2007 LX steering randomly get stiff, then relaxes

[cryptyk]

Was out playing in the mud the other day (I hate mud) and when I got back on the trail I noticed two things at the same time:
1) There was a squeaking sound when I turn the steering wheel. Sounds like it's coming from right behind the steering wheel. Almost like a seal was rubbing or something.
2) The steering started doing this weird thing where it will get stiff, then relax for about half a second each time. Usually when I'm applying right-steering pressure on the wheel. This results in a jerking-to-the-right situation because I'm putting pressure to the right to counteract the steering pressure. Then it "relaxes" and that pressure turns the wheel to the right. Then it stiffens up again. Do that twice every second and it results in feeling like the computer is turning the wheel to the right by itself.

It's pretty consistent, but maybe gets worse every 5 minutes or so.

Installed 33" tires about 2k miles ago. Truck is moderately heavy with a tent and canopy. No other major changes recently.

I saw some other threads about VGRS and violent jerking. This doesn't seem violent and it feels safe to drive, but if it gets worse, it will definitely be unsafe.

I can't imagine the two things are related, but both happened at exactly the same time and both are steering related. Curious if ya'll have any thoughts?

 

[3_puppies]

@2001LC

 

[devlooper]

Im in no way saying its normal, but if I'm doing a 3 point turn I experience a slight "Heavyness" to the steering wheel.

I assumed it was VGRS just doing what VGRS does which is adjusting the gearing to make the steering feel heavy/light during certain conditions.
I think at higher speeds it makes the steering heavy and more responsive, and lower speeds (think turning into a parking lot) it lightens up the steering dramatically.

My 2006 has done that with it stock, mud tires, tent, no tent everything, but I've never "fought it" I'm not going fast enough to have to counter correct my input. i just let it do its thing.

 

[cryptyk]

Im in no way saying its normal, but if I'm doing a 3 point turn I experience a slight "Heavyness" to the steering wheel.

I assumed it was VGRS just doing what VGRS does which is adjusting the gearing to make the steering feel heavy/light during certain conditions.
I think at higher speeds it makes the steering heavy and more responsive, and lower speeds (think turning into a parking lot) it lightens up the steering dramatically.

My 2006 has done that with it stock, mud tires, tent, no tent everything, but I've never "fought it" I'm not going fast enough to have to counter correct my input. i just let it do its thing.

Totally know what you mean. This is different. It was working normally (as you describe) before the mud puddle. Right after, it's a VERY different feeling.

 

[devlooper]

Totally know what you mean. This is different. It was working normally (as you describe) before the mud puddle. Right after, it's a VERY different feeling.

ah bummer. I'm sorry its not as simple. I hope you find the solution!

 

[cryptyk]

Just went for a drive to get a video of this.
First, noticed that it doesn't happen while cold. It needs to warm up a bit before the problem shows up.

Also, it doesn't seem to happen during acceleration. Only during coasting or decel. Here's a video of the issue. You can see that the wheel jerks to the right suddenly a number of times.



It definitely feels like the computer is turning the wheel to the right, but I think what's actually happening is that the car pulls very slightly to the right under braking and normally the power steering force is enough to overcome that. Then the power steering "relaxes" and the force overcomes it and it jerks to the right. Then the power steering "turns back on" and the wheel stays in that position as normal.

 

[3_puppies]

this was the thread I was thinking of:

Calling all 03-07 LX470 owners, VGRS survey, please read!

In the one that came to me, with what I think is failure of the VGRS actuator (yet to be confirmed). I unplugged the actuator on a second test drive. Which made no difference, in the steering issue (violent-jerking to right) it is having. From what I've read: "The actuator includes a brushless...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[abuck99]

Original steering rack or has it been replaced -??

Anyway sounds like VGRS actuator -( kind of expensive) I think others more knowledgeable will chime in but the basic theory is VGRS actuator motor starts to fail- heat (and signal resistance) is the trigger- so as the VGRS motor gets worked extensively offroad (over time) failing motor will signal the ecu and introduce that pull/jerk to the right phenomenon in normal driving conditions. This is a relatively new thing but as VGRS equipped trucks that are built with larger tires and wheeled age out it may become more common-

You might try performing a zero point calibration to see if that re-sets the steering angle within the ecu- it’s a long shot but if you have TS it won’t cost you anything to try it

 

[cryptyk]

Original steering rack or has it been replaced -??

Anyway sounds like VGRS actuator -( kind of expensive) I think others more knowledgeable will chime in but the basic theory is VGRS actuator motor starts to fail- heat (and signal resistance) is the trigger- so as the VGRS motor gets worked extensively offroad (over time) failing motor it will introduce that pull/jerk to the right phenomenon in normal driving conditions. This is a relatively new thing but as VGRS equipped trucks that are built with larger tires and wheeled age out it may become more common-

You might try performing a zero point calibration to see if that re-sets the steering angle within the ecu- it’s a long shot but if you have TS it won’t cost you anything to try it

I believe it's the original steering rack, but not 100% sure.
Thanks for the summary - super helpful. I'll try a calibration in TS, but this definitely feels like a physical problem rather than software. I'll search on the forum for VGRS actuator replacement. Thanks!

 

[cryptyk]

I think this is solved, as least temporarily.
I took the truck to the tire shop to get the TPMS sensors replaced - one was bad. After they were done the guy said the VSC light was on. Which was weird because it wasn't when I took it in. Sure enough as soon as I turn the truck on and drive a few feet, the VSC and TRAC lights come on. Scanned for codes and got C1336.
I used techstream to clear the code, clear the VGRS history, did a zero point calibration, then did the VGRS angle calibration.
Went driving for about 30 minutes and no lights and no weird steering issues. Seems to have fixed it.
Very odd, but it seems good as new for the moment.
@abuck99 Thanks for the tip

 

[pili]

Please keep us updated if you notice any steering issues come back after the zero point. My truck prompted the linked thread above and @2001LC and I are attempting to diagnose. My issues are worse, steering has been quite heavy since rack replacement, and it has not thrown a code related to vgrs, but I have a similar symptoms as it relates to heat/driving longer. I'm curious if the zero point that you just did is masking a deeper issue with the actuator or you haven't pushed the truck hard enough after the calibration to initiate symptoms. Am I right that you put on new wheels/tires recently? I also did the same.

You'd think similar steering issues would be more common on the forums if it was caused by a need for a zero point. Most alignment shops don't know what this and I gotta imagine it's skipped all the time. Plenty of folks running big tires on LX's at this point.

Anyways, we've ordered a new actuator to play with, so maybe we'll have some more info soon. Glad it seems fixed for now!

 

[cryptyk]

Please keep us updated if you notice any steering issues come back after the zero point. My truck prompted the linked thread above and @2001LC and I are attempting to diagnose. My issues are worse, steering has been quite heavy since rack replacement, and it has not thrown a code related to vgrs, but I have a similar symptoms as it relates to heat/driving longer. I'm curious if the zero point that you just did is masking a deeper issue with the actuator or you haven't pushed the truck hard enough after the calibration to initiate symptoms. Am I right that you put on new wheels/tires recently? I also did the same.

You'd think similar steering issues would be more common on the forums if it was caused by a need for a zero point. Most alignment shops don't know what this and I gotta imagine it's skipped all the time. Plenty of folks running big tires on LX's at this point.

Anyways, we've ordered a new actuator to play with, so maybe we'll have some more info soon. Glad it seems fixed for now!

Following up here after a couple weeks. The problem remains solved. Even after some hard driving in the desert, no issues. I've yet to go through another water feature but will let you know once that happens if there's a recurrence.

For now, problem solved.

 

[abuck99]

Following up here after a couple weeks. The problem remains solved. Even after some hard driving in the desert, no issues. I've yet to go through another water feature but will let you know once that happens if there's a recurrence.

For now, problem solved.

Awesome- keep us posted if anything changes

 

[2001LC]

Please keep us updated if you notice any steering issues come back after the zero point. My truck prompted the linked thread above and @2001LC and I are attempting to diagnose. My issues are worse, steering has been quite heavy since rack replacement, and it has not thrown a code related to vgrs, but I have a similar symptoms as it relates to heat/driving longer. I'm curious if the zero point that you just did is masking a deeper issue with the actuator or you haven't pushed the truck hard enough after the calibration to initiate symptoms. Am I right that you put on new wheels/tires recently? I also did the same.

You'd think similar steering issues would be more common on the forums if it was caused by a need for a zero point. Most alignment shops don't know what this and I gotta imagine it's skipped all the time. Plenty of folks running big tires on LX's at this point.

Anyways, we've ordered a new actuator to play with, so maybe we'll have some more info soon. Glad it seems fixed for now!

OP issues would seem different. In few respects. But is why I "had" suggested you get here after and alignment. Wherein I would zero point calibrate, calibrate VGRS and center steering wheel.

But the more we talked about issue. The more we each came to conclusion you've failed VGRS actuator. Why did we:

When VGRS actuator disconnect form CPU & power (all wires), there was no change. A proper working actuator without power, will not unlock actuator (fail-safe). Keeping locked, as if none VGRS.

No power, it would or should then be like a solid shaft from steering wheel to rack & pinion. With only the typical U-joints along shaft. No CPU input or power input, had zero effect on your steering, your very violent steering continued. Which was very scary to drive, and did not feeling safe at all.

1) Although not 100% sure it's only a failed actuator. It is a 98% bet the actuator has failed, as it is not locking with no power to it. Is so, "why" is the big ?
2) Your steering turned itself violently to the right, without braking while driving in a straight line. It felt like steering wheel momentarily disconnects from R&P. Then just as sudden, re-engage and release again repeatedly.
2) You reported steering hard to turn, day after work done 2 plus years earlier. Which included a new NONE (Green strip) VGRS rack & pinion install and some off road build work done. The shop that did the work is a good one, and is know for zero point calibrating even after just and alignment.

We do not know why it failed. But I suspect it may have been in fail-safe since first reported hard to steer ~2 yrs ago, after service completed.

The way we know which R&P (VGRS or NON) is in a 100 series, is by paint strip color code.
98-02 LC or LX Blue (also mounts, are different the 03-07)

03-07 LC (NON VGRS) Green:

03-07 LX (VGRS) Black.

Your rack @pili is green (non VGRS)

Unfortunately remain R&P are often clean of identifying paint marks and or painted over. Those 03-07 we do not know what we have installed. Most re-builders are unaware or don't care.