99 Avalon Intermediate steering shaft - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

TedL · 10-31-2008, 07:11 AM

Dealer service dept. doing alignment says they can't get steering wheel centered because the intermediate shaft/u-joint is worn. Independent shop also couldn't get wheel centered, so I'm believing them.

Anyway, I'm wondering if anyone can tell me whether the intermediate can be removed without taking out the steering column. Any other tips also appreciated.

***new echo owner*** · 10-31-2008, 09:09 AM

Are you experiencing any steering problem beside steering wheel not center? Any looseness or play in steering?

N.E.O.

TedL · 10-31-2008, 10:17 AM

No other problems noticed. The car is new to me, so I'm not sure what normal free play would be, but it does not seem excessive.

***toyomoho*** · 11-06-2008, 04:42 PM

Max freeplay 1.18 inch

TedL · 11-07-2008, 05:43 AM

Measured at the circumference of the steering wheel, I presume.

The actau symptom reported bu both shops was inability to center the wheel. It would wind up that the steering wheel w/b off center, sometimee right, sometimes left, after the 4 wheels were aligned to spec.

***toyomoho*** · 11-07-2008, 10:53 PM

Center or another other point. This is max play, not plus or minus.

Have someone move the steering wheel while you watch the steering shaft at the input to the rack. You may see the wheel move but no action at the rack shaft.

Not sure other then Toyota where to get another joint, perhaps a junk yard. The Avalon is almost the same car as the Camry thus perhaps the parts are the same. There are also discount mail order Toyota dealers.