bmauser

When I turn at slow speeds, there is an annoying groaning sound that seems to come from the steering column, versus under the hood somewhere, e.g. power steering pump. Have heard same from 2-3 other owners of Toyota products of that vintage. Any ideas about what causes it and how to fix?

deece

i have the same problem in my 98 and my dad has the same problem in his 99, and even my mother has the same problem in her 99 camry. i've been doing some reading and it may be a rubber o-ring in your steering column that needs greasing, my mechanic said it's not an issue, nothing's wrong with your car, but this is a very common issue with this car.

MikeLex

Although I haven't yet had that issue, I'd appreciate if you could you tell us what o-ring(s) should be greased? Attached is a pdf file with steering column diagrams.

sneakers

Suspension & Steering: STEERING:WHEEL AND HANDLE BAR

Campaign Number: 99V307000
Dates Manufactured: 07/1993 to 07/1998
Number of Vehicles Affected: 540,037
Model Years Affected: 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998
Date Owner Notified: 11/1999
Defect Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE STEERING WHEEL SET NUT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN SUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED CAUSING STEERING VIBRATION AND LOOSENESS.
Consequence Summary: THIS CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
Corrective Summary: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE STEERING WHEEL SET NUT.
Recall Notes: TOYOTA RECALL NOS. X06 AND XL7.OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 30, 1999.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 OR LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

lexluva

I am having the same problem as well. I believe that greasing somewhere in the steering wheele column solves the issue but I don't know where it would be. For those of u that know could you please post a photo of where that needs to be greased. Also what do u guys use as greaser?

lexluva

Any help on this?

PFB

If you really mean a "groan" than I can't help you, but if you mean a squeak, this is a very common problem with a very easy solution as follows"

Bend down under your dash, and visually follow your steering wheel column to the bottom where it enters through the firewall. You will see rubber bushing through which the column goes to the engine side.

Its this bushing that you need to lubricate. The idea is to lubricate the bushing where it touches the column. A silicone spray, sprayed INSIDE the bushing should do. You may have to do this a few times while turning the steering wheel back and fourth.

There are several posts here on the steering wheel squeak. Some with pictures.

Phil

lexluva

Thank you, this was my problem and the silicon spray fixed it.