Stiff steering in LX470 because of 4wd?

[CJW]

Hello. I drove a 2006 lx470 today. First time driving a lexus. 154k miles. I understand it's full time 4wd, so is that the reason for a stiffer steering feel? It wasn't difficult to turn, but was definitely stiffer than my 2019 Ram for example. I'm just not sure what to expect with these.

The steering wheel was a little left of center as well. No strange noises to report.

Thanks

 

[Trunk Monkey]

You mean just turning the wheel stationary or turning a corner/circle?

 

[jsloden]

Should't feel stiff at all. Something's up.

 

[CJW]

You mean just turning the wheel stationary or turning a corner/circle?

Turning a corner.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Possible that the center diff is locked. Button by your right knee, should be showing a yellow light on the dash with an x in it, but bulb has been known to go out.

 

[CJW]

Should't feel stiff at all. Something's up.

I definitely wasn't looking for it but noticed it right away.

 

[CJW]

Possible that the center diff is locked. Button by your right knee, should be showing a yellow light on the dash with an x in it, but bulb has been known to go out.

Thought about that too in my learnings of this vehicle. Is there a light on the dash when it's locked?

Thought about that too in my learnings of this vehicle. Is there a light on the dash when it's locked?

Worded that wrong.

Is that light amongst the gauges only? Does the button itself light up? Trying to remember if I noticed anything.

I noticed that the coolant reservoir was low during my perusal under the hood but didn't check the power steering fluid.

 

[David310]

Could it be comparing an electric to a hydraulic steering pump?
Every vehicle I’ve had with electric steering had a lower steering ratio as well which will make the steering wheel feel lighter.

 

[CJW]

Could it be comparing an electric to a hydraulic steering pump?
Every vehicle I’ve had with electric steering had a lower steering ratio as well which will make the steering wheel feel lighter.

Possibly. Didn't know they had electric.

 

[jsloden]

Possibly. Didn't know they had electric.

They don't have electric. Not sure where the orginal commentor was going with that.

 

[David310]

They don't have electric. Not sure where the orginal commentor was going with that.

Majority of newer vehicles all come with electric power steering as well as a quick 2019 Ram search:

https://www.cars.com/amp/articles/2019-ram-1500-power-steering-recall-alert-454731/

Electric vs hydraulic as well as the Ram having a lower steering ratio than the LX will make the Ram steering wheel feel lighter.

Does the steering feel like driving an older vehicle without power steering?

 

[Live to Ski]

Hello. I drove a 2006 lx470 today. First time driving a lexus. 154k miles. I understand it's full time 4wd, so is that the reason for a stiffer steering feel? It wasn't difficult to turn, but was definitely stiffer than my 2019 Ram for example. I'm just not sure what to expect with these.

The steering wheel was a little left of center as well. No strange noises to report.

Thanks

I noticed that when I first drove my '04 LC. Searched hi/low & couln't attribute it to anything.

Think it's nature of the beast.

 

[CJW]

Majority of newer vehicles all come with electric power steering as well as a quick 2019 Ram search:

https://www.cars.com/amp/articles/2019-ram-1500-power-steering-recall-alert-454731/

Electric vs hydraulic as well as the Ram having a lower steering ratio than the LX will make the Ram steering wheel feel lighter.

Does the steering feel like driving an older vehicle without power steering?

My experience with non PS vehicles is minimal but I would definitely say no.

 

[Kabanstva]

Hello. I drove a 2006 lx470 today. First time driving a lexus. 154k miles. I understand it's full time 4wd, so is that the reason for a stiffer steering feel? It wasn't difficult to turn, but was definitely stiffer than my 2019 Ram for example. I'm just not sure what to expect with these.

The steering wheel was a little left of center as well. No strange noises to report.

Thanks

Nah something is off. Steering on your LX should be smooth as butter. My brother and boss both have 2008-2009 GX470s, both super low miles and mint, and the steering on them is SIGNIFICANTLY stiffer than my LX or any other 100 series we've owned or test drove. I have 33" tires on mine and its still easier to steer than a GX on OEM all seasons.

 

[Lavender Jones]

I noticed it felt heavier to turn when i first got mine, kind of like what you are saying, compared to other cars i've driven

 

[ClassyJalopy]

Yes - Having owned 2 100 series so far and driven may be another 6 of them- all of them have much heavier steering than anything American I have driven. Steering should be smooth and the effot required to turn the wheels should be linear. Obvioulsy it requires more effort stationary than moving but at pretty much any speed, the 100 series steering requires more effort than most new cars would require.

I don't think it is caused by the all time 4wd setup, I think these are just havy trucks and Toyota didn't want to over boost the power steering.

 

[CJW]

Thanks everyone for the help. I'm wondering too if it isn't just the nature of the beast. I'm still considering this particular vehicle but will likely have it checked out by someone in the know before purchase.

Anymore input is welcome.

Thanks again.

 

[2001LC]

03-07 LX470, have VGRS (Variable Gear Ratio Steering). This reduce how many turns of steering wheel (steering input) it takes, to go from lock to lock (steering knuckle stop). From ~3 1/2 to ~2 1/2 turns while stopped with engine running. As speed (MPH) increase, so does input it takes to turn. At HWY speed, steering wheel input, is about the same as non VRGS systems. This increased input, is so we don't oversteers at HWY speed.

The steering wheel is electronically centered. We calibrate and center through tech stream during certain repairs. Any time the battery disconnect, VRGS light appears on dash, until driven. It's self calibrates when we drive at ~25 MPH, VRGS flashes and goes off, then we make tures one direction then to other. At this point steering wheel should be centered.

If not center something is wrong. This could be a TRE walking off, align set wrong, issue with VRGS system, etc..

When VGRS not working, steering wheel takes more than 2 1/2 turns, to go from lock to lock while stop engine on.

The sole purpose of VGRS. Is to make maneuvering around city streets and parking easier. So when not working, drives say: "my steering is hard!" It actually the same feel as non VGRS (98-07 Land cruiser or 98-02 LX).

BTW: VGRS light, appears on the dash, during system self check (first few second IG key turned on) as do all dash warning and indicator lights.