Steering Problem has Auto Guys Stumped
 

Hi. Hoping for advice on my Camry Sportivo 2006.
Had a faulty steering column intermediate shaft replaced one year ago. After this a grinding noise began in the steering when turning hard left, say when parking. The Auto guys are friendly and helpful, but haven't been able to work out the problem. When they investigate, it comes good for a few days then the grinding noise returns. I was wondering if:

1. The new steering shaft wasn’t installed properly.
2. The new steering shaft installed was a faulty item.
3. Damage was caused while the steering shaft was being replaced.

Or any other advice would be appreciated. thanks in advance, Melk

Grinding when turning the steering wheel or grinding from a tire wheel?

Thanks for your reply.

The grinding is when turning the steering wheel. The noise seems to kick in when the it is turning towards its furtherest point. The noise can be felt in the steering wheel.

Get a section of rubber hose and find a helper. Have this person rotate the steering wheel towards the farthest point while you listen to the steering shaft using the hose as a stethoscope. Try to narrow down the location of the noise. Also listen to the power steering pump and the upper strut mounts in case they might be the cause.

Could it be the shop is spraying lube onto the area of noise and this is temporarily solving the issue?

Hi Joey P, Thank you … That's a good suggestion.
And yes, I think this is the case. They've looked at in about 4 times, and it is fixed for a few days, then the problem returns.