Steering Tightens when turning??? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

99camryLE · 12-29-2005, 01:13 PM

I was wondering if anyone could tell me what was going on with my camry. When I drive over a puddle, the steering wheel becomes exteremly hard to turn, in either direction. This happens when I'm actually in the shallow puddle and for a brief period of time after a get out of the puddle. The steering never tightens like this in dry weather or even in the snow, only when it is a puddle of water. I checked the power steering fluid and that is fine. I don't think it is the steering column, because this only occurs when driving over a puddle. It does not occur when I drive over a wet road either. I know one solution is , "don't drive over a puddle," which is what I have been doing. But does anyone have any theories on why this might be happening??? I think it might be my tires, because I don't remember this happening before. But I'm not sure, that could just be a coincidence. Any other theories and/or solutions??

CCCP · 12-29-2005, 01:16 PM

In my opinion you got your belt wet, and it was slipping for some time untill it got dry.

Reppinshadyvill · 12-29-2005, 01:23 PM

^I agree

TRDCamryCL · 12-29-2005, 01:26 PM

Hydroplaning? Maybe? It also could be the belt like everyone has said...

99camryLE · 12-29-2005, 01:36 PM

So the belt gets wet every time? This wasn't an isolated event, it has happened several times. How do i prevent the belt from getting wet, or does it matter? Will it affect the engine or any components?

CCCP · 12-29-2005, 03:11 PM

^^ do u have all plastic guards in place?
When i had an altima and i lost my plastic guards during a curb kissing accident, my engine bay became dirty really fast.

99camryLE · 12-29-2005, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CCCP

^^ do u have all plastic guards in place?
When i had an altima and i lost my plastic guards during a curb kissing accident, my engine bay became dirty really fast.

I'm not quite sure if they're all in place or not. I have hit the curb several times (I bottom out every time when I leave the college parking lot)...does anyone have pics so I could compare it with my car?

Gary_602Z · 12-29-2005, 05:03 PM

More then likely your belt is glazed and needs to be replaced. If it is glazed then it will slip more when wet. Could possibly be a little loose also!

Gary