Leaks and Leaks............

Visit a local public library or an auto parts store like AUTOZONE for repair manuals, you can get them as well from

If you don't, it's its.

and likewise yours

The power steering racks will leak on the higher mileage Camrys. I had a good rebuilt one put in, works great. The rubber seals crack and start to leak... Not sure on the heater core, no problems there yet. Try the Haynes manual, They miss lots of good details but it will get you started.

The power steering rack will need to be replaced - the seals are leaking. This job is NOT for the "weak of heart" novice "Home Repairman/woman". This is a major car repair that will cost ~$800 to $1200 at any Toyota dealership or "Mom and Pop" shop. The rack is a long worm gear rod that extends the width of your car and attaches to your front tires via tie rod ends - the steering wheel is attached so as to move the rod as you turn the wheel. You'll also need a front alignment when they're done. I was lucky - I ONLY spent $700 on my daughters' car, having it repaired by a family friend. The Dealership wanted the $1200! - no surprise there. Between that and a new heater core, you're probably looking at a repair bill that's maybe close to half of what you paid for the car? - Good Luck! Joe

"MUADIB®" wrote in message news: snipped-for-privacy@4ax.com...

If you don't, it's its.

and likewise yours

Ever wonder how many of these rack seal failures would be eliminated if the power steering fluid was CHANGED every year or two .... like you're supposed to do with the brake fluid?

--

- Philip @ Maximum Torque RPM

In news:6ed_b.588$ snipped-for-privacy@news.abs.net, Jazzman being of bellicose mind posted:

Here's my simple solution. Go ahead and have the dealer flush the power steering system once, then simply siphon out the reservoir with a turkey baster (vacuum hose duct taped to the end to allow insertion through the small opening under the cover), every time you change the engine oil. Overall power steering fluid capacity is small, so over time, it stays very clean.

Now Philip,...............I thought we'd already had this discussion about attitude.

If I thought I was the culprit on the fluid change issues, I'd certainly say so..............as stated before, I am not the original owner of this car.................not sure, but maybe just the second.

I did not get a great deal on the car, as I have had a marriage that endeed in divorce, and I got the F'd up credit. I had to purchase a car with what little credit I could muster. Now that we've all been reprimanded about changing fluids in the whole car every two or three weeks, how about helpin' a guy out,.............or buttin' out?????

I do believe in changing ALL of the fluids in my car at pretty regular intervals. I am a constant participant in another news group for another brand of car, and I eaither help ( or try to ) or leav it alone. Although I do post an occaisional OT subject thread as that group has a sense of humor also......................please show some self control and be useful or quiet.

Now I came to this group looking for help. I have, so far received little. It is the purpose of almost every group, to help and share. Not to belittle and badger. I , when I post a request, usually am *not* looking for a critique of my habits from folks who know not who they speak of. However I am growing a bit concerned that this group is for bitching at people who they know not.

Please help with the request.

Anyone know what it entails to R&R a heater core in a 97 camry 4cyl?

or will I possibly be the first? ( I'm certainly not afraid of "The Big Bad Camry" )

Remove "YOURPANTIES" to reply MUADIB®

It's is not, it isn't ain't, and it's it's, not its, if you mean it is. If you don't, it's its. Then too, it's hers. It isn't her's. It isn't our's either. It's ours, and likewise yours and theirs. -- Oxford University Press, Edpress News

In news: snipped-for-privacy@4ax.com, MUADIB® being of bellicose mind posted:

That is partly because this is not a divorcee support group. Try: alt.lifeafter.selfrealization.depression. :^) >:^D

......................please show some

Hopeless request. The poster to whom you are directing this suggestion is not about to change.

Check the Haynes repair manual. Less than $20. I believe they have a photograph of the heater core with instructions for removal and replacement. I have the prior "generation" (1992-1996) so I know there is a Haynes repair manual for those years. For the heater core, it has got to be so similar, that the earlier version manual would still work just fine for you. Procedure should be fairly straightforward. Haven't changed a heater core, but have found things under there well organized and reasonably well accessible. Reason you're not getting much response is that for engines that have used the Toyota red coolant with distilled water and regular changes, most heater cores easily outlast the life of the car.

My replacement rack was $250 plus $250 labor... Philip is there a drain on the PS rack? If so I will start changing the fluid. Thanks. Rob

Married 38 yrs. Spouses who run up charge cards always feel that they "deserve" what they bought and in fact ... are OWED. This is what happens when you get married to a person who harbors the notion that the other spouse is supposed to be a wish fulfillment device.

In news: snipped-for-privacy@mb-m23.aol.com, ROBMURR being of bellicose mind posted:

No drain. Personally, I use a squeezebulb to suction out all the fluid in the reservoir, then refill. Start engine and turn steering lock to lock a couple of times, shut OFF engine, repeat reservoir evacuation, refill, repeat. 3x's is sufficient, I think. Cracking loose a fitting on the steering rack runs the risk of leaks and rounding off the fitting nuts. If you prefer this method, DO use a "flare nut wrench" to preserve your fittings.

Now That was at least humorous Phil............Nice job!......LOL

No help yet though huh?..........Oh Well.............I was asking for that one................LOL

Remove "YOURPANTIES" to reply MUADIB®

It's is not, it isn't ain't, and it's it's, not its, if you mean it is. If you don't, it's its. Then too, it's hers. It isn't her's. It isn't our's either. It's ours, and likewise yours and theirs. -- Oxford University Press, Edpress News

Rob,...............That was an aftermarket rack right?

I'd be thrilled if the rack cost that little at the local Toyota House..........but You're right, I won't even hold my breath.

Remove "YOURPANTIES" to reply MUADIB®

It's is not, it isn't ain't, and it's it's, not its, if you mean it is. If you don't, it's its. Then too, it's hers. It isn't her's. It isn't our's either. It's ours, and likewise yours and theirs. -- Oxford University Press, Edpress News

Yup. My former Toyota Master Tech has had good luck with the ones he gets (sorry not sure where he got it)... My guess it is an OEM part that has been rebuilt. I think Toyota wants over $1,000 for a new one! Rob

OUCH!

I may have to do some research on the locals here now....................But If I can either rebuild my existing unit, or do a purchase/core situation, I may .

Thanks Rob.

Remove "YOURPANTIES" to reply MUADIB®

It's is not, it isn't ain't, and it's it's, not its, if you mean it is. If you don't, it's its. Then too, it's hers. It isn't her's. It isn't our's either. It's ours, and likewise yours and theirs. -- Oxford University Press, Edpress News