2010 camry SE 2.5L steering u joint
 

Hello CamryNation,
Details: 2010 Camry SE 2.5L 85000kms

I recently purchased a used car, that I'm loving btw, however I have noticed it become a little harder to steer over the past few days. The car was idle for the winter and I live on the east coast near the ocean so rust is always an issue. Spoke with a mechanic friend who identified the issue as a rusted worn u joint that connects the steering shaft. I popped my hood, located the rusty joint on the drivers side and as i rotated the wheel I applied WD40 original to the joint and it seems to be much better right away. What should I do next?

1. I read on another thread about applying a high quality lubricant I was think WD 40 white lithium grease? will this work because I have a bottle? open to what works best. ill try this for awhile but,
2. I figure eventually I will just have to get it replaced. whats required parts wise to do so...will I be able to just replace that u joint or is the entire shaft have to be replaced.

thanks, I have a separate headlight issue but ill post that in another thread.

Some Camry had issues of sticky u-joints due to a manufacturing issue. The internet has posts, video's on how to lube them. Lubing can make a difference. If making a difference can just keep lubing.

Any white lithium grease will work. Available in a spray can with a long plastic nozzle to direct lube accurately.

After market replacement parts are available having one or both joints and the intermediate shaft. The intermediate shaft goes between steering rack shaft and the long shaft connected to steering wheel.

Toyota camry 2002 steering wheel became stiff after rain fall
 

Thanks for this post, my car also had same issue last year and after a day long rainfall last week, I applied lithium-based spray which I bought at Canadian tire, and sprayed directly at the U-joint for steering shaft, things are much better, I am also thinking about replacing it as I noticed a lot of rust in there.