Steering Problem - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

beau420 · 03-28-2008, 01:24 PM

Having a weird steering problem where on my '98 Camry with a ton of millage (270,000KM).

I have checked the power steering fluid and it's fine, and the power steering kicks in and out. If I make a full turn, the first 1/8th of the turn is hard (like power steering is off) then the next 1/4th of the turn, power steering kicks on. On my way out of the corner it straightens out the same way, with the power steering feeling like it's cutting in and out.

My local dealership are the type of people to replace first and analyze after.

The problem started happening around 4 months ago, but normally after the car warms up for about 5 minutes (it's Winter) then there wouldn't be a problem. Up until this week, now it happens all the time.

I mentioned this to my dealership and they said it was probably an issue with the steering yoke and it needed to be replaced, but that will be like $450 + $180 labour and another 90 for realignment.

I have tried to research this, but can't find anyone else coming across this problem.

No noise when turning, and I've driven cars without power steering before....and this is even harder to turn. Especially hard to turn when it's kicking in and out.

***toyomoho*** · 03-28-2008, 07:37 PM

Does the steering feel like it locks up or it is binding?

Jack up the front end then turn the steering wheel (engine off) to see if it still binds, if so then it might be the yoke. You can see the yoke by looking inside the engine compartment, lower drivers side between the engine and firewall.

If it feels like the steering is locking up might be the flow control valve in the pump or the control valve in the steering rack. If so, changing the PS fluid with new may help, this is something you can do yourself.

beau420 · 03-29-2008, 01:29 AM

Thanks....will give it a try tomorrow.

VTBikeman · 01-11-2010, 07:45 PM

I have the same issue. What was the problem?
Thanks,
Geo

73sport · 01-25-2010, 03:37 PM

All,
Take a look at these. . .

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/se...archid=2577463

In the Gen 3/4 forum I did a search for user "73sport" and "RACK".

Problem: Steering Locks Up
Power Steering fluid question and How to tighten PS belt?
Steering System Experts: Rack and Pinion/Inner TRE Tests
Steering Oddity
98 Camry Pulls Hard Left

It should guide you to the right questions to ask and hopefully the answer you need once all the information has been shared.

Do a general search for "morning sickness" and it may give you some info too.

Good Luck,