why does my Toyota Camry’s steering feel loose and unresponsive

Solution

1. Preparation

• Gather all necessary tools and parts.
• Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
• Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent electrical issues.

2. Inspect and Replace Power Steering Fluid

• Check the power steering fluid reservoir for proper levels.
• If low, top up with the manufacturer-recommended power steering fluid.
• Inspect the fluid for contamination; if dirty, proceed to flush the system.
• To flush, disconnect the return line from the power steering pump, and use a fluid extractor to remove old fluid from the reservoir.
• Reconnect the return line and fill with fresh power steering fluid, then cycle the steering to remove air.

3. Inspect and Replace Steering Components

• Remove the wheels to access the steering and suspension components.
• Check the tie rods for any signs of wear; replace if the ball joints are loose.
• Inspect the steering rack for any leaks or physical damage; replace if necessary.
• Ensure that the steering column is securely fastened and free from play.

4. Reassemble

• Reinstall any components that were removed, ensuring all bolts are tightened to the manufacturer's specifications (use a torque wrench).
• Reattach the wheels and torque the lug nuts to the specified value.

5. Final Checks

• Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
• Check the power steering fluid level again and top up if necessary.
• Start the engine and turn the steering wheel lock to lock to bleed the system.