VSC overly sensitive, activating during mild turns in normal driving: problem finally solved

[fanboy]

Since I got my 2001 LX470 in 2020, going around a normal turn at normal speeds (say, a normal 35 MPH road curve) would produce VSC beeping, sometimes even kicking in the ABS for an abrupt forced slowdown.

The only code coming up was for steering angle sensor. We replaced and reset that thing many times, no joy.

What finally fixed the problem: a new steering rack. The old steering rack had so much play that it was triggering the VSC alarm in turns.

It's also possible that just new steering rack bushings might help in some cases.

Now I can take turns at my usual breakneck 35 MPH and there's no alarm to stop me.

Maybe this info will help somebody.

 

[uzj100]

Thank you

 

[excessive]

very interesting, thanks for posting

 

[Malleus]

Same thing happened to my 2000 LX470. Same solution.

The rack is rebuildable, but finding the bushings is problematic. I think replacement, which is doable for most people, would be the solution since rebuilding, IMHO, would be beyond the capabilities of most, without the equipment needed.

 

[uzj100]

This is great info as it only happens when I turn right in sweeping curves that should easily be 35 and are 35 when I take the road the opposite way and turn left in the same curve.

 

[BamaCruzer]

Since I got my 2001 LX470 in 2020, going around a normal turn at normal speeds (say, a normal 35 MPH road curve) would produce VSC beeping, sometimes even kicking in the ABS for an abrupt forced slowdown.

The only code coming up was for steering angle sensor. We replaced and reset that thing many times, no joy.

What finally fixed the problem: a new steering rack. The old steering rack had so much play that it was triggering the VSC alarm in turns.

It's also possible that just new steering rack bushings might help in some cases.

Now I can take turns at my usual breakneck 35 MPH and there's no alarm to stop me.

Maybe this info will help somebody.

I had the same issue in 2018 with my 2000 LC. I had wheel speed sensor issues causing the exact same thing. Pretty terrifying when it would happen. You can’t imagine what words would come out of my wife’s mouth when would happen!

 

[fanboy]

I'll get pilloried here for my choice of part, but I replaced the steering rack with this $226 cheapo from Amazon:

Amazon product ASIN B00YJHH54Y
Yes, I know it's not the same quality as Toyota. For my needs and application, it's fine.

 

[Ambledog]

I had same issue when I first bought mine, it was super annoying. Replaced steering rack bushings, a little better, but completely went away after front sway bar bushings and end links were replaced. It was very noticeable how much it helped.

 

[fanboy]

Yes, on mine, we'd already replaced front sway bar, end links, even entire front control arms. (Not just for this problem. My truck was generally beaten to hell when I got it.)