Steering "sticks"

[joea]

93 2.2 5 speed. DX. 250,000 or so.

Recently, the steering "sticks" at times. Meaning, it requires additional effort on the wheel, the it "unsticks" and functions fine. Until it sticks again.

It always seems to happen at the "same spot" in a turn, sometimes, tho, it seems "heavier" even when straight ahead. Also "return to center" seems "dead" when that happens.

I figured it was loss of assist. Checked the belt, a little loose, but not bad. no squealing. Must be wear or "sludge".

I drained the p/s reservoir and added Bars "treatment". Went for a test drive and it seemed like there was an immediate improvement, but not gone. They say it might take 100 miles to be completely "reconditioned".

And, it seemed like, about that time, it was "like new". Great. Smiles. But then, there came that nagging. It had been raining for a few days. Heavy. Sure enough, two days after the rain stopped, it started getting sticky again, But, not as bad.

Thoughts? What kind of mechanical steering issue would respond to water as a lubricant?

Well, it is a lot colder last two days, so maybe it just is hydraulics.

[mail2_jb]

there is a diy to flush the ps fluid. I would do that before I muck with anything else. It only costs to <10 $ to flush with premium mobile1 atf including the hose and barb connector. Look in DIY section and follow that, pretty simple thing to try before replacing the pump or anything else and doesn't require any special tool or anything.

[Yuko]

^+1

I would flush the system first before pulling thinks apart. Here's a DIY below and be sure to use the correct fluid. Should be Dexron ATF for 93'.
DIY: Power Steering Fluid Flush/Exchange

Another possible cause of "Dead spots" are bad strut mounts. Not a common as the steering rack but is possible.

[Chris Crash]

Sounds like you have a leak in the hose and letting moisture in...

[Jimnist]

I had a similar problem on my Gen2. However, it was much worse - the steering would not self centre at all. Became worse the faster i went. Sounds like the culprit is the same since you mentioned it happens at the same steering wheel position. That is, one (or both) of the universal joints is seized.

There's really only one way to find out which one is busted. Take out each one and physically rotate it through the range of motion. I'm not sure how many are on a Gen 3, but on a Gen 4 there are two (FWIW my gen 2 had only one). On the Gen 4, there's one inside the cabin at the end of the steering shaft, and another in the engine bay by the firewall/steering rack pinion.

Edit: Have you removed one of the universal joints recently? Incorrect orientation can also cause problems like you described.

[b2p1986]

Well i guess I will chime in before someone else suggests the issue. I have had two camry's and both have needed this part rreplaced for the exact same issue that you are having. The issue lies within the intermediate steering shaft. This is the shaft that essentially connects your front wheels to the steering wheel. If you go under the hood and locate this shaft, if you spray it with PB lube or some penetrating Lube, it will free it up and unseize it temporarily. I usually did this and it kept it ok for a week or so until it became tough to turn again...

anyways search up on ebay...

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/STEERING-COLU...item1c20589359

This is the one i purchased for my camry coupe. I bought an OEM one a few years back for my other camry and honestly the parts are virtually identical...the one off ebay for a quarter of the price works just as well IMO

Best of luck

[joea]

Follow up with solution:

"Break Free" on the steering U joint. Been good since.