5 minutes and saved 19 thousand: Steering knock on Toyota Camry 40 can be treated with the old service method

Toyota Camry › Logbook › Fixed one thing, broke another. Replacing the steering shaft.

The steering shaft has been rattling since I bought it, so I decided to change it.
I ordered a Sat shaft from Emex for 3,200 rubles, there were good reviews about it, a week later the shaft arrived and after another week I started changing it. I had already done a similar procedure on Vista, when replacing crosspieces, so without fear of anything, I went to turn the nuts... So, the repair itself:

1. We disassemble everything from below the steering wheel to this state (remove the sills, the trim on the left and the plastic itself under the steering wheel):

2. We discover the shaft itself, it would seem, what’s wrong with that? But there is a piece of shit in a jar of jam...

3. From this position we unscrew the bolt, almost without swearing because it didn’t stick too much, a WD bucket was not needed.

4. Reading many “instructions” for replacing this shaft, everyone unanimously says that you need to remove the left wheel and unscrew the lower bolt. Well, of course, like everyone else, I went to remove the wheel, and when I took it off, I couldn’t understand how THEY unscrewed this bolt? Not only is it impossible to reach it with your hand, but you also need to break this hand, and then in a very limited space you will manage to put on a head with a knob and turn the ratchet half a click... In general, a different decision was made.

I put the wheel back in place and reached under the hood, it turns out that all I need to do is remove the filter housing!

And there, in the depths of the dark space, there is a bolt from the lower shaft mount.

Unscrewing it with a small wrench or a 12 key did not bulge (and a larger one would not fit there). Pour liberally with WD and wait 5 minutes. We construct a ridiculous structure from a ratchet, two knobs, a cardan and a head, as in the photo:

Unscrew the bolt. We take out the shaft through the interior.

5. We insert a new shaft, assemble everything in the reverse order, the main thing is that there are no “extra” parts left.

Ready! Now nothing rattles or irritates. Let's ride and enjoy.

Source

What tools will be needed for the work?

In order to replace a failed or poorly functioning mechanism, it is necessary to prepare a certain set of tools in advance:

• wooden supports;
• liquid key;
• thin screwdriver;
• medium hammer;
• a set of socket wrenches and a set of sockets with a ratchet;
• puller for tips.

Preparatory activities

Before changing anything, we strongly recommend that you read the service manual, which consistently describes the entire process and tips for its implementation. Generally, there are 3 steps to complete first:

1. The machine should be placed on as level ground as possible, and then the parking brake should be locked. To secure the vehicle, it is necessary to place bricks under the wheels.
2. The steering wheel is set to neutral position.
3. Then you need to loosen the wheel nuts, and this must be done one at a time.

Having completed the preliminary work, the car is placed on a jack and the wheel is removed from one side. After which the car is lowered again, but on wooden supports. The wheels on the other side should be removed in the same way. The described steps are aimed primarily at gaining access to the steering tips, which will greatly simplify the removal of the steering rack.

Advice! Before unscrewing the bolts, they are cleaned with a metal brush and treated with a WD-shkoy.

While the liquid consistency destroys rust, it makes sense to look under the hood and clear the area for access to the problematic mechanism. In order to remove the steering rack, it is necessary to remove the alarm siren and gas adsorber, having previously unscrewed the corresponding terminals. The extracted solutions are removed so as not to interfere.

Removing the tips

Experts emphasize that very often the steering rack is replaced along with the tips. They are dismantled using a conventional puller or knocked out with a hammer. Using pliers, the key is removed from the fastening nut, after which it is unscrewed.

Removing the steering tips

A fork-shaped mount should be inserted under the rubber seal, and the upper part of the pin should be placed on the base of the tip bolt. The puller nut is tightened to the maximum, and then a hammer is used to strike the rack mount, so that the tip can be removed without any problems. Removal and installation of all elements must be carried out extremely carefully.

When and why does knocking occur?

The weak point of a car is often the steering wheel. It is here that, over time, the first problem may appear, namely, a knocking sound in the steering wheel on a Toyota Camry V40. Extraneous noises in the steering wheel, as a rule, appear after the car's mileage reaches 200 thousand km. This problem is very common, so we decided to review the most common causes of this problem and how to fix it.

A knock in the Camry V40 steering rack indicates serious problems in one of the most important parts of the car. According to the traffic rules, operating a vehicle with any problems with the steering wheel is prohibited. Therefore, if the slightest sign of a steering wheel malfunction appears, it is necessary to carry out diagnostics and appropriate repairs. A knock in the steering wheel on a Toyota Camry is an important signal of a breakdown or defect and requires immediate attention.

Procedure for replacing the shaft and crosspieces

Replacing the steering shaft crosspiece on a Toyota Camry is carried out as follows:

1. The car wheels and steering wheel are set to the middle position, after which the steering wheel is carefully fixed. The fact is that the cable installed in the steering wheel, designed to connect the airbag, signal and multifunction buttons, has a limit of 2.5 turns. If you accidentally turn the steering wheel while replacing the crosspiece, the cable may break, the cost of which is quite high.
2. Use a 10mm socket to unscrew the bolts on the lower crosspiece located under the hood directly next to the rack. Then on the top one, located in the cabin near the brake pedal. It is worth noting that usually the lower crosspiece fails, but if at the same time it is necessary to replace the steering cardan on a Toyota Camry 40 , then both need to be removed.
3. A mounting bracket is inserted between the lower crosspiece and the rack, and with careful movements the cardan is pulled out of the socket. From the interior side, the crosspiece is knocked down with a hammer. Be careful not to damage the driveshaft splines.

Then new crosspieces are installed on the cardan or the entire assembly is changed. Everything is assembled in reverse order.

Causes of knocking in the steering wheel

A knock in the steering column on Camry V40 occurs because this mechanism is constantly in motion and is subject to the accumulating effect of mechanical wear. It is also worth remembering that the steering wheel is not a whole part, but a composite mechanism that includes many small parts. If at least one element fails, a knocking sound may occur in the steering wheel of a Camry V40. If the steering column becomes loose and becomes unusable, there is a high probability of getting into a dangerous situation and even an accident.

Before you start looking for breakdowns that cause discomfort while driving, it is important to realize that on a Toyota Camry, knocking in the steering wheel appears as a result of the formation of backlash. There are other reasons that prevent you from steering comfortably, but this is one of the most common problems. The main sources of unpleasant knocking in the steering wheel are the same for many car models.

Typical problems are:

• excessively worn or damaged steering column bearing;
• breakage or damage to the Camry needle bearings located in the crosspiece;
• looseness of the connecting nodes in the bracket or other element of the steering wheel.

Rail repair and replacement

If, after installing new crosspieces, knocks and play in the steering wheel do not disappear, then the cause of the malfunction may lie in wear of the steering rack mechanism. The manufacturer provides the possibility of adjustment: near the entry point of the cardan there is a hexagon bolt. Turning it clockwise ensures a tighter fit of the parts in the rack mechanism, but this type of repair is a temporary measure and has its drawbacks. The fact is that when the adjusting bolt is tightened, the steering becomes noticeably “heavier”, to the point of biting the steering wheel in extreme positions.

Therefore, if the rack malfunctions, the best option would be to replace the steering mechanism with a Toyota Camry . This is done like this:

1. The car is driven into a pit or overpass; in extreme cases, its front part is jacked up and hung out.
2. The high pressure hoses are unscrewed. A container for draining the working fluid should be prepared in advance. It is not recommended to pour used hydraulic oil back into the system after repair - it is better to buy new one.
3. The steering tips are turned away from the hub of the front wheels. It is not recommended to unscrew them from the rods located on the rack - otherwise the camber of the front wheels will need to be adjusted.
4. To facilitate access to the bolts securing the rail, the stabilizer is unscrewed and removed.
5. The lower crosspiece of the cardan is unscrewed. replaced the steering shaft crosspiece on a Camry 40 before , now is the time to do it.
6. Unscrew the 2 bolts securing the rack. Since there is little space to turn the wrench where the bolts are installed, this operation can take a long time.
7. The rack is removed and sent for repair, or a new one is installed instead.
8. Everything is assembled in the reverse order; fluid is poured into the power steering through the reservoir.

On average, work to replace the steering mechanism takes no more than one day. Repairing the slats usually takes much longer and should only be performed by specialists.

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When the Prado 120's mileage reaches over 150 thousand km, many drivers note problems with steering due to failure of the steering shaft bearings. Initially, difficulties arise after parking. But if timely measures are not taken, the steering wheel becomes tight, requiring serious effort to turn. Let's look at how to change the crosspiece on a Prado 120 with your own hands.

Diagnostics

To determine the cause of a knock in the steering column on a Camry, specialists conduct a visual inspection of each part and connection. The purpose of such an inspection is to identify the presence of play in parts of the steering wheel or bearing faults. Testing each steering mechanism for loose fasteners allows you to reliably determine the source of the problem. After inspecting and troubleshooting the steering wheel, it is necessary to test the vehicle while driving. When driving the car, you should not hear a characteristic knock; if the steering wheel still knocks, it means that the problem is more serious and needs to be fixed immediately.

How to replace a steering rack - removal and installation

Experienced car enthusiasts know that twitching of the steering wheel in a car when driving on an uneven road surface indicates that the steering rack needs to be replaced. Often this effect is accompanied by characteristic knocking sounds. There are two ways to deal with the malfunction: delegate related concerns to service station specialists or take care of everything personally.

Note! The steering device is the most important mechanism in a car, which not only allows you to correct the movement of the vehicle in the horizontal direction, but also ensures safety when driving.

And if you do not trust domestic craftsmen, and there is no way to contact a specialized service center, it is advisable to repair the steering rack yourself. There is nothing complicated about this if you approach the issue consistently and with a certain theoretical basis. Below we will look at how to do this most effectively.

Methods to get rid of knocking in the steering wheel

All vehicle mechanisms have operating time limits, including the steering wheel. This time depends not only on the quality of the part, but also on the operating conditions of the unit. The heaviest loads usually fall on the suspension, but the steering system experiences no less load, so on a Toyota Camry, knocking in the steering column is not uncommon.

Operating a car is impossible without regular use of the steering wheel, so this part of the car is the most vulnerable. If there is significant wear on the steering wheel parts, the car owner may hear a specific knocking sound in the steering wheel, but we will find out how to get rid of it later.

Let's look at the main malfunctions of the Camry V40 that cause knocking in the steering wheel and methods for eliminating these problems.

Rusted steering column from Toyota Camry

If the car is often or daily driven on an uneven road with potholes and bumps, then the steering wheel parts may fail. Most often this is a fluoroplastic bushing. This spare part wears out over a long period of use, causing knocking and loose connections.

Dismantling and installation of a new bushing

In order to eliminate a knock in the steering column on a Toyota Camry V40, it is necessary to replace the broken part. This is a simple manipulation, you can handle it yourself. To do this you need:

1. Remove under the steering guard by unscrewing all the fasteners.
2. Remove a section of the air duct to open the path to the column itself.
3. Remove the column itself and place it on a flat surface with the steering wheel facing down.
4. Remove the old bushing; to do this, you can screw a couple of screws into it, cover the steering wheel, rest your knees on the steering wheel and pull out the part, holding the screws with pliers.
5. Clean and lubricate the shaft.
6. Install a new bushing.

New steering column from Toyota Camry
After replacing the bushing, a knock in the steering wheel on a Toyota Camry v40 , as a rule, disappears; if this does not happen, most likely the lower crosspiece has failed. It connects the rail to the column and experiences very strong loads. The best way to fix this problem is to directly replace the steering wheel part; its cost for a Camry is approximately two thousand rubles.

Dismantling and installation of the cross

To replace the crosspiece you need:

1. Remove the steering wheel protective shield by unscrewing the fasteners.
2. Lock the column and unscrew it.
3. Disassemble the steering wheel crosspiece; to do this, hold it in a vice and cut it.
4. Clean the area for the new cross and coat it with lubricant.
5. On the new part, remove the plugs and lubricate them as well.
6. Install a new crosspiece and return the column to its place.

Another common culprit for knocking in the steering rack on a Toyota Camry V40 is the steering shaft driveshaft. It often breaks, causing vibrations and unpleasant knocking noises that become stronger over time. The best way to solve this problem is also to replace the part or the entire column.

As can be seen from the article, getting rid of a knocking sound in the steering wheel is not so difficult; the main thing is to correctly determine the cause of its occurrence and take the necessary measures in time to eliminate steering wheel problems. With proper care, timely repairs and careful driving style, your Camry will last for a very long time.

Source

Removing the rack: step-by-step instructions

Steering Cardan Lock Bolt

How to remove the steering rack, regardless of the car model? The work is carried out in 4 stages.

1. The mounting crosspieces are loosened (to access them, you should look under the brake pedal inside the car). To release it, it is enough to unscrew just 1 nut, since the fastening mechanism is implemented on the principle of a clamp.
2. When restoring or repairing the steering wheel, you need to return to the area under the hood and use the steering wheel to release the clamp clamps.
3. After performing simple manipulations, the rail is finally released; simply remove it: grab the base of the body with both hands and begin to gently and slowly loosen it, simultaneously pulling it towards you.

4.After disconnecting all the clamps and fastenings, you need to pull out the steering rack using the hole in the arched wheel space: turn it first to the left and then to the right (as it turns out) so that the splined shaft gets into the structural recess.

Replacing the steering shaft (crosspiece)

Friends, on my 50 the steering wheel no longer returns normally to the zero position, if you let it go after a turn, well, it either returns jerkily or not completely. Today I went in for diagnostics and they found it was the steering shaft. Visually there is rust on the crosspiece. Repair calculation: 17,000 - steering shaft; 1500 - work; 2000 - wheel alignment. TOTAL: 20,500 rub.

To be honest, I was not ready for such a situation - for a 3-year-old car to develop such sores at a mileage of 45,000.

Tubers, attention to the question, I’m probably not the first to encounter a similar problem. How did you decide?

Friends, on my 50 the steering wheel no longer returns normally to the zero position, if you let it go after a turn, well, it either returns jerkily or not completely. Today I went in for diagnostics and they found it was the steering shaft. Visually there is rust on the crosspiece. Repair calculation: 17,000 - steering shaft; 1500 - work; 2000 - wheel alignment. TOTAL: 20,500 rub.

How power steering works in a Toyota Camry

The hydraulic booster includes the following parts:

Hydraulic oil with a low viscosity is used as the working fluid. Depending on the manufacturer, different types of lubricating fluid are used; in some cases, ATF-2 or ATF-3 is used, which is also poured into the automatic transmission.

The rotation of the steering wheel is transmitted to the rack using a steering shaft (cardan), with crosspieces installed on both sides of it. Thanks to them, it is possible to adjust the position of the steering wheel.

Briefly, the work of the power steering is carried out as follows:

• when the engine is running, the power steering pump creates high pressure in the system, reaching 8–9 MPa;
• When the steering wheel is turned, working fluid is pumped under pressure into the rack cylinders, greatly increasing the forces transmitted to the steering rods.

A special valve is installed on the rack, allowing hydraulic oil to flow into the working cylinders when the steering wheel is turned. When it is in the central position, the valve is completely closed and the working fluid circulates freely throughout the system.

Steering shaft crosspiece Camry 50/55

Good afternoon For those who have encountered a malfunction of the steering shaft crosspiece: a sign that the crosspiece has “ended” was in the steering wheel sub-blade in certain positions. But this is not the case when the steering wheel is stuck and won’t turn any further, but you just have to put in more effort to turn it. In my case, this was turning the steering wheel to the left by 60°, and when I released the steering wheel in this position, it did not return to the 0 position. The first time I noticed it, an acquaintance with the service station advised me to treat it with WD, if it gets better, then it means the crosspiece. This is what happened, after treatment with WD-40, the blades disappeared. I bought crosspieces GMB ST-1639 480 RUR + boot for 200 RUR (I don’t know why, they found the right one). I contacted the service station, although I thought I would replace it while on vacation with my father. But looking at the process from the outside, I realized that we ourselves would be tortured to change. It felt like there was a pleasant effort on the steering wheel and the car began to respond more sharply to steering turns. Sorry that the report is not the most detailed, I didn’t want to interfere with the person’s work.

The mileage of the car at the time this problem appeared was 74,000 km.

Possible duplicates found

What about imperial quality? And the German “troughs” that crumble when leaving not just from the showroom, but straight from the factory?

Ha, recently I changed the steering cardan on a Chinese Hover, and the crosspiece also died. Escape 105k, car is 14 years old, I ride it through forests and fields, elevator, MT tires, winch, etc. But he doesn’t even want to break down, so he gets upset over little things, although he doesn’t see asphalt much more often than off-road.

I don't understand you. How can you drive a lot of time in one car? Okay, if it brought some kind of emotions, then no, dull Corolla/Camry, which are suitable for moving the body from point A to point B.

Don't know. As for me, a car should give driving pleasure, give emotions, adrenaline. But this is just my vision.

what year is your Toyota?

Someone confused Pikabu with Drive2, it seems.

Everything always comes down to operation; there are no indestructible machines. The crosspiece does not look anything outstanding for 70t.km.

This is bullshit, back in 2009, a friend was given a new working Camry, “for all sorts of errands” traveling, incl. and transport documents between cities to company branches. There was a lot of work. Over the course of a year, the car covered almost 80t.km, with oil that was filled with oil from the factory (mixed with top-ups), and the car never went to service at all. The engine knocked. Apart from the engine, the brakes hardly slowed down, everything that could knock in the suspension was knocking, the gearbox was kicking.

Knock Knock! Who's there? It's Me - Steering Rack