LX 570 Vibration at Highway Speed

[jetlagged]

I just purchased a 2020 LX 570 (35k miles - all stock, has been maintained), no issues noted on 2 inspections. One tire was replaced at Lexus dealership right after purchase due to a puncture (identified on inspection).

I'm wondering if the ride / experience I am currently noted is to be expected with these models:

At highway speeds (and much lesser extent above 40 mph) noticing a high frequency vibration that is low amplitude. It is also visible by the vibrating empty passenger seat and vibration through the steering wheel. I wouldn’t call it “shaking” so much as prominent vibration. I also suspect very minimally off alignment to the left. On truly fresh / perfect pavement still present, but even more mild. In addition, brakes are very mildly pulsatile feeling at some pressure levels (inspected and told they were in good shape).

Is these ride vibration and brake feel issues to be expected, or am I more likely dealing with an alignment, balance, or ahc issue?

 

[Sandroad]

Welcome! Neither that vibration or brake are expected. The mild brake pulsation is likely some uneven pad material on the rotor. Some members have had good results removing that by bedding in the brakes. Search for that term to find out what others have done.

The vibration is likely a tire. Is it true that 3 tires have 35k miles and one is new? If so, that’s quite a difference and may cause what you’re feeling? In any event, first I would get all 4 road force balanced and see if that helps. In the end, it’s possible you’ll need 3 additional new tires.

And get an alignment if you suspect it’s off.

 

[jetlagged]

Welcome! Neither that vibration or brake are expected. The mild brake pulsation is likely some uneven pad material on the rotor. Some members have had good results removing that by bedding in the brakes. Search for that term to find out what others have done.

The vibration is likely a tire. Is it true that 3 tires have 35k miles and one is new? If so, that’s quite a difference and may cause what you’re feeling? In any event, first I would get all 4 road force balanced and see if that helps. In the end, it’s possible you’ll need 3 additional new tires.

And get an alignment if you suspect it’s off.

Thanks! I'm starting to get anxiety that buying into this vehicle was a mistake and that I'll be chasing these minor issues indefinitely and at high cost... Probably my fault given that I"m coming from a newish rav4 (these issues persisting would make highway driving worse than that car).

I also attached some videos demonstrating the shaking of the seat at highway speed, and the steering wheel transmitting judder from the brakes just to confirm. Unfortunately these were after a road force balancing today.

Brake Judder - transmitted through lightly stabilized steering wheel

Vibration at Speed

 

[jetlagged]

As I drive it more, I’m guessing the ride on highway is probably not too far off normal and i was conflating some of the vibrations with the brake judder (maybe minor imbalance in the setting of the stock 21” and a mishmash of old and new tires). Probably just need to get used to a heavy duty truck ride vs a sedan platform.

The brakes are probably going to need some work, that definitely doesn’t seem quite right.

 

[pvchaitanya]

I am dealing with exactly your symptom after a tire change. This is usually due to bad wheel balancing or due to tire defect. After road force balancing all wheel, one tire was still found to be having a strong vibration, the dealer said its a tire manufacturing flaw and may get even over time or I can claim warranty. I called tirerack and they send now new set of tire to replace. Will update once I replace the tire who it goes.

Just road force balancing and moving the defective tire to rear axle make 80% difference in the wobble but i want to go ahead and replace it anyway.

 

[Sandroad]

As I drive it more, I’m guessing the ride on highway is probably not too far off normal and i was conflating some of the vibrations with the brake judder (maybe minor imbalance in the setting of the stock 21” and a mishmash of old and new tires). Probably just need to get used to a heavy duty truck ride vs a sedan platform.

The brakes are probably going to need some work, that definitely doesn’t seem quite right.

Over time, as you can afford it, I suspect 4 new Michelin Defender LTX MS/2 tires properly balanced will solve the vibration at speed and new OEM brake pads and rotors will solve the brake judder. There really isn’t much else a ‘20 LX with 35K miles might need to provide a smooth drive. If it was mine, I would do tires first, because I’m not a fan of mis-matched tires.

 

[jetlagged]

Over time, as you can afford it, I suspect 4 new Michelin Defender LTX MS/2 tires properly balanced will solve the vibration at speed and new OEM brake pads and rotors will solve the brake judder. There really isn’t much else a ‘20 LX with 35K miles might need to provide a smooth drive. If it was mine, I would do tires first, because I’m not a fan of mis-matched tires.

Hmm, yeah it’s a bit painful with the stock huge wheels, I had been planning to change to 17/18” but with the cost of all new tires and wheels will probably hold off for now (not to mention the brakes which are what actually make it feel like there is a problem). If I swapped everything now with new brakes I think I would be over 5k in right off the bat.

 

[Taco Supremo]

Hmm, yeah it’s a bit painful with the stock huge wheels, I had been planning to change to 17/18” but with the cost of all new tires and wheels will probably hold off for now (not to mention the brakes which are what actually make it feel like there is a problem). If I swapped everything now with new brakes I think I would be over 5k in right off the bat.

You can find some 18" tundra takeoffs for a few hundred bucks.

 

[jetlagged]

You can find some 18" tundra takeoffs for a few hundred bucks.

I have a lot of trouble finding the following information: what is the oem offset for the tundra 18s, what years work, and given the oem offset are spacers etc needed / what tire size can you go up to with no mods?

There are all these giant threads that are really light on actual details.

 

[Taco Supremo]

I have a lot of trouble finding the following information: what is the oem offset for the tundra 18s, what years work, and given the oem offset are spacers etc needed / what tire size can you go up to with no mods?

There are all these giant threads that are really light on actual details.

Offset is typically +60 for a Tundra takeoff. You need a 5x150 bolt pattern so 1st or 2nd gen tundra. You want a spacer around 1" (25mm) to bring you to around +35.

A 295/70r18 is what I'm running. Sensor lift, remove mud flap, and minor massaging for that size. Anything smaller would be almost plug and play. I'd suggest googling some of Teckis300's thread on 35's in here. It's thorough and will give you an idea of what's required. You can decide from there.

 

[Sandroad]

These 18” might be too far away from you, but they are an example of what comes up in the classifieds for a very reasonable price that would be bolt on ready to go wheels.

S

For Sale Post in thread 'Colorado Springs, CO 200 series Silver 18 inch rims WITH TPM sensors, Lexus and Toyota Center caps $450/ obo'

Jul 21, 2025

text me at 303-653-2963

Ok, I'll text the pics in a bit

• slipkid13

 

[jetlagged]

These 18” might be too far away from you, but they are an example of what comes up in the classifieds for a very reasonable price that would be bolt on ready to go wheels.

S

For Sale Post in thread 'Colorado Springs, CO 200 series Silver 18 inch rims WITH TPM sensors, Lexus and Toyota Center caps $450/ obo'

Jul 21, 2025

text me at 303-653-2963

Ok, I'll text the pics in a bit

• slipkid13

Thanks! Got it, I see a good number within 5 hours. Due to the overall cost of a full replacement of wheels and tires I’ll work on that in a few months.

In the short term I found a deep discount on the oem tires so will at least try replacing them with a full set and move my one newish tire to the spare.

Currently at the dealership having the brakes looked at, so will have to see what the damages are there first.

 

[jetlagged]

As an update for reference, dealer recommends new tires for vibration, fair enough.

For the brakes recommending brake flush and fluid, and resurfacing of rotors (total of ~1100, wow the dealerships markups are wild). If, fingers crossed, I get it running as expected I need to find a good independent mechanic…

 

[PDoyle]

New Land Cruiser and LX ‘s usually have brakes replaced before 40k miles and I would assume tires soon after. You will need to learn how to coast It’s certainly not a Rav.

 

[jetlagged]

New Land Cruiser and LX ‘s usually have brakes replaced before 40k miles and I would assume tires soon after. You will need to learn how to coast It’s certainly not a Rav.

Is this usually just the pads, or rotors too?

 

[PDoyle]

Depends. Rotors can be resurfaced one time at or before 50 k miles if they aren’t too pitted.

 

[jetlagged]

I am dealing with exactly your symptom after a tire change. This is usually due to bad wheel balancing or due to tire defect. After road force balancing all wheel, one tire was still found to be having a strong vibration, the dealer said its a tire manufacturing flaw and may get even over time or I can claim warranty. I called tirerack and they send now new set of tire to replace. Will update once I replace the tire who it goes.

Just road force balancing and moving the defective tire to rear axle make 80% difference in the wobble but i want to go ahead and replace it anyway.

Thanks, look forward to hearing your update. I also ended up buying a full fresh set of OEM tires at a very aggressive discount (guessing they don't sell a lot of those Dunlops) to see if it makes the difference, awaiting delivery. The dealership is fully attributing the vibration to the tire age differential / wear (2 are six years old (life of the vehicle), 1 is 3 years old, and 1 is the new one I got). I am going to replace all the tires and move the newest of the current set to the spare position.

If that doesn't work, I'm kind of at a loss, will have to check with another mechanic or two and consider giving 17-18" wheels and a fatter tire a shot prior to giving up altogether. That would be sad though, all in all love the lx, but the vibration is notably worse than my Rav4 and really kills its benefit as a road trip cruiser.

 

[Sandroad]

Thanks, look forward to hearing your update. I also ended up buying a full fresh set of OEM tires at a very aggressive discount (guessing they don't sell a lot of those Dunlops) to see if it makes the difference, awaiting delivery. The dealership is fully attributing the vibration to the tire age differential / wear (2 are six years old (life of the vehicle), 1 is 3 years old, and 1 is the new one I got). I am going to replace all the tires and move the newest of the current set to the spare position.

If that doesn't work, I'm kind of at a loss, will have to check with another mechanic or two and consider giving 17-18" wheels and a fatter tire a shot prior to giving up altogether. That would be sad though, all in all love the lx, but the vibration is notably worse than my Rav4 and really kills its benefit as a road trip cruiser.

You’re on the right track. The new tires and rotor resurfacing will fix the issues, IMHO. One thing to consider, if they have to remove the rotors to resurface, maybe just replace them? The OEM rotors are relatively inexpensive.

 

[bloc]

The OEM rotors are relatively inexpensive.

When we shop Toyota dealer parts sales and install them ourselves yes.

Paying the L tax to a dealer service department is a different story.

 

[dudemancool1904]

Brakes are incredibly easy and relatively inexpensive parts wise for this truck. I actually buy most of my LC parts from OEMLexus.com (Lexus Carlsbad) and they are usually the cheapest. I priced out OEM pads and rotors and it was like $450 shipped.