Steering Wheel Tight Toyota Camry xle

DEANM

MEMBER
2002 TOYOTA CAMRY
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
45,000 MILES

I have a 2002 toyota camry xle. All of a sudden the steering is extremely difficult to impossible to turn. The steering fluid is full. Just spent $500 for an exhaust leak on another car. The steering is not locked as it turns with extreme force. There is no way I can drive this to the mechanic. What could be the problem? Maybe its the universal joint being stiff? If so, how do I access it to spray some wd-40 to try to loosen it so I can take it to my mechanic?

6 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,724 POSTS

Is the PS belt tight and turning the PS pump?

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Monday, December 27th, 2010 AT 3:45 AM

DEANM

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4 POSTS

How do I check that? Do I have to lift the car? Thanks

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Tuesday, December 28th, 2010 AT 5:22 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,724 POSTS

No, just open the hood. The belt will run around the pump. Pull on it (WITH THE ENGINE OFF) and there shouldn't be more than 3/4" movement.

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Tuesday, December 28th, 2010 AT 6:05 AM

DEANM

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4 POSTS

Ok i'll check that first thing in the morning and get back. Thanks a lot

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Tuesday, December 28th, 2010 AT 6:32 AM

DEANM

MEMBER
4 POSTS

The belt is tight. It's very tight and it is slightly stripped on one side. So I turned the car on and checked if its spinning and it is spinning fine despite the stripping. Is this the problem? Thanks