Steering play/pull on 07 LX. Worry or not?

[MattInKnox]

I am in the middle of a take-home test drive of a 2007 LX470 with 105k miles that I intend to be my wife's new ride. The truck is in very good shape, and has been serviced regularly at the dealership. I like everything about it except this weird pull in the steering when slight steering corrections are made.

The best that I can describe it is that there is a slight play when you're changing the steering direction, except instead of a dead spot, the steering sortof fights me before deciding to go that direction. It's not a major thing that seems dangerous, but it is very noticeable (my commented immediately) when changing lanes or making minor adjustments on a narrow road. The steering wheel is centered properly, and with no off-road miles it doesn't seem to match up to the rack issues that others have described.

As a longtime 80-series owner as a daily driver, I'm accustomed to a good bit of slop in the steering, but this feels different. The Lexus dealership that is selling the truck says that they did a full alignment as part of the prep for sale. Does this sound familiar to anyone? I'm going to ask for them to redo the alignment, but I'm worried about VGRS, active suspension, or some other costly item that I've never had to worry about on my antiquated LC80.

Thanks in advance for any info.

 

[4Peanut]

Ask to see the alignment specs. Based on my autocrossing experience I know that a little toe out helps turn-in response, so based on that as well as your description it may have too much toe in.

I wouldn't describe the 100's steering as snappy, but neither would I describe it as resistant. Is the dealer offering any warranty?

 

[MattInKnox]

Thanks for the suggestion. No warranty. That's my biggest concern. I've never spent more than $10k on a vehicle without a new or CPO warranty.

I'll ask about the specs. I'll do a search, but do you have any guidance on what the specs should look like?

 

[TeCKis300]

I have an '06, and I roadcourse and autox my other vehicle, so I'm very in-tune with alignment and general chassis feedback. The LX470 steering, while not very immediate and direct due lots of mass, is steadfast and stable.

I would have them fully check out the steering shaft, linkages, universals, rack, and endlinks. And I wouldn't buy it until it's resolved. While the problem is likely simple once discovered, the steering system on the LX is too complex to take the chance of having to deal with the headache on your own dime.

 

[rScotty]

Matt, did you ever find out anything with that LX steering? I have a 2007 - new to us - and it has a similar steering weirdness. I'm also a longtime '80 series driver and the 80 is rock solid. The LX470 seems to have sort of "twitchy" steering response to slight corrections.
Thanks, rScotty

 

[FamilyCruiser]

Curious if a cause or solution was ever found for this. I just purchased a 2005 LX and at freeway speeds I'm experiencing exactly what is described above. The vehicle does not pull to either side, but the power steering seems to fight changes in steering which makes it slightly difficult to keep it doing straight at high speeds. It is subtle.

I replaced a totalled 2004 LC with this vehicle and the steering feels different from the old LC. I also noticed that while coming out of turns at lower speeds, the steering does not naturally seek to return to center/straight, as I come out of the turn. Coming back to center requires input from the driver, though it is minimal effort. The vehicle has 133k miles and is in great shape mechanically otherwise. I had my mechanic check out the entire vehicle at purchase and he said the steering felt normal. I'm wondering now if the difference in steering feel is related to the hydraulic suspension that I did not have on the LC.

Any thoughts or opinions?

 

[DOGMARLEY]

Maybe somethings wrong with the VGRS? I occ feel a extremely slight delay when adjusting the wheel at freeway speeds. Very slight.

 

[DOGMARLEY]

But I think what I'm experiencing is normal. I've always had a preference for rear wheel drive sports cars so the feeling threw me off when we initially bought our truck. It's almost as if you loose a little confidence in the steering. Meaning, for a millisecond you almost feel like the truck isn't going to do what you are asking it to do. I got used to it. Dealership said this was the VGRS that I was feeling.

 

[TXLX100]

Curious if a cause or solution was ever found for this. I just purchased a 2005 LX and at freeway speeds I'm experiencing exactly what is described above. The vehicle does not pull to either side, but the power steering seems to fight changes in steering which makes it slightly difficult to keep it doing straight at high speeds. It is subtle.

I replaced a totalled 2004 LC with this vehicle and the steering feels different from the old LC. I also noticed that while coming out of turns at lower speeds, the steering does not naturally seek to return to center/straight, as I come out of the turn. Coming back to center requires input from the driver, though it is minimal effort. The vehicle has 133k miles and is in great shape mechanically otherwise. I had my mechanic check out the entire vehicle at purchase and he said the steering felt normal. I'm wondering now if the difference in steering feel is related to the hydraulic suspension that I did not have on the LC.

Any thoughts or opinions?

Not returning to center on its own sounds like an alignment issue. Tires could be an issue as well. VGRS could also give you a different sensation than what you are use to. My non VGRS I feel like I have to put a lot of input to quickly change direction at higher speeds.

 

[FamilyCruiser]

Thanks for the input, TXLX100! I had just completed an alignment before my original question which eliminated some Toe that was causing the vehicle to pull left or right on the freeway. The vehicle does not pull to either side while driving straight after the alignment, but exhibits the same behavior as before. Here are the alignment values for those with interest:

Front Left
Camber .05 degrees
Caster 2.85 degrees
Toe 0.00in

Front Right
Camber .05 degrees
Caster 3.25 degrees
Toe -0.01in

The tires that came on it are Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenzas. I haven't checked pressure yet but will look at that tomorrow.

 

[FamilyCruiser]

Tire pressure was set at 31psi front, 32pst rear. What do you all run for daily driving or long highway trips? I increased to 36 front and 40 rear for now. Steering feel is slightly improved.