2001 Toyota Camry LE Steering Wheel whining....

Hi I've got a 2001 Toyota Camry LE and it rides great for the most
part. The one problem I have is there appears to be a whining sound
coming from the steering wheel or column. It consistenty happens when
I turn and drives me crazy. I don't notice it so much if I make a 45
degree turn as much as 90 degree turns. I would not consider it a
squeaking sound. Any ideas guys???

Thanks!!!

<loser_ast@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1147273638.905319.248880@i40g2000cwc.googlegroups.com...[color=blue]
> Hi I've got a 2001 Toyota Camry LE and it rides great for the most
> part. The one problem I have is there appears to be a whining sound
> coming from the steering wheel or column. It consistenty happens when
> I turn and drives me crazy. I don't notice it so much if I make a 45
> degree turn as much as 90 degree turns. I would not consider it a
> squeaking sound. Any ideas guys???
>
> Thanks!!!
>[/color]

There is a reel that winds and unwinds the wires for steering wheel
controls, horn, and airbag as you turn the steering wheel, it looks kind of
like a clockspring. The reel may be rubbing up against something. Also
look at the gap between the steering wheel and column to see if anything is
rubbing. Be very careful when messing with that reel so you do not
activate the airbag.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

A little bit of an update I guess. I can hear it from the column under
the hood as it heads down towards the tires I really can't tell for
sure where it is loudest. It is tough to pinpoint.

<loser_ast@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1147284628.825840.172330@q12g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...[color=blue]
>A little bit of an update I guess. I can hear it from the column under
> the hood as it heads down towards the tires I really can't tell for
> sure where it is loudest. It is tough to pinpoint.
>[/color]

A sound from under the hood is completely different from a sound from the
steering column.

Check the air pressure in your tires.

Check the fluid level in your power steering reservoir, in addition to the
other stuff I mentioned.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

I did check the pressure and fluid and it appeared fine. I'm having a
mechanic look at it today so I'll give you an update after he's looked
at it.

Well the mechanic I took it to today said it was the rack and pinsor
and said he could fix it for like 900$. I decided to get a 2nd opinion
and took it to another mechanic now that one of my friends recommended.
This new mechanic doesn't think it is the rack and pinsor just yet but
won't have more time to look at it until tomorrow. I will keep u guys
informed.

<loser_ast@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1147397232.299384.100230@q12g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...[color=blue]
> Well the mechanic I took it to today said it was the rack and pinsor
> and said he could fix it for like 900$. I decided to get a 2nd opinion
> and took it to another mechanic now that one of my friends recommended.
> This new mechanic doesn't think it is the rack and pinsor just yet but
> won't have more time to look at it until tomorrow. I will keep u guys
> informed.
>[/color]

I have not heard of or read about many steering rack failures in Camrys and
racks generally do not make whining noises. If your friend's mechanic's
diagnosis differs from the original one, think about taking it to a Toyota
dealer. The technicians there probably know more about Toyotas than any
independent shop.
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

[email]loser_ast@hotmail.com[/email] wrote:
[color=blue]
>Well the mechanic I took it to today said it was the rack and pinsor
>and said he could fix it for like 900$. I decided to get a 2nd opinion
>and took it to another mechanic now that one of my friends recommended.
> This new mechanic doesn't think it is the rack and pinsor just yet but
>won't have more time to look at it until tomorrow. I will keep u guys
>informed.[/color]

Perhaps he should look at the rack and pinion then?...
--

-Gord.
(use gordon in email)

I actually printed this page out for the 2nd mechanic. I'm not sure if
he needed it or not but it ended up being that joint near the firewall
that needed lubrication. I just wanna thank everyone who responded to
this post!!!!!

<loser_ast@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1147545965.488076.271620@d71g2000cwd.googlegroups.com...[color=blue]
>I actually printed this page out for the 2nd mechanic. I'm not sure if
> he needed it or not but it ended up being that joint near the firewall
> that needed lubrication. I just wanna thank everyone who responded to
> this post!!!!!
>[/color]
Glad it worked out!
--

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)