Help! --question About 1992 Camry

[JR200]

Hi All:

Just found this awesome site and thought I would post a question. Knowing next to nothing about cars, I hope you will all bear with me. I have a 1992 Camry LE, and I purchased it used about two months ago. It has a shuddering/shaking to it when driven at speeds greater than 50 mph, and there is a sort of clicking sound that you can hear when going slow with the windows open. The car needed new tires, and the ride is much smoother since putting them on. The Toyota dealer says the right front axle is gone and needs to be replaced. An independent car place says the front axle is fine, and doesn't need replacing, and in "all good conscience", couldn't do the repair. I guess I'm now at a loss. I'm certainly concerned about safety if the front axle needs replacing. I assume the CV joint could be an issue? Anyway, how do I know who to trust, and how do I get a correct diagnosis at this point? Should I just believe the Toyota dealer? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

JR200

[Boro Sera]

Assuming the tyres are OK, there are a few simple things to check.

1. Wheel bearings.........Jack up the car so the wheel is off the ground. Take hold of the wheel at the top and bottom and try to rock it backwards and forwards, up and down, not side to side. The tyre will give the impression that the wheel is slightly rocking, but if you hear a clunking noise then the bearings are most likely shot.

2. CV. Reverse the car with steering wheel on full lock. You'll hear the problem if it's the CV. (try it with the lock on both ways, usually one way will be louder than the other)

Maybe another Camry owner has had this before. I'm sure someone will speak up if so.

Oh, just thought, it could also be wear in the steering mechanism, but check the bearings and CVs first.

Shout up and let us know how you get on mate.

Rich

[JR200]

Thanks Rich! I will give those two tests a go, and see what happens!! Will let you know.

JR200