Steering wheel not returning to center(camber change, wheel lock, 3,9 0'clock free play)

50

Asked by maki Jan 25, 2019 at 11:51 AM about the 2009 Toyota Camry LE

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Hey guys, thank you for listening to my problem here. I wanted to get some
negative camber so I swaped in the camber bolts on the front wheels last
night. I added about -0.3 camber to each wheel.
When taking off one of the bolts on the right side, I made a mistake and
turned the wheel to the right (by using the socket and braker bar, not by
turning the steering wheel. the bolts were too tight) . I got freaked out and
opened the door and turned the steering wheel to get them straight(with the
key not putting in). At that time I noticed I can move the wheel at 3 and 9
o'clock.
After finishing adjusting the camber, I tried to start the car, but the wheels
were locked and I can't start the ignition . So I tried to turn the key while
turning the wheel and it worked.
However, the steering wheel feels weird. It could return to the center after a
right turn(and feels the same way as it used to be), but won't return to the
center after a left turn. After a full left turn, it returns but stays at 90 degrees
to the left. And when dring straight, it may also move to the left by itself(feels
no resistance on the left side) . I checked the steering wheel free play when
the engine was off, and no free play as it used to be.
Really appreciate any help. Thanks again.

2 Answers

50

Hey guys, I got it fixed! Just reset the whole computer. I think it's the steering wheel moving without key in caused this. The movement confused the computer.

2 people found this helpful.

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