1999 LX 470 power steering / brakes inadequate

[Zgbdt]

45k miles on stock 1999 lx - power steering not great. Had numerous Toyota / Lexus dealer mechanics drive the car and they all say it is in great shape and working as is to be expected.

I want it to be easier to steer at lower speeds. It's not like the power steering is non existent but it is really hard to park with one hand for instance. What can be done about this? How do I know / test power steering for proper performance? I would assume that those of you who run really big tires have had to address this at some point along the way?

I also posted re: brakes previously and got info re: master cylinder rebuild. Lexus mechanic says it is not possible to "rebuild" Lexus brake master cylinder. Can someone explain if this is dealer nonsense or if previous post was referring to land cruiser brake system vs Lexus? Again, mechanic drives car and says brakes totally normal, but I feel they could / should be much better. Can't imagine that when the car was brand new it was acceptable if drove / stopped this way. The car has been seldom driven until a month ago when I purchased it. Sat around a lot but always maintained.

Anybody know an excellent mechanic near Aspen or Denver Colorado? I haven't checked with Slee re: this, but probably my next call. Thanks for all the help. You guys who are regulars here really bring a lot of knowledge that is very difficult to find elsewhere. Much appreciated. B

 

[Actualeyes]

On the brakes, well I think the brakes are a weakness of the 100 series. There are after market rotors particularly that improve the situation - many use them (including slotted rotors from Slee).

On the steering, assuming US spec LXs have the VGRS, you might want to check that the VGRS is working - to be honest I find the VGRS as very nice system that provides great balance at slow or high speeds. Certainly when wheeling with centre diff locked, tight turns are still a PIA, but other than that, the power steering is good with VGRS, adequate without. I assume the Toyota/Lexus dealers know about VGRS - did they plug in the Techstream computer and check it out? It should be well known by Lexus but perhaps not so well known to Toyota. I seem to recall that if you remove the battery connectors without the front wheels straight ahead the VGRS can need to be reset. It is a very straightforward thing to do if you have Techstream.

But crikey! where do people find these gems - 45K's and 14 years old!

 

[Zgbdt]

I'm told that there was no variable steering assist in this year / model. I'm not convinced that Lexus mechanic is giving good assessment. Either way I want to try to improve it.

Love this truck though. Will post pics soon.

 

[Actualeyes]

I'm told that there was no variable steering assist in this year / model. I'm not convinced that Lexus mechanic is giving good assessment. Either way I want to try to improve it. Love this truck though. Will post pics soon.

Does the VGRS warning light come on when turning the key to ON before starting?

If it doesn't I guess you likely don't have it...

If you're in doubt about the steering take a drive in someone else's 100 series (or test drive one at a dealer) or LX sans VGRS and get to see what normal feels like...

 

[Junglejack]

The 99 NA 100 Series did have a fixed ratio. I believe the variable ratio came in MY 2003. The braking system, while not stellar, was actually quite respectable for the times. The 98-99's did not have Brake Assist, but that should not come into play aside from panic situations.

 

[rvrats2]

I am in aspen and only use big horn for the things that I cannot do myself or don't have time for which has only been timing belts/water pumps on two tacomas and current land cruiser. There are a few local mechanics that are fine for basic maintenance but I don't know if I would have them delve into something like this. You're welcome to drive mine for a comparison but it is a 2000.

 

[Zgbdt]

Anybody know if later model variable assist steering system guts can be transplanted into a 99 lx?

 

[hankinid]

Anybody know if later model variable assist steering system guts can be transplanted into a 99 lx?

Hardware is probably simple compared to, maybe, a new ECU and some wiring fun.

Steve

 

[Actualeyes]

Anybody know if later model variable assist steering system guts can be transplanted into a 99 lx?

Unlikely to be viable - as previous poster suggested, you need a different ECU...

 

[E36 Phantom]

The ratio is fixed but the assist level is not. I don't know whether assist is determined by vacuum or a speed sensor, though, but check into that.

I have an 02, the steering effort is finger light even at a dead stop. Too light, if you ask me.

 

[Zgbdt]

anybody know how to modulate power steering assist?