2000 4cyl Camry question

[03highlander]

I've got a really annoying squeak in my steering wheel when I turn. It sounds like there is probably a rubber boot that is rubbing on the steering wheel shaft. It has been so cold lately I haven't gone out in the garage to investigate. The noise is louder now that we are getting cold weather. Have any of you experienced this problem? Any remidies? I figure there has got to be an easy way to lube it to quiet it down.

Thanks in advance.

[ToyotaDealer]

it's a fairly common problem, most common in the camry's. remedied by using lithium grease or some form of lubricant on the steering shaft underneath the dash.

[mdmm]

Hi,
i have a similar problem with steering wheel.I am not a tech.Please let me know how and where to install any lubricant??.What is cheapest lubricant to use.??Thanks

[ToyotaDealer]

Originally Posted by mdmm

Hi,
i have a similar problem with steering wheel.I am not a tech.Please let me know how and where to install any lubricant??.What is cheapest lubricant to use.??Thanks

look underneath the dash, where the steering shaft runs up through the firewall/dashboard. turn the wheel and listen for the squeeks, it's a real easy job, and once you're under there it's real easy to find.

as far as the cheapest lubricant to use, i can't say? we use Toyota white lithium grease, but that's because i work at a Toyota dealership which A. makes people happier that Toyota products are being used on their Toyota's, and B. is supplied to us

i dont know why any standard lubricant wouldn't work, or run it by your local dealership and have one of their hourly techs slap a spot of grease on it. we do it for free at ours, it takes less than 2 minutes to do and virtually nothing in grease, you just want something tacky so that it doesn't drip down and mess up the floormat/carpets.

[marc780]

I've got a really annoying squeak in my steering wheel when I turn

I dont have this problem but lemme at least point you in the right direction, some people have been posting lately that it can be caused by the u-joints in the steering column running dry or worn out.

as far as the cheapest lubricant to use, i can't say? we use Toyota white lithium grease, but that's because i work at a Toyota dealership which A. makes people happier that Toyota products are being used on their Toyota's, and B. is supplied to us

Toyota dealer i hate to disagree with you but i will. Lithium grease is petroleum based and is the wrong thing to use on anything rubber or neoprene, it attacks the rubber over time.
Use silicone spray or rubber grease only on your own car, unless you like changing the rubber boots on stuff.

[Hajoca]

That rubber piece will not suffer any harm for the life of the car if you use White lithium grease, it is not functioning as a critical seal, just to keep large debris and you fingers from touching the u joint inside. Some silicone sprays will craze plastics, and that is depending on what carrier agent it is using.
Neoprene is very resistant to hydrocarbons.

[mdmm]

Thanks Alot Brothers.
Your Suggestions Helped Me. I Did And There Is No Noise Coming Out Any More.thanks

[03highlander]

Thanks a bunch! I'll look under the dash tonight.