Ok, I hope I'm posting in the right section. Next week I am going to be the proud owner of a 1994 Toyota Camry. It's really beat up, but it's free and a great little car. I drove it a couple of days ago and the steering is awful. I don't think it's alignment. I really don't know much about the steering setup in a car like this. The owner says the steering was fine until he had the tranny rebuilt. Could they have done something when working on the tranny? Can you bleed the system somehow? It has a rediculous amount of play and wanders(doesn't pull) all over the road. Tires are fine. Thanks.

 

or maybe point me to a toyota car forum?

 

I am now also a member of ToyotaFans.net. Yippie!

 

Wouldn't you know it, nothing is like YT. I haven't been able to get much help on the ToyotaFans.net site and was wondering if anyone on YT might be able to help. I am picking up the Camry tomorrow and the steering is awful. Read the first post and give me any ideas you have. Thanks.

 

sounds like tie-rod ends or balljoints to me.

 

If you want to bleed the system, jack up the front end (to prevent excess wear/damage) and turn the wheels lock to lock while maintaining fluid in the res. The air will come out.

 

Sometimes problems are impossible to find on your own. I was having problems with my 85 4runner after putting the motor together. I had a buddy come over and help me with that today and figured we would kill two birds with one stone. I had him turn the steering wheel on the camry while I checked things out. Anyways, the whole rack would move back and forth. Bushings?

 

If you can get replacement bushings then I would try that, it's a cheap place to start. Worst case it's possible you'll be looking at a rebuilt rack.

Btw did you check the bolts holding the steering rack, just to make sure they're not loose.

 

My trans just went out without warning. I fear that if I rebuild the trans that I might have the same problem.