How to Fix a Steering Vibration in a 1996 Camry

Tightening a loose steering wheel set nut can eliminate a potentially hazardous problem.

In 1999, Toyota issued a recall for the 1996 Camry because the steering wheel set nut was not sufficiently tightened at the factory, causing a vibration in the steering. The recall notice warned that continued operation without the proper repair procedure could result in the set nut coming off, separation of the steering wheel from the steering shaft, and loss of control of the vehicle. Tightening the steering wheel set nut to proper torque specification will fix the problem.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Clean rags
• Ratchet
• T30 Torx socket
• Metric sockets
• Torque wrench

1. • 1

     Turn the steering wheel of the car so that the front wheels face straight ahead. Set the ignition to the "lock" position. Open the hood. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

   • 2

     Remove the two Torx screw covers on the backside of the steering wheel. They will sometimes come off with a thumbnail, if not; use a thin flat-head screwdriver. Using the Torx socket, loosen the Torx screws until the groove in the head catches on the case.

   • 3

     Remove the steering wheel pad. Disconnect the wire harness connector before trying to set the pad aside, so you don't pull on the harness.

   • 4

     Tighten the steering wheel set nut to 37 foot-pounds using a torque wrench. Many aftermarket repair manuals have a lower torque specification for this set nut; they are incorrect. Toyota's technical service bulletin ST001-01, released on February 16, 2001, changed it to correct the specifications.

   • 5

     Plug the wire harness connector on the steering wheel pad into the harness connector on the steering column. Set the steering wheel pad in place. Tighten the Torx screws using the Torx socket. Replace the screw covers. Connect the negative battery cable.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are borrowing, renting or buying a torque wrench, make sure it is a "foot-pound" torque wrench, so you tighten the set nut to the proper specification.

• Be sure the Torx bit is fully seated in the screw head before attempting to loosen or tighten the screws. You do not want to strip them.

• If your air bag is disconnected with the ignition in the "on" or "acc" position, an error code will record. Wait at least 90 seconds after setting the ignition to the "lock" position before removing the steering wheel pad.