'98 Camry automatic, approaching 260 000kms

I live in Quebec so -20-25 temperatures aren't uncommon. When it's really cold outside :

1.The brake light stays on for a period (Apparently until the car heats up a bit) but will regularly pop back on when doing hard turns or pumping the brake pedal. I took off the cap to check on the fluid and it's all good.

The brake pedal resistance also changes very often, sometimes I have to squeeze the pedal almost to the floor to stop the car, some other times the pedal stays up...I really don't know so I took the car for an alignement, not thinking that it will solve the problem but I would hate to take an unaligned car to a garage to check on the brakes.

2.Steering is also pretty f**kin hard when it's around -20 in the morning and the car has been sleeping in the driveway all night. I had the fluid flused out but it didn't do crap. the mechanic told me if it didn't work I'd have to change my universal joint!? I don't believe him. Should I have the guy replace/ajust the power steering belt even if it doesn't look worn at all?

I had that problem even this summer. Steering was hard but for example if I stopped at a convenience store to buy a pack of smokes or a case of beer, stepped back in and started the car the steering would be FINE for about 10 minutes then would start being hard again. This winter though this has been worse than ever.

Give me some advice or speculate on my case, please.

It is not clear if you replaced only power steering fluid or brake fluid as well. If not that what I would do. As far as I remember they recoment brake fluid replacement every 24000 miles. It is something around 30000 kilometers. Old fluid contains a lot of moisture. When it is cold outside ice probably forming in your system and creates all your problems.

For the power steering check your belt. When enging is STOPED! push on the belt. It should not sag that much.

Sam

I forgot to mention the brake pedal pulsates like a junkie walking out of a drug store when I brake going more than say 60kmh (highway exits are the worst) or braking when I'm going downhill.

The belt is not sagging too much, just a little, but even then you can see it's pretty damn tight nothing loose there, and the car does noe make any noises when I turn the wheel.

For the brakes I would replace the fluid.

For the steering try to get under the car to see if something is loose. In your case since it is very cold outside take it to a garage. May to a different one.

Sam

'98 Camry automatic, approaching 260 000kms

I live in Quebec so -20-25 temperatures aren't uncommon. When it's really cold outside :

1.The brake light stays on for a period (Apparently until the car heats up a bit) but will regularly pop back on when doing hard turns or pumping the brake pedal. I took off the cap to check on the fluid and it's all good.

The brake pedal resistance also changes very often, sometimes I have to squeeze the pedal almost to the floor to stop the car, some other times the pedal stays up...I really don't know so I took the car for an alignement, not thinking that it will solve the problem but I would hate to take an unaligned car to a garage to check on the brakes.

2.Steering is also pretty f**kin hard when it's around -20 in the morning and the car has been sleeping in the driveway all night. I had the fluid flused out but it didn't do crap. the mechanic told me if it didn't work I'd have to change my universal joint!? I don't believe him. Should I have the guy replace/ajust the power steering belt even if it doesn't look worn at all?

I had that problem even this summer. Steering was hard but for example if I stopped at a convenience store to buy a pack of smokes or a case of beer, stepped back in and started the car the steering would be FINE for about 10 minutes then would start being hard again. This winter though this has been worse than ever.

Give me some advice or speculate on my case, please.

I would suspect the following:
1) Intermittent sinking brake pedal: Brake Master Cylinder needs overhaul, particularly the check valve/s between reservoir and main cylinder.

2) Intermittent power assist: Air in the steering hydraulics. Have the system bled.

If your brakes shudder, it means that you need to have them either resurfaced OR replaced. If you can see the rotors on the front, are they extremely shiney? If thats the case then replace your rotors and the pads!