Steering wheel way off center...then corrects?

[tg470]

I've had my 2003 Lexus LX470 with 184K miles for a few months now, all maintenance is done (whew!) and I have one issue that I'm scratching my head on. Normally the steering is fine, nice and tight with a centered steering wheel..Returns to center normally. No issues

Twice now though when making tight turns (think U turn) on normal paved roads, the steering wheel is way off center for a short time and gradually comes back into center and continues to work properly after that without issue. I've never seen anything like this -- other than a loose rack I'm not sure where to start looking. Any 100 series LC/LX idiosyncrasies I should be looking for?

 

[saucebox]

Mine (also an '03 LX) occasionally does that, but always self-corrects. I think it's the VGRS system—maybe poke around VGRS threads to see if one of them better answers your question.

 

[jLB]

I've had my 2003 Lexus LX470 with 184K miles for a few months now, all maintenance is done (whew!) and I have one issue that I'm scratching my head on. Normally the steering is fine, nice and tight with a centered steering wheel..Returns to center normally. No issues

Twice now though when making tight turns (think U turn) on normal paved roads, the steering wheel is way off center for a short time and gradually comes back into center and continues to work properly after that without issue. I've never seen anything like this -- other than a loose rack I'm not sure where to start looking. Any 100 series LC/LX idiosyncrasies I should be looking for?

I've had that happen a few times, usually only in very tight turns with lots of throttle input . VGRS normally figures it back out after a turn or two.

 

[caslim]

Could be low voltage as well. Mine did that a while back. Ended up needing another alternator.

 

[tg470]

Thanks guys! Good to hear it's just part of the normal system function.

 

[bentonrover]

Mine did it a few times usually tight turns into a slope driveway or apron. Alternator huh? What not have thought of that one

 

[2001LC]

It is not really normal behavior!

Try this to correct:
Disconnect battery for 30 minutes. Good time to clean post and grease them.
Then connect battery, start and drive in straight line at 30-35MPH for 500 yards or more.
Then do full turns one way than the other. Figure eights works well at this point.

If steering still does this, have inspected. Lexus Dealership is best for this inspection, they can rest also. There is a TSB that may deal with this, if corrected it will usually be in the Lexus history under your VIN#.

Other times I see this issue, but it happens on ever turn and I've only seen pre 03 steering rack. Is when steering rack mounting bushing are shot, I mean really bad. Steering wheel lags, in returning to normal, after turn when wheels are tracking straight.

 

[jLB]

It is not really normal behavior!

Try this to correct:
Disconnect battery for 30 minutes. Good time to clean post and grease them.
Then connect battery, start and drive in straight line at 30-35MPH for 500 yards or more.
Then do full turns one way than the other. Figure eights works well at this point.

If steering still does this, have inspected. Lexus Dealership is best for this inspection, they can rest also. There is a TSB that may deal with this, if corrected it will usually be in the Lexus history under your VIN#.

Other times I see this issue, but it happens on ever turn and I've only seen pre 03 steering rack. Is when steering rack mounting bushing are shot, I mean really bad. Steering wheel lags, in returning to normal, after turn when wheels are tracking straight.

No, if it is happening frequently, it is not normal. If it happens once in a blue moon (3 times over 13 years in my case) I wouldn’t classify it as all that terribly unusual either.

I’m aware of some recalls on later model LS, but am unaware of an equivalent recall on the LX470.

I seem to recall a post about someone having this issue frequently, that was fixed by replacing the VGRS ECU

 

[2001LC]

Manufacturer Recall Issued

NHTSA #10V-346

Recall #ALF Safety Recall ALF - Certain 2003 through 2007 Model Year Lexus LX 470 Vehicles

Steering Shaft

Status: Remedy Available

03 + added VGRS Steering gear actuator had issues. Steering Snap ring

 

[jLB]

If you’re referring to the recall I believe you are, I believe the “symptoms” were described a little different than the OP’s description, but by all means verify that the update has been done.

This one for the LX ?:

Recall Number
10V346000
Recall Date
07/29/2010
Component
STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT PITMAN
Summary
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003-2007 LEXUS LX470 VEHICLES. THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE STEERING SHAFT IS SUCH THAT THE SNAP RING ON THE SHAFT MAY DISENGAGE WHEN THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES AN UNUSUALLY SEVERE IMPACT TO THE FRONT WHEELS. IF THE SNAP RING BECOMES DISENGAGED AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS THEN REPEATEDLY TURNED TO THE LOCKED POSITION, OVER TIME THE STEERING SHAFT MAY BECOME DISCONNECTED.

Consequence
THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

What Owners Should Do
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SNAP RING WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED ONE AND INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL COMPONENT WHICH WILL PREVENT SEPARATION OF THE STEERING SHAFT. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 23, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.



vs this one that I was thinking of for the LS460, which does sound like the OP’s symptom:

TOYOTA ANNOUNCES VOLUNTARY RECALL ON
CERTAIN LEXUS LS 460 AND LS 600h L VEHICLES
TO ADDRESS TEMPORARY STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER CONDITION
TORRANCE, Calif., May 21, 2010 – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced it will conduct a voluntary safety recall on approximately 3,800 Lexus late 2009 and certain 2010 model year LS 460 and LS 600h L vehicles in the U.S. equipped with Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) to address a temporary steering wheel off-center condition that may develop under a specific driving maneuver. No other Toyota, Lexus, or Scion vehicles are involved in this recall.
The VGRS system enables easier handling during low-speed driving and provides better stability during high-speed driving than conventional steering by changing the gear ratio.
The VGRS system may exhibit a temporary steering wheel off-center condition after driving away quickly from a very tight turn where the steering was at full lock position. The steering wheel off-center position will automatically be corrected in approximately five seconds by the VGRS system as the vehicle is driven. The driver may notice the system auto correcting as the steering wheel slowly moves to the center position while driving straight during the VGRS correction.
Due to the specific driving circumstances, this condition will not occur during normal driving such as changing lanes or turning at intersections. Lexus recently received one customer report in the U.S. regarding this condition; no accidents or injuries have been reported.
“Our entire company is taking major steps to become a more responsive and safety focused organization,” said Steve St. Angelo, Toyota chief quality officer for North America. “We’re listening closely to our customers and taking action to address this steering issue in certain Lexus models quickly.”
As soon as the remedy parts are available, Lexus will begin sending notification letters by first class mail to owners of the involved vehicles. The letter will advise owners to bring their vehicle to a Lexus dealer to have the Steering Control computer replaced with a newly designed one at no charge. The computer replacement is expected to take less than one hour, depending on dealer workload.
Detailed information about this recall is available through Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-25 LEXUS or 1-800-255-3987 or at www.lexus.com/recall.
###

 

[tg470]

If you’re referring to the recall I believe you are, I believe the “symptoms” were described a little different than the OP’s description, but by all means verify that the update has been done.

This one for the LX ?:

Recall Number
10V346000
Recall Date
07/29/2010
Component
STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT PITMAN
Summary
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003-2007 LEXUS LX470 VEHICLES. THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE STEERING SHAFT IS SUCH THAT THE SNAP RING ON THE SHAFT MAY DISENGAGE WHEN THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES AN UNUSUALLY SEVERE IMPACT TO THE FRONT WHEELS. IF THE SNAP RING BECOMES DISENGAGED AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS THEN REPEATEDLY TURNED TO THE LOCKED POSITION, OVER TIME THE STEERING SHAFT MAY BECOME DISCONNECTED.

Consequence
THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

What Owners Should Do
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SNAP RING WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED ONE AND INSTALL AN ADDITIONAL COMPONENT WHICH WILL PREVENT SEPARATION OF THE STEERING SHAFT. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 23, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.



vs this one that I was thinking of for the LS460, which does sound like the OP’s symptom:

TOYOTA ANNOUNCES VOLUNTARY RECALL ON
CERTAIN LEXUS LS 460 AND LS 600h L VEHICLES
TO ADDRESS TEMPORARY STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER CONDITION
TORRANCE, Calif., May 21, 2010 – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced it will conduct a voluntary safety recall on approximately 3,800 Lexus late 2009 and certain 2010 model year LS 460 and LS 600h L vehicles in the U.S. equipped with Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) to address a temporary steering wheel off-center condition that may develop under a specific driving maneuver. No other Toyota, Lexus, or Scion vehicles are involved in this recall.
The VGRS system enables easier handling during low-speed driving and provides better stability during high-speed driving than conventional steering by changing the gear ratio.
The VGRS system may exhibit a temporary steering wheel off-center condition after driving away quickly from a very tight turn where the steering was at full lock position. The steering wheel off-center position will automatically be corrected in approximately five seconds by the VGRS system as the vehicle is driven. The driver may notice the system auto correcting as the steering wheel slowly moves to the center position while driving straight during the VGRS correction.
Due to the specific driving circumstances, this condition will not occur during normal driving such as changing lanes or turning at intersections. Lexus recently received one customer report in the U.S. regarding this condition; no accidents or injuries have been reported.
“Our entire company is taking major steps to become a more responsive and safety focused organization,” said Steve St. Angelo, Toyota chief quality officer for North America. “We’re listening closely to our customers and taking action to address this steering issue in certain Lexus models quickly.”
As soon as the remedy parts are available, Lexus will begin sending notification letters by first class mail to owners of the involved vehicles. The letter will advise owners to bring their vehicle to a Lexus dealer to have the Steering Control computer replaced with a newly designed one at no charge. The computer replacement is expected to take less than one hour, depending on dealer workload.
Detailed information about this recall is available through Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-25 LEXUS or 1-800-255-3987 or at www.lexus.com/recall.
###

That LS460 recall is bang on what I experience occasionally (twice, really). I can totally live with it as it is but good to know about the other snap ring issue....May have to go look that area over just to be sure.

 

[NeedaLX]

So i just experienced this in my 2006 LX for the first time, as i was making a sharp turn on pavement from a stop

Steering wheel was completely off center after the turn for about 10-15 seconds before straightening out

Any thoughts on what this is? VGRS ecu? Not sure if there are any more threads on this topic, but this is the first one I found

Other, possibly relevant information: vehicle has a new battery and an issue where the VSC/VSC off/ABS lights are on (I think it needs new VSC ecu but haven’t verified) and tpms light that is either steady on or flashing

 

[2001LC]

First though is rack mounting bushing shot.

 

[NeedaLX]

First though is rack mounting bushing shot.

Was hoping for something a bit simpler Reading your post on replacing bushings without removing rack, this is probably (likely) beyond my DIY skills. At least without air tools

Post in thread 'Service: Wheel bearing, Steering Knuckle, Rack OE rubber mounting bushings, Ball joints, Transmission flush W/Surprises!'

Oct 19, 2019

Steering rack & pinion mounting bushing 03-07

Well I finally got my answer. OE rubber mounting bushing can be installed without removing rack in 03-07. I still have my doubts this can be done in the 98-02 racks. Those OE rubber are one piece, and the rear mount on those I doubt (IDK) have room to set full bushing on top.


So it took about 3.75 hours. Not including jacking up then down and R&R skid plate. 30 minutes was just looking at it and picture of previous rack job on a 06LC. On that one, I had removed (for other work) the HP line, air box, drive belt and fan shroud. That gave me...

• 2001LC

Also linking for future reference

Thread '04+ Steering Rack Bushing Replacement'

Aug 8, 2015

It is possible! I was able to complete this without removing the rack from the truck.

Since I was unable to find any information on the replacement for the newer rack design, I figured I'd share my experiences here.

I decided to replace my rack bushings because I was starting to get some scary handling characteristics in the rutted lanes on I70.

Remove the skid plates and the two bolts holding the rack in place. There is enough clearance to get a wrench on the nut on the top of the rack. Be sure not to loose the washer from the top of the rack.

To boil it down, the bushings rubber with...

• Oakleyguy
• Replies: 40
• Forum: 100-Series Cruisers

• 

I guess I'll just monitor it for now. So far I haven't noticed any other abnormal steering characteristics

-Vehicle has 94,000 miles and AHC
-Alignment was recently done in August
-Ball joints are good

 

[2001LC]

Alignment sai

Google Search

Check rack bushing. When I've seen really bad bushing. Steering wheel return lags, coming out of turns. Steering wonders on HWY

 

[jLB]

Other, possibly relevant information: vehicle has a new battery and an issue where the VSC/VSC off/ABS lights are on (I think it needs new VSC ecu but haven’t verified) and tpms light that is either steady on or flashing

I suspect that TPMS is unrelated, in my experience Toyota/Lexus TPMS systems of this era are less than useful.

Not really trying to be a smartass, but have you tried reading the codes, causing the lights on the dash?

 

[2001LC]

So i just experienced this in my 2006 LX for the first time, as i was making a sharp turn on pavement from a stop

Steering wheel was completely off center after the turn for about 10-15 seconds before straightening out

Any thoughts on what this is? VGRS ecu? Not sure if there are any more threads on this topic, but this is the first one I found

Other, possibly relevant information: vehicle has a new battery and an issue where the VSC/VSC off/ABS lights are on (I think it needs new VSC ecu but haven’t verified) and tpms light that is either steady on or flashing

So I gave you my first thoughts, for lag steering wheel return. R&P BUSHING.

I'd pull DTC (codes) and work through them. It's not likely your ECU. But whatever it is. Needs correcting or at minimum, knowing what you're dealing with. Keep in mind. The ABS (VSC) system, shuts down with most any DTC. Until DTC self-cleared, manually cleared or issue corrected.

We must also make sure. Snap ring recall was done and done correctly. I had a Lexus dealership, make a mess of my 03LX snap ring recall. I had VGRS, ABS VSC all lite up and would not clear. I learn a ton, reading up on and working through the Snap Ring recall TSB procedure. Two key take away:

1) The VGRS actuator is supper robust. It's a $3K parts. But if vehicle in frontal impact or someone pounded rack or it's intermediate shaft, in direction of steering wheel. It can be damage. These tend to go into failsafe mode. Which it does when temp to high internally. It shut down with no dash light indicating it did or that it is off. Test, VGRS working: While parked engine idling. Turn steering wheel all the way to one side (AKA lock or knuckle stop). Then count turns of steering wheel to get fully to other lock. lock to lock ~2 1/3 turns, VGRS working. ~3 turn lock to lock, VGRS off.

2) VGRS system, sometimes, need a little known calibration procedure. It's a long procedure, that must be followed step by step. Which first, some DTC need clearing. Zero point calibration, must not be undone. This typically, only needs done, when VGRS actuator or it's CPU replaced. Tip: Clear all DTC and VGRS flags first.

Also considering new battery. VGRS needs calibration when battery disconnected. Which in 98 out of 100. Simple means drive in straight line up to 25MPH, VRGS light flashes, then light goes out, then make normal turns (I do figure eights).

Sometimes, VGRS steering wheel, will lag a bit, on first drive of the day. Or take a few turns to right itself. Typically when vehicle has sat prolong periods, then driven on slope of road before turns. While on slope, the steering wheel wants to center itself, but wheel are turn for road slope. This correct with few turns and or straight driving on level ground.

I've also seen where A LX w/VGRS, AHC deleted. Sometimes, owners start cutting wires to kill dash lights or messing where they shouldn't. The forum has had and I've seen; Where, ABS activates, nearly indictable. In time, condition can result in a very sudden turn and monetary loss of steering. Scary!

You may have muliple issue If me, I'd start be checking DTC and condition of rack bushing:
Bushing NG. R&R R&P or just R&R bushing if R&P otherwise okay (no leaks). This is very likely, a separated issue from ABS lights.

Also make sure alignment is correct and SAI. SAI within limit. Out of limit, can be from accident, poor alignment of bad R&P bushing.

 

[NeedaLX]

I suspect that TPMS is unrelated, in my experience Toyota/Lexus TPMS systems of this era are less than useful.

Not really trying to be a smartass, but have you tried reading the codes, causing the lights on the dash?

I have and there are no stored codes in the system. Nothing at all that I can see with a general OBD reader. I also had a very knowledgeable Toyota mechanic look over the vehicle recently and he was unable to determine the cause

The lights are intermittent. All three on or nothing and no difference in driving behavior. There's a thread on here I saw recently that showed in cases similar to mine that the VSC module was not communicating with techstream. The fix was a simple solder in the VSC module

I believe my mechanic said it was communicating, but I would like to verify myself once I get techstream setup. It seems possible that it could go in and out of communication, especially if the lights are not on while techsteam is connected

But yeah, assumed those to be very unrelated. Planning to disable the annoying TPMS light at some point

 

[NeedaLX]

We must also make sure. Snap ring recall was done and done correctly. I had a Lexus dealership, make a mess of my 03LX snap ring recall. I had VGRS, ABS VSC all lite up and would not clear. I learn a ton, reading up on and working through the Snap Ring recall TSB procedure. Two key take away:

1) The VGRS actuator is supper robust. It's a $3K parts. But if vehicle in frontal impact or someone pounded rack or it's intermediate shaft, in direction of steering wheel. It can be damage. These tend to go into failsafe mode. Which it does when temp to high internally. It shut down with no dash light indicating it did or that it is off. Test, VGRS working: While parked engine idling. Turn steering wheel all the way to one side (AKA lock or knuckle stop). Then count turns of steering wheel to get fully to other lock. lock to lock ~2 1/3 turns, VGRS working. ~3 turn lock to lock, VGRS off.

2) VGRS system, sometimes, need a little known calibration procedure. It's a long procedure, that must be followed step by step. Which first, some DTC need clearing. Zero point calibration, must not be undone. This typically, only needs done, when VGRS actuator or it's CPU replaced. Tip: Clear all DTC and VGRS flags first.

Also considering new battery. VGRS needs calibration when battery disconnected. Which in 98 out of 100. Simple means drive in straight line up to 25MPH, VRGS light flashes, then light goes out, then make normal turns (I do figure eights).

Sometimes, VGRS steering wheel, will lag a bit, on first drive of the day. Or take a few turns to right itself. Typically when vehicle has sat prolong periods, then driven on slope of road before turns. While on slope, the steering wheel wants to center itself, but wheel are turn for road slope. This correct with few turns and or straight driving on level ground.

Snap ring recall was done luckily. I tested the wheel lock to lock while in park and got 2 1/3 turns, so I assume VGRS to be good.

1/7/2011 (26072 miles)
SERVICE: PERFORM ALF CAMPAIGN, REPLACEMENT OF STEERING SHAFT SNAP RING.

This VGRS system foreign to me, so interested in learning more about. As always, appreciate the very helpful info.

I will get a look at those R&P bushings