Squeaking?? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

toyotachick · 12-12-2004, 12:35 AM

Ok, i have a 97 Camry LE. I have a question. Everytime i go to make a hard turn, and i crank teh weel, it squeaks really bad. Is this a bad problem, and whats wrong with it? I am going to take it for a tune up, and i was wondering if they could fix it also

Thanks!

toyotachick · 12-12-2004, 12:38 AM

OH, and sometimes my idle RPM goes below 1000 like maybe 7-800?, is this normal?

(sorry, im a worrier)

amerikim · 12-12-2004, 12:44 AM

Normal idle is about 700 rpm..1000 rpm is little on high. Nothing killer.
Check power steering fluid, could be low or steering pump may be suspect.
Who's doing your service?

toyotachick · 12-12-2004, 12:49 AM

I dont know yet, its an idea that i want to get it done. Have had it about 4 weeks, and i dont the last time it was serviced. Got it used from a dealership used, and i will have to check the carfax to see when it was done last. Im not sure if they did it when i got it at the place.

toyotachick · 12-12-2004, 12:49 AM

BTW, see that your from oregon

Very nice!

crah · 12-12-2004, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toyotachick

OH, and sometimes my idle RPM goes below 1000 like maybe 7-800?, is this normal?

(sorry, im a worrier)

7-800 is normal after it is warmed up. At first start-up when it's cold it will probably idle little over 1000 to help out the engine warming process. It will go away fast so don't worry about it.

***Lauren*** · 12-12-2004, 09:37 AM

Just a little chick thing to another...don't call it a 'tune-up' when you get in there. Technically yes on a 97 it would be a tune-up but the newer toyotas have a chain instead of a timing belt, therefore changing the way it is worked on. Usually the dealerships have service pakages and here is what they use instead of a tune-up.
I figured I'd let ya know since no only are dealerships equal opportunity rapists, but being a girl will get you even less respect.

And the idle can get lower, as your car gets older. But keeping up with oil changes, making sure your fluids are clean and at the right levels, your timing belt is tight and not frayed or cracked, your engine should be fine.

***Your Uncle Moe*** · 12-12-2004, 01:45 PM

if not the pump, you might have a leak in your rack and pinion (big money). Also check to see if your axel boots are ripped.

anuthaCamry · 12-12-2004, 02:46 PM

Check if the belts are loose, glazed, dirty or greasy. If loose, tighten. Glazed, replace. Dirty or greasy clean pulleys and belts.

userlain · 12-12-2004, 03:21 PM

Try moving your steering wheel position all the way up. If that fixes the problem and you move it back and still have issues, it could be the steering column internals.

EDIT: Are you sure you aren't squeaking your wheels?

toyotachick · 12-12-2004, 06:47 PM

I dont really know. When i crank the wheel all the way, to one end or another, i hear a squeaking noise. Like *eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaa*. (thats the noise it makes). Im getting the brakes looked at tomorrow and we are taking it to our regular machanic tomorrow as well to see if they know about the noise.

Thanks everyone!

toyotachick · 12-12-2004, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lauren

Just a little chick thing to another...don't call it a 'tune-up' when you get in there. Technically yes on a 97 it would be a tune-up but the newer toyotas have a chain instead of a timing belt, therefore changing the way it is worked on. Usually the dealerships have service pakages and here is what they use instead of a tune-up.
I figured I'd let ya know since no only are dealerships equal opportunity rapists, but being a girl will get you even less respect.

And the idle can get lower, as your car gets older. But keeping up with oil changes, making sure your fluids are clean and at the right levels, your timing belt is tight and not frayed or cracked, your engine should be fine.

thats nice of you!

I know, i hate alwyas getting the *look* when i go into a shop. It makes me mad that just cause im a chick, i know nothing.

*grr*

97camryman · 12-12-2004, 07:34 PM

Its your steering pump, it probably has a loose belt. When I put in my underdrive pulley I didn't get the power stering belt tight enough and it would make that high pitched shriek at the turning extremities. Also it would lose power and make steering difficult. Get beside the car on the passenger side. Remove wheel (in front) and the two screw holding the plastic shield on. Then you will see your steering pump off to the left. (it has the smaller belt on it) Then loosen the adjusting bolt (the one in the slot) and the main bolt and pivot the pump backwards. I used a big screwdriver to lever the pump out. Then when the belt is tight, tighten the bolts back down. Install water shield and wheel and see if it still squeaks.

Ostornadoe · 12-12-2004, 07:42 PM

Don't know about a 97 camry, but with a 94 corolla, i had that very loud screeching noise when i turned it all the way left or right. i tightened my alternator/ power steering belt and it went away. that is most likely the problem. the belt is too loose, so either tighten or tension it yourself, or mention it to the mechanic, and he'll probably do it for free if he's doing something else. I'm almost positive this is your problem. good luck, and let us know how it turns out.

***Lauren*** · 12-12-2004, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toyotachick

thats nice of you!

I know, i hate alwyas getting the *look* when i go into a shop. It makes me mad that just cause im a chick, i know nothing.

*grr*

It's tough being a chick, so I just look out for my fellow chicks. I have a handful of stories that's make any car girl go mad. Tough being a six foot blonde. Makes it harder.