Hi guys =]

I've been having problems with my '92 CSi for months now, and no one seems to be able to fix it. Here's the list in order, first problem I noticed and the things I've had done, up until now.

Problem: Slight vibration in the front, only when braking.
Problem: Vibrating in the front end, only over 80km/h.
Problem: Clunk and slight pedal pressure/depression while braking and turning left.
Problem: Clunk clunk noise from front left at low speeds, when steering wheel turned all the way to the right.

Since all that started, it has passed a roadworthy

Action: Rear shocks replaced (unrelated).
Action: New brake pads, rotors have been machined.
Action: New tyres and a wheel alignment.
Fixed: Vibrating in front end above 80km/h.
Problem: Shaking while braking and the clunking got slowly worse.

Problem: Front end (left side?) began making a howling/grinding noise at higher speeds, slight vibration in steering wheel.

Action: Pulled both front wheels off, repacked wheel bearings, checked rotors (all fine).
Fixed: The crown nut on left side was slightly loose. CV wasn't sitting in the hub properly. Left bearings were dry.
Fixed: Vibration in the front, only when braking.
Fixed: Clunk and slight pedal pressure/depression while braking and turning left.
Fixed: Howling/grinding noise at higher speeds/slight steering vibration.

Brake problems are fixed. All good! Not...

Problem: At higher speeds, there's a fast dom-dom-dom noise coming from the front that I can feel through the steering wheel. I think it might still be howling slightly, but only sometimes. I can't hear/feel it at lower speeds.

I've had three very knowledgeable/mechanical guys check out this car, and two fussy car mechanics. They don't know what's going on.
Help please.

 

Is this the Australia version of Camry? Are you doing your own work or a shop?

On US cars the front bearings need to be pressed in/out along with the hub, thus greasing them is not an option. Is your car different?

If vibration when braking would be looking at the brake rotors. Suggest in the future you buy new ones as regrinding them is often a short term fix.

If the bearings where howling suggest you replace them as some damage must have been done. A shop can use a dial indicator to check for bearing play.

Might a few slow speed right turns at listen for a popping or "clunking" noise. The noise would be in time with cars speed. This is typically a bad outer CV joint located on the opposite side of the turn.

It is also possible (but rare) the tire is hitting something when the steering wheel is turned fully right.

Where the rims checked for damage, bent rim or hub?

Would suspect the rotors caused the vibration when braking.

A loose axle nut would allow the bearing to move a little (not good). On US cars the bearings would have been replaced (it is a lot of work just to get to them), thus they would just be replaced not greased.

A worn CV joint can cause the noise you describe when making 90 degree turns. Worn CV joints are common on older cars along with this noise. The bad joint could also cause the vibration you are experiencing.

A "competent" mechanic would have also checked the suspension parts such as ball joints, lower control arm bushings, etc. This can be visually inspected.

On some strange occasions a problem with the rear suspension can cause vibration problem that may appear to be common from the front.

These are all typically issues on US Camry once they start to gain higher miles.

 

I'm in Australia, so yes it's an Aussie one.
All the work apart from repacking the bearings was done by qualified mechanics in their workshops.

I've checked the max and min thickness for rotors, they're still near new. This is the first time they've been machined. Point taken though, next time will get new ones.

I'll be getting the bearings replaced soon. The people that looked at them said they are fine, just needed repacking, they were so dry. I can't hear the howling anymore since they were done.

The rims and hubs are fine. While slowly turning right full lock there is a clunking noise, but not to the left.

The rotors are fine, like I said. The vibration when braking was coming from that loose crown nut in the hub.

I've had the rear suspension done. No problem there.

I won't be going back to my "mechanics" after this. My father and father-in-law are more competent than those bastards.

We're pulling the front end apart this weekend, I'll make sure to check CVs properly and front suspension components.
Thanks man

 

Please be aware this is not an isolated incident. I brought my car in 2010 - 2009 Camry and informed before purchase it was just the wheels and the road and I had to replace the front driver side wheel bearing in April 2011 & I am now having to replace the front passenger side bearing now. I reported it and you can to at (800) 331-4331 #4 I am trying to let as many people know of this issue for this could be dangerous if that tire comes off.