3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
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We have a V6 Camry and a V4 Camry (same 2001). Steering of the V6 one is much more heavier than the V4. Taken it to the mechanics and all they said was due to the heavier V6 engine, the steering is heavier.
Has any one noticed this? Is it true that a V6 is supposed to have heavier steering than a V4 or just something wrong with the V6?
Also, the mechanics doesn't know what they're talking about. Just because the engine is bigger doesn't mean the steering is. There's probably something wrong with your whole steering. Check your rack & pinion, there could be a leak. Check the steering knuckles, your control arms, or bushings. Again, find a real mechanic that won't tell you BS like that ever again.
also tires and make sure your steering line isn't leaking. or even if you have power steering fluid in it at all haha
If that is indeed the case his steering would be very whiny. Been there, fixed that.
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Little Pig - 1999 Corolla LE - Manual Swap - 2001 front end - #138 @ CASC-OR Autoslalom 2012
Big Pig - 1997 Camry LE - need new tires, rear struts and alignment
Skinny Pig - 2010 devinci St-Tropez
I actually think that 1mz-fe V6's power steering DOES feel heavier than 5s-fe's ... I have both models to compare between and that is the case here.
The only differences are:
a) ps belt tension at lower spec limit on V6 while at higher spec limit on 5s-fe
b) V6 using a Mobil1 ATF in PS system while 5s-fe is using Castrol IMV ATF over there
it could be that Mobil1 ATF fluid is causing this actually as V6's transmission (running same fluid) is also "harder" now than 5s-fe's using Castrol IMV ATF. in SPrin gI will switch V6 to Castrol and compare. maybe I will retension new PS belt on V6 too, so I have more direct comparison.
__________________ '02 Solara SLE V6 1MZ-FE/A541E Coupe .: Denso/NGK : Akebono SP : Philips 9011 HIR (low+high) : Toshiba HIR2 9012 (fogs) : Magnefine :. @ 131k
'00 Solara SE 5S-FE/A140E Coupe .: NGK : Hawk HPS : Philips XP : RCEng : Magnefine :. @ 82k
4SALE: connectors for Camry Headlight Wiring Harness and ECU
it could be that Mobil1 ATF fluid is causing this actually as V6's transmission (running same fluid) is also "harder" now than 5s-fe's using Castrol IMV ATF. in SPrin gI will switch V6 to Castrol and compare. maybe I will retension new PS belt on V6 too, so I have more direct comparison.
Just a heads up, the P/S system calls for Dex III fluid
This whole "V6 steering is heavier because is it's a V6" thing is BS. I would get the system checked out
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1995 Toyota Camry V6 LE-6M1 250K Miles, Fun Car
1997 Acura RL-Gone
2007 Acura RL SH-AWD, Technology Package, Opulent Blue Pearl- Fun Car/Daily Driver
and Mobil1 ATF is not a DEX-III compatible type?
... and Castrol IMV ATF is?
... c'mon, you know better than that
there is nothing to check out in the system, all looks normal, no leaks. only real difference is the ATF used between the v6 and i4 I own.
fact is that V6 IS heavier than i4 while power steering system between the two seems the same to me (except for a fluid type difference I have).
I wasn't saying get your car checked out, I was talking to the OP I realized for some reason when I read your post ATF registered as P/S fluid in my mind for some reason Mechanically, the steering is the same, I don't see why one should feel heavier than the other. Besides, I've driven the 5S-Fe, and the steering feels identical to mine
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1995 Toyota Camry V6 LE-6M1 250K Miles, Fun Car
1997 Acura RL-Gone
2007 Acura RL SH-AWD, Technology Package, Opulent Blue Pearl- Fun Car/Daily Driver
anyways, my 5s-fe steering after a full flush, belt change, and switch to Castrol IMV ATF feels VERY light when compared to V6's (after same procedures, only Mobil1 ATF used).
not sure what up, but I have an impression that you don't know how light (almost "one finger light") the well maintained 5s-fe steering system can be no offense. so far I failed to have such "light" ps on v6, will know more after I switch the fluid to Castrol and maybe retension the belt with a real pry bar.
Quote:
Originally Posted by projektvertx
I wasn't saying get your car checked out, I was talking to the OP I realized for some reason when I read your post ATF registered as P/S fluid in my mind for some reason Mechanically, the steering is the same, I don't see why one should feel heavier than the other. Besides, I've driven the 5S-Fe, and the steering feels identical to mine
__________________ '02 Solara SLE V6 1MZ-FE/A541E Coupe .: Denso/NGK : Akebono SP : Philips 9011 HIR (low+high) : Toshiba HIR2 9012 (fogs) : Magnefine :. @ 131k
'00 Solara SE 5S-FE/A140E Coupe .: NGK : Hawk HPS : Philips XP : RCEng : Magnefine :. @ 82k
4SALE: connectors for Camry Headlight Wiring Harness and ECU
anyways, my 5s-fe steering after a full flush, belt change, and switch to Castrol IMV ATF feels VERY light when compared to V6's (after same procedures, only Mobil1 ATF used).
not sure what up, but I have an impression that you don't know how light (almost "one finger light") the well maintained 5s-fe steering system can be no offense. so far I failed to have such "light" ps on v6, will know more after I switch the fluid to Castrol and maybe retension the belt with a real pry bar.
My steering is light, I can pull out of a parking spot using one finger to turn the wheel
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1995 Toyota Camry V6 LE-6M1 250K Miles, Fun Car
1997 Acura RL-Gone
2007 Acura RL SH-AWD, Technology Package, Opulent Blue Pearl- Fun Car/Daily Driver
Also, the mechanics doesn't know what they're talking about. Just because the engine is bigger doesn't mean the steering is. There's probably something wrong with your whole steering. Check your rack & pinion, there could be a leak. Check the steering knuckles, your control arms, or bushings. Again, find a real mechanic that won't tell you BS like that ever again.
How so? There's more mass over the front wheels with the v6 compared to the i4. It's not heavy like there's no power assistance, but requires just a bit more force to turn as opposed to one finger.
From my experience with the 2 v6's and 2 i4's, the 4 cyl's steering is definitely lighter than the v6 counterpart. I have also experienced power assistance fail on both cars and can tell you, again, it was easier to steer the 4 cyl than the v6.
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Camry history:
1990 Camry CS 5spd - Now scrap metal
1994 Camry Executive A/T - Burnt to a crisp.
1995 Camry Vienta Csi A/T - Still running
1999 Camry Touring 5 spd - Current
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Crapmry
Toyota's don't make V4s. 
I realized for some reason when I read your post ATF registered as P/S fluid in my mind for some reason 
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