TOYOTA CAMRY 2000 Service Repair Manual

86CHASSISÐSTEERING
STEERING
 DESCRIPTION
As in the previous model, a rack and pinion type steering gear is used. An engine revolution sensing type power
steering is used on all models.
As in the previous model, all models are provided with tilt steering.
An energy absorbing mechanism has been changed.

Specifications
Model
NewPrevious
Engine Type5S FE1MZ FE5S FE1MZ FEItem5S±FE1MZ±FE5S±FE1MZ±FE
Gear Ratio (Overall)17.4 : 1uuu
No. of Turns Lock to
Lock3.13.03.13.0
Rack Stroke mm (in.)149 (5.87)145 (5.71)149 (5.87)u145 (5.71)
Fluid TypeATF Type DEXRON
II or IIIuuu

87 CHASSISÐSTEERING
 STEERING COLUMN
1. Tilt Mechanism
General
Although all models are provided with tilt steering as in the previous model, the lock mechanism has been partially
changed.
In the previous model, the pawl was attached on the lower colulmn tube, and the upper column tube was provided
with a ratchet cutout. However, in the new model, the pawl is attached to the upper column tube, and the ratchet cutout
is provided in the lower column tube.
Construction and Operation
The tilt mechanism consists of a tilt lever, pawl, upper column tube, lwoer column tube, tension spring and
compression spring.
A hole is provided at the tip of the tilt lever, into which the pawl pin is inserted. As the pawl pin is inserted intor the
hole at the tip of the lever, moving the tilt lever causes the pawl to move downward. As a result, the ratchet of the
lower column tube and the ratchet of the pawl disengage from each other to release the tilt lock. Releasing the tilt
lever causes the lever (which is under spring tension) to return. Accordingly, the pawl is pushed upward, causing the
ratchet of the column tube and the ratchet of the pawl to engage with each other, thus locking the tilt lock.

88CHASSISÐSTEERING
2. Energy Absorbing Mechanism
Construction
The energy absorbing mechanism of the steering
column consists of a lower bracket, breakaway
bracket, and energy absorbing plate.
The breakaway bracket is attached to the instrument
panel reinforcement vial the capsule and energy
absorbing plate.
The steering column and the steering gear box are
connected with an elastic intermediate shaft.
Operation
The collision is transmitted to the steering wheel, and the lower bracket and the breakaway breacket will become
detached from each other, thus moving the entire unit forward. At the same time, the energy absorbingt plate becomes
deformed to absorb the energy of the impact.

Energy Absorbing Plate

89BODYÐLIGHTWEIGHT AND HIGHLY RIGID BODY
BODY
LIGHTWEIGHT AND HIGHLY RIGID BODY
The body of the new Camry is made highly rigid and lightweight through refinement of the shap and construction
of each part, improved joint rigidity, and increased use of high strength sheet steel.
 HIGH STRENGTH SHEET STEEL
Light and highly rigid high strength sheet steel is used for the hood, door panels and members.

90BODYÐLIGHTWEIGHT AND HIGHLY RIGID BODY
 BODY SHELL
The body of the new Camry is made highly rigid through the optimization of the location of reinforcements, the
continuity in underbody members, and via excellent joint rigidity.
At each pillar, a continuous einforcement is provided from where the pillar meets the roof, all the way to the rocker,
thus resulting in a strong pillar construction. In addition, the areas where the pillar joins the roof side rail and the rocker
have been strengthened to realize excellent body rigidity.

91 BODYÐLIGHTWEIGHT AND HIGHLY RIGID BODY
 DOORS
A twin±pipe type side impact protection beams are mounted in the center space between the front door panels.
Similarly, a side impact protection beam is provided in the rear door.

92BODYÐLIGHTWEIGHT AND HIGHLY RIGID BODY
 IMPACT ABSORBING STRUCTURE
1. General
The impact absorbing structure of the new Camry provides a body construction that can effectively absorb the energy
of impact in the event of a front, rear, or side collision. Also, it realizes an excellent occupant protection performance
through the use of reinforcements and members that help minimize cabin deformation.
2. Construction
Impact Absorbing Structure for Front/Rear Collision
In conjunction with the evision made to the impact absorbing structure for a front or rear collision, the cross section
of the underbody members, pillars, and reinforcements have been increased in size and thickness of the materal used.
Accordingly, the underbody and cabin framework were made to efficienlty absorb and dissipate the impact energy
in case of a front or rear collision, thus realizeing a body struture to minimize cabin deformation.

Impact Absorbing Structure for Front Collision

93 BODYÐLIGHTWEIGHT AND HIGHLY RIGID BODY
Impact Absorbing Structure for Side Collision
Impact energy of a side collision directed to the cabin area is dispersed throughout the body via pillar reinforcements,
side impact protection beams, floor cross members, etc. This dispersion of energy keeps the energy directed to the
cabin to a minimum level. In additon, the body is made highly rigid through the cabin space. And, in order to make
the door more energy absorbent, a closed cross section configuration is provided at the belt line area of the front and
rear doors.
Also, a soft upper interior construction has been adopted. With this type of constrution, if the occupant's head collides
against the roof side rail in reaction to a collision, the inner panel of the roof side rail collapses to reduct the impact.

Impact Absorbing Structure for Side Collision

Soft Upper Interior Structure

94BODYÐRUST±RESISTANT BODY
RUST±RESISTANT BODY
Rust±resistant performance is enhanced by extensive use of anti±corrosion sheet steel and is performing and
anti±corrosion treatment by applying wax, sealer and anti±chipping paint to easily corroded parts such as the hood,
doors and rocker panels.

ANTI±CORROSION SHEET STEEL
Galvannealed sheet steel is used in all areas other than the interior parts and the roof. However, on models produced
by TMC, zinc±iron alloy double layer galvannealed sheet steel is used for quarter panel.

95 BODYÐRUST±RESISTANT BODY

WAX AND SEALER
Wax and sealer are applied to the hemmed portions fo the hood, door panels and luggage compartment door to
improve rust±resistant performance.

UNDER COAT
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) coating is applied to the under side of the body. Athick coating to improve rust resistant
performane is applied to the bottome side of the cowl panel, the fender apron and other parts which are subject to
damage by flying stones, etc.

ANTI±CHIPPING APPLICATION
Anti±chipping paint and PVC chipping primer are applied to the lower door panel area, front and rear wheel arches
and the rocker panel area to protect them from flying stones. In addition, soft±chip primer is applied to the hood.