3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
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I have a vibration and wizzing noise which increases when I turn the steering wheel to the right. It is more noticable at lower speeds. Is there a way to be sure it is a bad wheel bearing before bitting the bullet?? Excellerating or decelleration the noise is the same. High mileage 298K
I have a vibration and wizzing noise which increases when I turn the steering wheel to the right. It is more noticable at lower speeds. Is there a way to be sure it is a bad wheel bearing before bitting the bullet?? Excellerating or decelleration the noise is the same. High mileage 298K
Jack the front off the ground and grab the tire at 3 Oclock and 9 Oclock and wiggle it left and right. Then grab it at 12 oclock and 6 oclock and wiggle it back and fourth. If the bearing is bad, the tire will move in all directions
'07 Honda Ruckus Big Bore TOTALED: '03 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer 4x4 5.4L, '96 Camry LE 5S May '10: '11 Sienna V6 XLE FWD 8-pass. July '10: '06 Matrix XR Auto FWD Oct. '09: '05 RAV-4 L 4WD
Jack the front off the ground and grab the tire at 3 Oclock and 9 Oclock and wiggle it left and right. Then grab it at 12 oclock and 6 oclock and wiggle it back and fourth. If the bearing is bad, the tire will move in all directions
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1996 Toyota Camry 5SFE 5-spd 329.9K - UNDER REPAIR
1997 Honda Civic 1.6 5-spd - 183K and 27 MPG average - Dependable DD and *small* family car
1991 Acura Integra 1.8 5-spd - 241K and 28MPG average - I'm game for a simple LS Vtec swap now...
Same procedure, you just have to look when you wiggle to see if it moves. You should also put a pry bar under the wheel when it's about 2 inches off the ground and push up on the wheel with it. A ball joint can have movement on either it's x and y axis, or it's z axis, so you should both wiggle test it, and use the pry bar. The wiggle test also works for testing both inner and outer tie rod ends.
Same procedure, you just have to look when you wiggle to see if it moves. You should also put a pry bar under the wheel when it's about 2 inches off the ground and push up on the wheel with it. A ball joint can have movement on either it's x and y axis, or it's z axis, so you should both wiggle test it, and use the pry bar. The wiggle test also works for testing both inner and outer tie rod ends.
You can also see if the ball joint has play by putting a prybar between the hub / lower control arm and picking up. If it has excessive play its bad. You would also notice camber wear on a bad ball joint. You would also notice it on a wheel bearing too though
OK Guys: Good advice. I did check the play in wheels by jacking them up. There was no play from top to bottom (12-6) and only a very small amount from front to back (9-3) No machanical noise whatsoever. I will check the ball joints next. I know there is something really bad going on. Can someone tell me where the differencal plug is located? (I can't find it) I want to check that too.
OK Guys: Good advice. I did check the play in wheels by jacking them up. There was no play from top to bottom (12-6) and only a very small amount from front to back (9-3) No machanical noise whatsoever. I will check the ball joints next. I know there is something really bad going on. Can someone tell me where the differencal plug is located? (I can't find it) I want to check that too.
You may want to remove the tire and inspect the inner and outer tie-rods if you have side to side play. have a helper wiggle the steering wheel and inspect how much play is in the movement is in your tie-rods.
The differential plug is located behind the motor (On the transmission).
Dave, check out the DIY tab on the main page of the Gen 3/4 forum. Tons of good go-by's on maintenance. Here is the link for the Differential fluid change from that section.
OK GUYS: You have been very helpful. I have decided that my bearings are ok but I am not sure about the tie rods & ball joints. It was difficult to check them out by myself. I have decided to let someone with a lift and experience take a look. I do know that the struts are or should be bad after 293,000 miles. Thanks again. I'm closing this thread out.
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How can I test front wheel bearings?
95 Camry
AUTO to MANUAL Swap Guide (3rd Gen) - 
Piece of Crap
Linear Mode
