As was mentioned with another report of moaning, mine started as the weather got colder. Today at 15 degrees F. it is really moaning. At temps in the 20's it would seem to warm up and the noise go away. I am curious to find out what is needed to fix it.

I've got a Japanese manual transmission Camry se; the nicest car I've ever owned and haven't had any other problems with yet; bought it at 30k miles and it has 140k miles now. I just sprayed WD-40 into the rubber boot where the steering column exits the cabin and there are no more noises now, not even at the coldest temperatures.

Took 2003 Camry to dealership last week and they said steering shaft was knocking and it needed packing. I've never heard it knock, only the steering wheel moan like every Camry I've ever had (4). So now I am wondering if I need to get it fixed. I agree Toyota needs to recall cars with the knocking problem. It made me doggone sick, plus just out of warranty and I had to have a new water pump.

I bought the car used just yesterday and I heard it when I test drove it. My research revealed that it isn't dangerous, but crap, it's annoying.

It's an intermittent problem. It mostly occurs below 32 degrees and the colder it is the more pronounced. It occurs backing out of the driveway, and in the first couple of minutes of driving in turning the wheel, then goes away. Doesn't seem to affect steering, but it happened couple of years after buying it new, and continues each winter.