Jim Grant's Tech Tips
91
Toyota Carina, Heavy Steering
Q: My ‘91 Toyota Carina has recently become
heavy to steer and when turning to either side the wheel will not return
to the center by itself. (The car has no servo-steering.)What can I do
to fix the problem, lubrication? (It has 210,000 kilometers on the meter)....Anders
A: From
your description it seems likely that a steering component has gone dry
(in need of lubrication) or needs replacement due to wear. The easiest
way to determine which steering component is causing the hard steering
is done by disconnecting the steering linkage (tie-rod ends) from both
front wheels. Then compare the effort needed to turn each wheel in both
directions. The wheels should turn freely with little effort. If they
don’t then there is likely a ball joint or suspension related problem
at that wheel. If they turn freely then check the freedom of movement
of the other steering parts. From past experience I’m willing to go a
coffee that your problem will be a dry ball joint. But be sure to prove
the problem before replacing any parts.
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