Toyota Camry: Steering Problems in 98 Camry?

"astrokat" <rci.rutgers.edu> wrote in message
news:talkaboutautos.com... 
wheel has begun to felt loose, meaning that it seems to have a lot more play
then normal. It almost feels like it requires more effort to turn the car
right then it does left. It also feels like the road has more control over
the steering then it should, meaning going over small bumps will often turn
the wheel. When breaking, I feel my front tires drifting to the right as
well. I've had my breaks done, alignment done, and have even gotten new
tires .. the problem still remains. Every time I take it in (at least 4
different times), I am told that it is fine .. but I know for a fact the car
is not handling the way it use too. Maybe I am not explaining the problem
correctly, but it is really fustrating, especially since I drove a long
distance daily. Anyone have any recommendations? I feel like I am going
crazy. 

Camrys are very tolerant of tyre differences on the front ie the car seems
to use a high degree of castor which we as drivers cant feel courtesy of the
power-steering (heavy castor makes for stable tracking, but heavy low-speed
steering effort in non-powersteering cars).

However, like all cars, worn steering or suspension components will cause
the car to follow road undulations and have slop or excessive play at the
steering wheel.

You have taken the car to suspension/steering specialists, and they have
said its OK? Doesn't make sense if they are competant, and after 4 of them
you think you would have encountered a good one.

In this situation, I would either grab hold of my wallet and go to Toyota or
get the suspension/steering guy you next choose, to drive your car with you
in it so he experiences what you are complaining about.

Jason

I have taken it to 2 Toyota dealers and R & S Strauss. Although I did not expect much from the later, the two dealers came back saying "the steering is fine, but you need this, this and that." I do not think they actually drove the car although the "said" they ran diagnostics on it. I will follow your advice and try to find a suspension/steering specialist. Can you recommend any off the top of your head?

Couple of obvious thoughts you didn't mention. Check tire pressure (if one
is higher/lower than other that can cause it to pull or feel loose).
Rotate tires back to front to see if difference (internal plies sometimes
separate and cause drifting - tire has to be replaced - under warranty
though). Are the new tires the right speed/load rating - this affects
sidewall strength and handling - originals were probably 90 or 91H rating.
If you do a lot of long distance driving I prefer to set pressure at the
high limit for better gas mileage. Not sure if the Camry has a steering
damper (my yota PU and 4Rnr do - it could be shot - Monroe makes them). CV
boots go (crack and leak grease) at that mileage - have ya checked them?
Check sway bar bushings - rubber dries out and play becomes present.
Finally - suspect the struts are shot if original - replace with Monroe gas
shocks (you'll need a 4 wheel alignment after doing this). .Lastly - NJ (and
PA too) roads tend to have a significant crown to them which does result in
car to want to go right --- amazing but true.

Astrokat,

The '98 Camrys and other models in that generation did have leaking
power steering racks. Mine had one and I know several other people in
here have had the same problem.

Check your power steering fluid level and make sure it's not too low or
leaking.

Also check:

http://yotarepair.com/Suspension.html#Camry-Truck%20power%20steering%
20leak

(make that into one URL).

My '98 LE/V6 Camry was diagnosed with a leaking around 81K...

Thanks,
V

In article <301d53119d569dc5daf49a32f7faf873
@localhost.talkaboutautos.com>, rci.rutgers.edu says... 
done, alignment done, and have even gotten new tires .. the problem still remains. Every time I take it in (at least 4 different times), I am told that it is fine .. but I know for a fact the car is not handling the way it use too. Maybe I am not explaining the problem correctly, but it is really fustrating, especially since I drove a long distance daily. Anyone have any recommendations? I feel like I am going crazy.