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1995 toyota camry loose steering?

i was driving my sisters camry today and if feels like the steering is loose lots of play couple inchs tracks fine but loose.

I had a used rack put in it about 6 mo's ago.

Any ideas?

1 Answer

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  • 1 decade ago
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    Did you have the same problem before you replaced the rack ?

    The used rack may have bad tie rod ends on it, or the gears may even be worn.

    Do you hear anything when to turn the wheel at a stand still, such as a thunk?

    The bolts that attache the rack may be loose.

    Is it tilt wheel?

    The universal in the column might be loose.

    Have some one move the wheel just within the "slop" range (between the spots where you start feeling tension on the wheel) while you get down and look under the car ( please be careful). See if you see the outer tie-rods moving, how much they move, and when they move (just as the tension begins, or throughout the whole movement). This will isolate where the problem is.

    If the steering wheel moves but the outer tie-rods don't, then your problem lies either within your rack, or your steering column.

    If you see any movement of the tie rod up or down then the inner tie-rods may be worn.

    If the top of the outer tie rod starts to turn just a little bit before the steering knuckle starts turning, then your outer tie rods are bad.

    All-in-all, see if you can get a mechanic or shop (such as a tire shop) to look at it. That way you will know for sure.

    Good Luck.

    Source(s): 18 years of shade tree mechanics.
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