2004 camry from auction. Power steering whine now won't start. Battery good
 

Bought a 2004 toyota camry from an auction. Car ran good til this morning. I started it and it had a power steering whine. It got louder when turning the wheel. I've had the car for a week or so and it's always had a little squeak when u turned the wheel but never sounded like it did today.

took car to pep boys and was told it was the starter.
checked the battery,, it was good
think the power steering went bad
don't think it's the starter but not sure
can anyone help

Since we cannot inspect the car over the internet, we cannot specify which part is bad...especially since this website specializes in Acura's...Not toyotas.
however; the best we can do is suggest things for you to check.

if the power steering whines and gets louder as you turn the wheel, check the power steering fluid. if low, fill with Toyota power steering fluid til full.

^^ :werd:

Start with the small things.
Look for leaks along the PS lines/rack
Check PS fluid. Fill and/or replace
Replace PS belt

@justnspace

Fixed

:what:

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...5b4ded0096.png

Exactly this....

OK, I'm starting to see posts like this more and more...Some odd alpha numeric username asking car questions on make/models that have nothing do with advertised forum. Its always their first post, and there is never any follow up.

Not sure what the spam/bot game is here...anyone?

I've noticed when you're logged out, this comes up:

Maybe this is where these random questions are coming from?

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/acurazi...b480ba8b2d.jpg

Something is definitely at play here, but like you, not sure what the end game is... but...


I do think this has something to do with it. Most forums have it now and it's a way to get people engaged who would normally browse. It's definitely possible people are just searching the web, finding a match, clicking the link on Google, then popping a question into that box. But since they're not fully registered it assigns them a random name and they don't reply, b/c they technically aren't a forum member...

it's all in the name of getting clicks for the IB



don't ban me :hide::run:

^ Well duh. That's what all forums aim for :D

Most of the time whine is caused by the power steering system leaking air into the system. Rockauto.com should have a power steering pump seal kit available so you can replace the seals. Youtube should have videos on how to take care of this.

The whining is somewhat minor compared to not being able to drive your car! If it's not starting there's a few ways to figure out what's going on.

1. Are the headlights dim or lights on the interior not on (battery is low or dead)
2. Are you hearing a rapid clicking noise? (yes, battery is dead)(no, starter issue)
3. Try tapping on the started with a hammer, sometimes this can cause it to move slightly out of the "stuck" position and it'll start. Starters wear down over time and need to be replaced. Being a 2004 it's probably due for one.
4. Make sure that all the starter connections are good and solid.

You can go to autozone and they'll test your battery and alternator for free. As far as the starter, youtube should have a few videos and get the parts from rockauto, ebay or amazon.