watch with a good light.

Hope the obvious is detected but it sounds like A) control ares are moving, or B the ball joint is bent.

Also, strut shafts can bend too. These are VERY hard to detect. It comes down to process of elimination here, the strut being the most labor and cost.

Hope this helps. . .

[camry6]

Sounds like a major wheel alignment problem, Toed in or out too much. Abnormal tire wear? Straighten the front wheels until the drivers side tire looks straight when compared to looking down the side of the body. Then sight down the passenger side of the car and tire to see if it looks the same as the drivers side, or if it is turned in or out too much. I had the same type of steering problem after I replaced a tie rod end and threw the alignment off.

[ctr98]

I've thought about the ball joint but can't believe the shops wouldn't have checked that (which means that might be it ). Alignment wise the toe was off slightly but I reset it before the first drive.

Thanks to both of you for the responses.