2005 Camry - Steering Wheel Wobble @ Low Speed

[BKSmooth]

Hello everyone,

After searching on here and the WWW about this issue, I have not been able to arrive at an answer for my issue. Here is a thread describing some symptomology analogous to what I am experiencing:

01 Sienna steering wobble

I have a 2005 Camry, 4 cyl, 107,500 miles, stock 15" wheels with OE spec potenza tires with very even wear, rotors resurfaced @ 91k along with new front brake pads, all factory suspension parts. At low speeds (idle up to about 15-18 mph), the steering wheel wobbles a solid (+/-)15 degrees from center without any change in course. The wobble disappears above 20 mph and only returns when the car gets below ~15 mph, irrespective of braking. Thus far, I have not noticed this issue returning at any speed interval including highway speeds. The movement is not forceful enough to notice when gripping the steering wheel and also disappears when the wheels are turned even slightly. I don't notice any significant noise associated with the wobble or with turning at any speed.

@ ~20,000 miles, I was run part-way off the interstate onto a shoulder with a slightly elevated curb, which threw the alignment off (lifetime alignment @ Firestone which has been re-performed 2 other times when changing tires). Overall, it's ~70% freeway miles on decent roads. So, aside from what is mentioned above, the car has had it easy. This issue has progressively worsened over the last 2,000 miles.

I ruled out wheels, tires, and rotors immediately since this disappears completely after crossing a relatively low speed threshold and because this occurs irrespective of braking. Also, I did catch a glance at the CV boots during this interval and they are intact. With limited experience with suspension and steering components, I suspect malfunction or failure in the wheel bearings, tie rod ends, or steering gear.

What do others think I may be experiencing? What differential testing or inspection should I perform to rule in/out possibly faulty components? Any and all suggestions or assistance are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[KHOALTY]

Have you checked your front control arm bushings?

[Frodo65]

Originally Posted by BKSmooth

Hello everyone,

After searching on here and the WWW about this issue, I have not been able to arrive at an answer for my issue. Here is a thread describing some symptomology analogous to what I am experiencing:

01 Sienna steering wobble

I have a 2005 Camry, 4 cyl, 107,500 miles, stock 15" wheels with OE spec potenza tires with very even wear, rotors resurfaced @ 91k along with new front brake pads, all factory suspension parts. At low speeds (idle up to about 15-18 mph), the steering wheel wobbles a solid (+/-)15 degrees from center without any change in course. The wobble disappears above 20 mph and only returns when the car gets below ~15 mph, irrespective of braking. Thus far, I have not noticed this issue returning at any speed interval including highway speeds. The movement is not forceful enough to notice when gripping the steering wheel and also disappears when the wheels are turned even slightly. I don't notice any significant noise associated with the wobble or with turning at any speed.

@ ~20,000 miles, I was run part-way off the interstate onto a shoulder with a slightly elevated curb, which threw the alignment off (lifetime alignment @ Firestone which has been re-performed 2 other times when changing tires). Overall, it's ~70% freeway miles on decent roads. So, aside from what is mentioned above, the car has had it easy. This issue has progressively worsened over the last 2,000 miles.

I ruled out wheels, tires, and rotors immediately since this disappears completely after crossing a relatively low speed threshold and because this occurs irrespective of braking. Also, I did catch a glance at the CV boots during this interval and they are intact. With limited experience with suspension and steering components, I suspect malfunction or failure in the wheel bearings, tie rod ends, or steering gear.

What do others think I may be experiencing? What differential testing or inspection should I perform to rule in/out possibly faulty components? Any and all suggestions or assistance are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I'd start with the basics:

• Look at radial and lateral run-out for the front rolling assembly - something that's bent could wind up with weird symptoms.
• Look at steering component free-play, including concerns with the rack.
• I don't believe that this vintage Camry uses speed-sensitive steering - but the symptoms sounds like a problem in that area.
• I'd also look for air in the PS reservoir - some of the symptoms may be related to PS variability. I'd consider changing the fluid - and making sure it's up to the correct level.
• You could also try disabling the Power steering assist by turning engine off at low speeds to see if the 'wobble' is still there. Things that are bent won't be impacted by lack of PS - if the assist control valve or other PS parts are at fault, the symptoms will likely disappear with engine off.
• You could also pop the car in neutral with engine off, do eliminate loading of driveshafts from equation.

[ChiTDI]

Good advice above, I'd also check to see if the p/s belt is slipping or a pulley is loose.

[Mike Gerber]

"I ruled out wheels, tires, and rotors immediately"

I wouldn't. Tires and wheels (especially tires) can develop bubbles and shifted belts that can cause problems at various speeds. They can produce vibrations at some speeds and then not at others. Have the tires inspected by the shop that sold and installed them. This shouldn't take more than a few minutes and there shouldn't be any cost if you have a warranty. Eliminate the basic things first.

Mike