2000 Camry - Steering Rack issues?
 

I have a 2000 Camry LE 4 Cyl with 125K miles. About two weeks ago I had to have the transmission replaced. Everything was great for about a week but then I started to hear some "creaking" in what sounds like the right front suspension (can't guarantee that's where it's coming from). I hear it at very low speeds (stopping at a red light, pulling out of the driveway, etc.). I'm sure it's also happening at higher speeds, I just can't hear it.

On my way to work yesterday I noticed that to drive the car in a straight line I had to hold the steering wheel about 1/16th to 1/8th of a turn to the left. However after work I noticed that I had to hold it very slightly to the right to go straight.

Would this indicate a problem with the steering rack, steering column or perhaps a shock mount? Any ideas on diagnosing this? Any chance this could be related to the transmission replacement work?

Thanks in advance!

Not sure how your roads are canted. Most fall slightly from center to shed water. This could be reason for steering adjustment to stay straight. Steering noise could be outer tie rod end or ball joint. Maybe have someone turn steering wheel while in park (brake on) and listen on both sides to locate creaking.

Thanks for the reply.. Our roads are mildly canted but this problem just came up a few days ago. I would have noticed having to hold the wheel that far off center. I travel the same roads to and from each day and ever since last week each trip has produced a different steering wheel angle.

I will try to do a little exploring and report back my findings.

Thanks again!

Congrats man... :)