It is a small universal joint that connects the steering column with the rack and pinion. It can be found by looking under the hood against the firewall on the drivers side.

Have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth while you look, you will see it moving.

The universal joint on my 87 Camry was so locked up that I had to remove the joint, lock one end in a vise and hose it down with penetrating oil while i moved the other end untill full range of motion was restored. Just spraying it down with oil may not be enough. It may need to be removed.

Also, this appears to be a dealer item, so if replacement is part of your plan, get the part ahead of time because you won't find it at most parts dealers.

Dave H.

 

Looks like penetrant on the universal joint did it. Thanks!

John

 

Sometimes air in the PS system and will make it fail, and then in my case (twice) it will come back. One trick, jack up the front end turn the front wheels all the way to the right and then left several time. This helps purge the air. Good Luck. I also reset my check engine light.