Steering rack

[jasemc]

Hi all

I have 2003 camry altise and it has a noise comming ftom the steering wheel. My garage thinks it might be the steering rack pinion seal? Is there any way to repair this without replacing the steering rack?

[toyomoho]

Changing the rack/pinion is time consuming/expensive. as such best run down all areas. The steering column, U-joint on steering shift (look under hood in back of engine/trans or the rack/pinion. Check Camry posts on this subject it has come up many times. Toyota also has a TSB on steering shaft noise.

[jasemc]

It looks like the noise is comming from under the bonet after where the steering shaft goes through the fire wall not right at the fire wall. There a joint that has a red ruber cover over it which you can lift up.and the noise is comming from under that. Sorry don't know techincal terms.

[krgs4]

if the noise is "sqeaking" when you turn

1. WD-40 or Lithium Spray $1.99
2. All purpose Japanese Automotive Grease $2.99 Tube
3. spay the WD40 into the shat area, where it penetrates the firewall
4. Greae the @@#$% out of the round rubber Seal area down there

the Sqeeky sound will disappear...done it on 3 Camrys...common Squeek.

*while you are at it grease all the door hinges...common sqeeks as well.

[somick]

There is a TSB for steering column noise. I think it covers vehicles from 2002 to 2006.
My 2004 LE was fixed yesterday for free.
I have 35,500 miles: 1,500 miles left for the warranty to expire.

I do not have TSB's number on me, but if somebody needs it, let me know and I will forward it to you.

Sam