- Thread starter
- #21
All measurements of the rear tires are within 1/2 cm of each other.
2013 LX 570 Drivability Issue
- Thread starter jtcu
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
I am really thinking this is the low profile tires. I have a similar feeling on my 2014. I replaced all globes and there was no improvement. Dealer says it drives normally. When these tires wear down, I think I am moving to 17 inch wheels and higher profile tires.
i don't remember any feeling like this when I was rolling stockers. They were P rated . . . what's your current tire pressure? If those are LT BFGs they shouldn't be at 33 psi.
- Thread starter
- #24
I had the same issue on the stock tires, yes they're bfg lt285s and infocenter has them at 35psi but i measured 32-33 psi
- Thread starter
- #25
It's possible I suppose, my other car has very low profile tires so I'm used to the feeling and this feels different but it is also a completely different vehicle...
Your BFG KO2 LT285 55 r20 is under-inflated i believe.
@gaijin may help you more with the correct inflation PSI.
What are you accustomed to driving? Real question - have you ever owned or regularly driven a nearly 3 ton body on frame SUV before this LX? It does not sound like you're having a mechanical issue. When I bought my 08 LX, I thought it drove like crap until I replaced the factory tires with E rated BFGs. It sounds like you're having either an issue with tires (wrong ply rating, psi, etc) or it's a perception thing.
- Thread starter
- #28
I also have a Chrysler Aspen, Ford F350 Dually, Lincoln MKT, 40' motorhome and Cadillac CTS-V. I've also had other large SUVs (suburban) and didn't experience the same ride quality issues.
When I was experiencing this, the best I could describe it was like the suspension and drivetrain shuddered or lurched. I could feel it profoundly in the steering wheel, but everybody in the car could feel it to some degree.
I felt this when I first bought my truck and it was on crappy, discount brand tires. I immediately had them replaced with BFG 285/55/20s, but keep in mind that at that size, they are only available as D-rated. The recommended PSI should be 43 if I remember correctly.
No matter, because that never actually fixed the problem. If anything, it made it worse. Maybe this was due to the extra unsprung weight.
Again, having now been driving on the 17s with 285/75/17 E rated BFGs, it finally rides how I think a Lexus should ride. Still rides like a body on frame truck, but much more comfortable and no more crazy jolts.
I felt this when I first bought my truck and it was on crappy, discount brand tires. I immediately had them replaced with BFG 285/55/20s, but keep in mind that at that size, they are only available as D-rated. The recommended PSI should be 43 if I remember correctly.
No matter, because that never actually fixed the problem. If anything, it made it worse. Maybe this was due to the extra unsprung weight.
Again, having now been driving on the 17s with 285/75/17 E rated BFGs, it finally rides how I think a Lexus should ride. Still rides like a body on frame truck, but much more comfortable and no more crazy jolts.
- Thread starter
- #30
I'm willing to try it.
@jtcu
Two points:
1. Due to the construction characteristics of ALL LT-Rated tires, tire manufacturers and the Tire and Rim Association set an absolute MINIMUM inflation pressure of 35psi. It is unsafe to operate any LT-Rated tire on road at speed with a pressure below 35psi. Period.
2. The Recommended Cold Tire Inflation Pressure for your LT285/55R20/D 117/114T BFG KO2 tires on your LX570 is 43psi F/R.
Now you know. Let your conscience be your guide.
HTH
When you say willing to try, do you mean increasing your PSI or buying 17s?
I lived with it for 2 years and had always planned to swap the wheels and tires for 17s. It seems a drastic solution if this is not something you were planning to do anyways.
This thread is just wild guessing and potentially throwing parts at the problem.
As with any diagnosis, a methodical approach is necessary as a process of elimination so that the root issue can be more readily identified.
As with any diagnosis, a methodical approach is necessary as a process of elimination so that the root issue can be more readily identified.
- Thread starter
- #34
I'll look for another local 2013-2015 lx 570 to test drive and see if it has the same drive feel.
True, but I think we can all agree that the PSI is too low for those tires.
Setting them at the correct pressure is not likely to completely solve the issue, but is likely not helping anything and could potentially cause tire failure.
^I do believe you're experiencing an issue and we're all interesting in helping you nail it down. Especially as you said you've had plenty of body on frame vehicles. And there's been multiple techs and the manager of the tire center that also believe there's an issue...
The stock LX in no way rides in a brittle or untoward fashion. The Lexus badge means it has to meet some level of objective ride quality, which would be far above the symptoms you're describing.
Help us understand more, point by point and we may get to the root of the issue.
@1world1love yes, too low. But that would not exacerbate the issues he's describing. I've driven my LX down at 12 PSI, even 20 psi for short transition sections on road (lower speeds) as we transit between off-road routes.
The stock LX in no way rides in a brittle or untoward fashion. The Lexus badge means it has to meet some level of objective ride quality, which would be far above the symptoms you're describing.
Help us understand more, point by point and we may get to the root of the issue.
@1world1love yes, too low. But that would not exacerbate the issues he's describing. I've driven my LX down at 12 PSI, even 20 psi for short transition sections on road (lower speeds) as we transit between off-road routes.
I don't disagree, but you have much more sidewall. Trust me, having driven the same tires he has (and also aired down to ~15psi on occasion), it can be pretty profound. Almost like riding on rims.
But all of your points are valid and 33psi shouldn't be that bad.
The problem is that i am not sure what else he can do to describe the problem. Maybe take it back to the dealer / tech and see what they can offer.
But who ever told you to change your stock P-metric tires to BFG KO2 To make ride smoother should be shot!
Or find a local MUD member here and ask him/her to take a ride with you.
I agree. Sometimes these issues are pretty subjective. It might be worthwhile to see if you can find a 13-15 LX to test drive, and also if there is a MUD member who you would be willing to let drive yours.
Aside from that, you may want to find a good suspension shop and see what they say. I find that the guys who are used to fine-tuning suspensions have a better feel for how things should be working and might do a better job of diagnosing in real time.
I’ve been following this thread and have been wondering if it’s indeed the tires, as in tire size/aspect ratio. Although a tall order, would be great if you had a friend with a Land Cruiser that would be willing to swap OEM wheels with you temporarily. By noticing any change on your ride, could help eliminate many of the other suggested or guessed at h/w causes.
Until earlier this year, my daily driver, since 2006, was a 2003 LC with 18” wheels. I’m happy with my new-to-me LX but it definitely sends a jolt when the wheels encounter a pothole or other “road anomaly”. Later this year I’ll be mounting some 18” Michelin’s on some rims I got off of eBay. They are off of a 2020 LC. Am looking forward to it. Yup, I’m a wimp
Cheers,
John