LX450 Arrived - Have Questions

[afm735]

Hi All-

Well, it finally arrived (pictures coming this weekend). My 1997 LX450, purchased sight unseen. It’s an absolutely beautiful vehicle. I’ve only had it since Monday, so I haven’t had a chance to drive it too much. But still, I have a couple of questions.

Basic setup:
All stock, except the following mods (installed by Metal Tech before I had it shipped):
New OME 4 inch lift with castor correction, 2 inch spacers, extended brake lines, breathers, etc.
New 315/75/R16 Duratech tires

So…

1) Intermittent “Check Engine Light”. The previous owner said he replaced an O2 sensor and the check engine light went away. Well, it comes on intermittently. It was on Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning, but went off Tuesday afternoon and not on this morning. Any suggestions? Also, do most people run to an auto parts store and use their diagnostic tool or do most people buy their own?


2) Shakes while braking. I'm pretty sure it’s the rotors. When I brake, the vehicle shakes and I get the telltale sign of the brake pedal pumping. The thing is, they are new brakes and supposedly the rotors where turned. Could it be tires and/or alignment? Or, could it be a combination of all three?

3) Bump Steering. It’s been a while since I’ve had a truck with a lift and oversized tires (maybe 6 years). Is it “normal” to have some steering wheel play and movement when you hit bumps in the road?

Everything else I think I have covered or have found the answers I need on this forum (by the way, thanks everyone who has posted info about the 80’s since, forever!).

Thanks in advance to everyone for all of your help and advice.
-Randy

 

[kidglove13]

Welcome

I get some bump steer

Brakes Probably the rotors are warped, I dont ever turn rotors unless they need it

O2 senosr: I would check the connections and the wiring and maybe the other O2 is on its way out

 

[thetrekkerguy]

Welcome,
The bump steer could be due to not enough caster correction. I get a bit but nothing that concerns me for a truck with 315's.
X2 on the rotors being bad
O2 could be an aftermarket unit with bad pin connections

 

[Jacket]

For the CEL, you need to get the code read before anyone can help you. I'd just run to Napa or Autozone and have them pull it, then you can decide what action(s) to take.

If you are getting "pulsing" in your brake pedal, it could also be a failing ABS sensor in one of the wheels. But I'd start with rotors and pads, and then see where you are.

 

[PoorHouse]

I had my warped rotors and pads replaced and had vibration return after a few thousand miles.

Turns out my calipers were sticking and needed a rebuild.

Rebuilt calipers, new rotors (again) and new pads (again) and all is well.

 

[mstocks]

+2 on check/rebuild the calipers. I did my fronts this week with every intention of turning, if not replacing, the rotors. I got the right side apart and found the culprit. The outer part of the right caliper was sticking due to a lack of lubrication/abundance of wheeling crud on the pins. Pulled calipers, pulled pads (broken hundy pads btw), cleaned and lubed pins and buttoned it back up with new 80 pads. It drives and brakes like a new truck! Check the simple things before you start digging your hole too deep.

 

[arndog123]

No pics?

 

[afm735]

Thanks Everyone!!!

Hi Everyone-

Thank you all for your responses. I'm now thinking it might be the calipers. I'm gonna pull everything this weekend and take a look.

-Randy

 

[fj4068]

2) Shakes while braking. I'm pretty sure it’s the rotors. When I brake, the vehicle shakes and I get the telltale sign of the brake pedal pumping. The thing is, they are new brakes and supposedly the rotors where turned. Could it be tires and/or alignment? Or, could it be a combination of all three?

Another possible cause is loose wheel bearings that need to have their pre-load reset to the proper level.

 

[Mikesta]

If you don't post pictures, you don't own it.

 

[peteinpeb]

If you don't post pictures, you don't own it.

X2 probably a dealer