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Problem Symptoms Table

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Toyota Camry Solara. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

HINT:

Use the table below to help determine the cause of the problem. The numbers indicate likely causes of the problem in descending order. Check each part in order. Repair or replace parts as necessary.

PROBLEM SYMPTOMS

Symptom Suspected Area Action
Hard steering
  1. Tires (Improperly inflated)
  2. Power steering fluid level (Low)
  3. Drive belt (Loose)
    • 2AZ-FE:
    • 3MZ-FE:
  4. Front wheel alignment (Incorrect)
  5. Steering system joints (Worn)
  6. Suspension arm ball joints (Worn)
  7. Steering column (Binding)
  8. Power steering vane pump
    • 2AZ-FE:
    • 3MZ-FE:
  9. Power steering gear
  1. WHEEL AND TIRE SYSTEM
  2. ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION 
  3. ADJUSTMENT
  4. -
  5. BALL JOINTS
  6. -
  7. OVERHAUL 
Poor return
  1. Tires (Improperly inflated)
  2. Front wheel alignment (Incorrect)
  3. Steering column (Binding)
  4. Power steering gear
  1. WHEEL AND TIRE SYSTEM
  2. ADJUSTMENT
  3. OVERHAUL 
Excessive free play
  1. Steering system joints (Worn)
  2. Suspension arm ball joints (Worn)
  3. Intermediate shaft, Sliding yoke (Worn)
  4. Front wheel bearing (Worn)
  5. Power steering gear
  1. BALL JOINTS
  2. OVERHAUL
  3. ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION
  4. OVERHAUL 
Abnormal noise
  1. Power steering fluid level (Low)
  2. Drive belt (Loose)

    2AZ-FE:

    3MZ-FE:

  3. Steering system joints (Worn)
  4. Power steering vane pump

    2AZ-FE:

    3MZ-FE:

  5. Power steering gear
  1. ON-VEHICLE INSPECTION 
  2. INSPECTION and INSPECTION
  3. OVERHAUL 
  4. OVERHAUL  and OVERHAUL