Hi I am having trouble with my 2001 Toyota Camry LE 185k Miles, (most highway).

The front wheels squeel and hesitate and lock up when i turn sharp, especially when i dont give the car gas while turning. It seems to get worse as the weather gets cooler. I looked it up on google and some say lube, some say replace....but i just dont know. The problem is mostly annoying but i got scared when i went to turn on the road at +- 30 mph and it locked up .

Also, my breaks are grinding or sounds like (grind) smoothe (grind) smoothe when im driving, and when breaking constant grind. I think it may be the pads, but my bro is almost certain they are the rotors.

Thanks for the help.!

it is the pads, and possibly the rotors too. The constant scraping you hear when you brake is a little metal tab that is on pads that contacts the rotor and makes a scraping sound when the pads are worn. That will likely solve your scraping issue.
The rotors might need resurfacing as that tab can cut a little bit of a groove in there.

Thanks for the answer, ill get the pads done asap. Any ideas on the steering (my main problem of concern)

I'm confused by what locks up. Are you saying the wheel actually locks, as in won't spin? Or are you saying the steering locks?

If its the tire/wheel, I have no clue how to narrow that down.

If it's the steering wheel, i remember recently reading a thread that said the steering knuckle closest to the steering wheel/firewall was drying out, and lubing that solved his problem, might be what's causing you to lock. If I find it I'll link.

found it: power steering working, then not?
It was enough of a difference to make him think the power steering stopped working, so it might very well be able to lock the steering wheel

well, the wheel doesnt turn easily when not given gas... and makes a loud squeeking sound. When the car is hot after driving 20 mi or so, it usually doesnt do it...so i guess im warming the steering? but its a problem bc it locks while drivng sometimes. ill check that other post too, thanks

EDIT: i dont think its that problem,. as he doesnt have any sounds, and my car is never unused for longer than 2 days...

wish you had mentioned the sound earlier, and that you need to give it gas for it to work again. It's most likely your belt. Sounds like its loose if its squealing, might just need to tension.
I've never done a power steering belt so I don't know how, but the symptoms definitely point to the belt. Find your manual at the top of the forum, it will tell you where the belt is, hoe to check if its good, and how to replace if necessary.

Good luck

wish you had mentioned the sound earlier, and that you need to give it gas for it to work again. It's most likely your belt. Sounds like its loose if its squealing, might just need to tension.
I've never done a power steering belt so I don't know how, but the symptoms definitely point to the belt. Find your manual at the top of the forum, it will tell you where the belt is, hoe to check if its good, and how to replace if necessary.

Good luck


I have to agree. This sounds like a classic case of a loose power steering belt.

Mike

Not sure if you have the 4- or 6-cylinder engine. For the 4-cyl, the power steering belt is separate from the other accessory belt. Tension can be adjusted by going underneath on the passenger side, loosening the retaining bolt. Use a prybar or similar to pry the PS pump tight and retighten the bolt. If it hasn't been doing it too long, the belt might be okay, but check it for glazing (very smooth shiny undersides). Also check for tears, cracks, or other damage...if so, replace it. You'll have to remove the accessory belt to remove the PS pump belt, so you might as well replace both at the same time.

Squeaking brakes would mean you are near the end of the pad's life. Grinding noise means you've passed the end. New pads will be needed and rotors will need to be turned (resurfaced) or replaced.

Finally, it is unwise to turn the steering wheel all the way to the lock and hold it there while turning. That puts undue stress on the PS pump and steering gear, causing the loud noises and "locking up". If you have to make a sharp turn, turn the wheel to the lock, then back off just a little to relieve the pressure...your PS pump and steering rack will thank you with silence.

the belt idea seems to be a good one, and my car is a v6... ill check on it tomorrow. Thanks for your help guys and ill keep you posted to answer your "ideas"

p.s. i hardly ever turn whole angle of turn, i really cant most of the time (bc the lock up/squeeking problem)

Here's a write up on the check procedure for the V6 belts...it's for a 1996 Camry, but the engine layout hasn't drastically changed. Basic check and replacement instructions are included.

http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/13/b5/6d/0900823d8013b56d/repairInfoPages.htm