Gas Pedal and steering wheel vibration..

[turumkan]

I bought a certified 2005 Camry with 35000 miles on it about 20 days ago.
The car is great and is very smooth(Brakes, Shocks, Engine and all).
The tires are about 10000 miles old and still look new.

I noticed the following noise.
A light vibration at the gas pedal and the steering wheel at all speeds and is most pronounced while cruising at 70 mph on the freeway. The steering wheel does not shake and is firm but you can feel the vibration from the road on both the steering wheel and the gas pedal(Grinding/vibration).

Also, the steering wheel motion is not really smooth while backing up or while turning. The steering wheel is firm(and no loose play which is good), but there is a clicking sound as if something has to be tightened. The funny thing is that it does not happen all the time and happens occasionally.

I took the car to the dealer where I purchased the car. The mechanic was a nice person. He basically said that the vibration is due to the "hard tires". He mentioned firestone tires are hard. He also said that since the steering wheel does not really shake and is just passing the feeling of vibration from the road to the hand(meaning sensitive to the road surface due to the hard tires). He showed me the maintenance record of the car fully serviced before being put on the lot a month ago(wheel alignment, balancing, 30k mile service, new brakes)

Finally he said since he could not see the steering wheel clicking noise, he cannot determine the reason and asked me to come back when it is more pronounced. I have a feeling some part in the steering is a bit worn out.

Just wanted to know whether anyone have faced similar situation

[toyomoho]

Do you mean the brake pedal, is the steering column making a popping, clicking noise when you turn the wheel? Do you know anyone with tires/rims that will fit this car, if so swap the front tires and see what happens.

[turumkan]

"Do you mean the brake pedal, is the steering column making a popping, clicking noise when you turn the wheel? "

Thanks for the quick response.
I meant the Gas pedal.

Yes the steering column is making a popping/clicking noise when I turn the wheel (Not always, but once in a few times)

I will try to swap the tires and check. Just curious, could the "hard tires" be really the issue? Has anyone had similar situation?

[freestylez]

sounds like the rotors are warped, get your brakes and rotors checked out

[csaxon]

Mention TSB ST001-06 Steering intermediate shaft noise camry 03-06. Issued FEB 16, 2006.

[turumkan]

This TSB information was really helpful. This explains the clicking/popping noise from the steering wheel. I will go to the dealer and hopefully they will take care of it.

I did tire balancing and it reduced the high speed vibration a lot. I got the car checked at my local mechanic(where I got the tire balancing done) and he said that the brakes are new and rotors are fine.

The only thing is the annoying grinding feeling at the gas pedal. I dont know whether it is due the steering wheel issue or some thing else. I dont feel it at low speeds(25 miles) and the grinding is worse between 60-70 miles. It is not like a vibration but more a grinding sensation.

I am worried and am seriously considering the extended bumper to bumper warranty available from the toyota dealer(would cover for the next 4 years) for an additional few hundred bucks..

Any thoughts..

[Pb]

Originally Posted by turumkan

I am worried and am seriously considering the extended bumper to bumper warranty available from the toyota dealer(would cover for the next 4 years) for an additional few hundred bucks..

Any thoughts..

Well, if you're shopping for an extended warranty then this is the best deal I've seen. Plus some of the proceeds go to support this site.

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