Dear Tom and Ray:

Last year we bought a 1993 Toyota Camry LE. It had 15,300 miles on it. This is a four cylinder with front wheel drive. At first I didn't realize it, but I soon noticed a vibration in the steering wheel. This happens when you are stopped at a light with the car in Drive and the brake pedal depressed. The vibration stops when you drive off, and doesn't come back until you stop again. I spoke to the manager of my Toyota dealership who said that all Toyota Camry four cylinder cars have this problem. He said the company knew about it, and it was nothing to worry about. Have you heard about this, and do you know what can be done about it?
Richard

RAY: We don't know what to do about it, either, Richard. We've seen this for years on four cylinder Camrys, and as far as we can tell, they do "all do it."

TOM: Frankly, I was surprised that Toyota didn't fix the vibration when they introduced the redesigned Camry in 1992. I guess it goes to show that they're not perfect either.

RAY: Mechanically speaking, there IS nothing wrong. We've found that a slight increase in the curb idle speed can improve it. But I agree with your dealer; even if the vibration continues, you don't have to worry about your engine falling apart down the road.

TOM: Engine-schmengine! What about your mental health, Richard? Little things like this drive some people crazy. So if you notice that you're yelling at the kids more, talking to yourself in supermarket parking lots, or writing letters to automotive newspaper columnists, I'd take that as a warning sign and trade this baby in for a six cylinder right away. Good luck, buddy.