Stiff steering wheel and lot of noise

[rubs]

Hi,

We have a 98 camry with 216k miles. Recently we notice that when we move the car from parking and turn steering wheel it appears very stiff like someone on other side is trying to resist it to move and also a squealing noise coming. When car is driving there is no issue or steering wheel issue so we only feel it while moving the steering wheel when moving the car from parking.

What can be the possible issue?

Thanks
--rubs

[Mike Gerber]

Start by checking/tightening the tension on the power steering belt.

Mike

[serge_saati]

Maybe the ball joint or tie-rod are out of alignment. The stiffing is constant all along the wheel rotation or only after half of turns? If it's not constant, the car is dangerous to drive and need to be inspected underneath ASAP.

But if the seering wheel is hard to move at stop/low speed whenever the wheel angle, it can be a power steering issue, like Mike suggest. Check PS fluid level. Let it idle and turns wheel with cap removed to remove air. And check the belt and tensionner.

[Brian R.]

You may need to flush the PS system and replace all the PS fluid.

[rubs]

I replaced both the drive belts and looks like resistance is gone and no noise while doing turn but there is still lot of noise coming and I drop by at mechanic and he indicated that problem is due to exhaust flex pipe and it is very expensive to replace but he can fix it by just replacing the bad piece and weld it. Does it makes sense or anyone else had same issue?

Thanks
--rubs

[serge_saati]

Yes, weld it is a good idea. I already do that and it repaired the problem. It cost only 80$ instead of 550$ (in my case).

[Mike Gerber]

Yes, cutting out the broken flex pipe and welding in a new aftermarket one is a viable alternative to replacing the entire pipe. Had it done about 2 years ago on my 94 Camry. Cost here in my area (Chicago area) was around $150.

Mike