First time lexus owner, possible problem with steering wheel has free play/movement
11-19-11, 09:41 AM
#46
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...type=1&theater
cost for what setup?
05-28-14, 10:17 AM
#52
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Just did this on my 01 LS 430. It's tightening things up a bit. There is still some free play in the steering wheel, but not like before. Likely multiple things going on for me. But this seems to have gotten rid of the freeway speed vibes and noise I was getting. It was mild, but annoying for me. Especially since I'm on the freeway just about every day of the week.
Cheap and easy fix.
Cheap and easy fix.
06-08-16, 01:45 AM
#53
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Bringing this up from the dead because I just did the "zip tie repair" I would say 80% of the vibrating went away!
Now, my new issue is, some of the vibrating has now transferred to the chassis. What do I do to get rid of the chassis vibration??
Car:
2000 GS300
Megan Coils
Megan UCA
Polyurethane Front Caster Bushings
Replaced LBJ
Replaced inner tie rod
Replace outer tie rod
New Brake rotors and pads
Balanced wheels and tires (tires are fairly new)
Motor mounts still seem to be very strong
Now, my new issue is, some of the vibrating has now transferred to the chassis. What do I do to get rid of the chassis vibration??
Car:
2000 GS300
Megan Coils
Megan UCA
Polyurethane Front Caster Bushings
Replaced LBJ
Replaced inner tie rod
Replace outer tie rod
New Brake rotors and pads
Balanced wheels and tires (tires are fairly new)
Motor mounts still seem to be very strong
06-27-16, 09:21 AM
#55
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: MB - Manitoba
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I'm so glad I found this thread. I just did the zip tie fix a few days ago and the steering column noise is almost completely gone except maybe when hitting really big bumps, even then it's greatly muted.
Original problem: 2006 RX400h with 190,000 kms. Looseness and noise started around 160,000 kms and gradually gotten worse. With engine on, wiggle steering wheel back and forth an inch and you can hear knocking noise and also feel it in steering wheel. Occasionally going over bumps you can a chattering/knocking noise.
The Toyota dealer said I needed a new steering rack and suggested I replace the yoke too since they're already in there. $7000 CAD for the repair. Cars value is not worth spending that kind of money hence my search for alternate solution. I was able to isolate noise to inside cabin so did not think it was steering rack. This fix pretty much confirms it.
I did not remove any footwell covers and just felt around blindly to do it. Took about 20 minutes to install three 4.5mm wide zip ties. This is with my 2 year old in drivers seat stepping on my face and also nervously working under the knee airbag thinking it could go off; so it didn't take too long.
The cars handling is so much better now. A bit firmer too, might be combination of less play and friction of zip ties, but I don't mind it too much. I might try the bearing fix aijoju did, but does anyone know where to disconnect shaft to slide bearing onto?
Original problem: 2006 RX400h with 190,000 kms. Looseness and noise started around 160,000 kms and gradually gotten worse. With engine on, wiggle steering wheel back and forth an inch and you can hear knocking noise and also feel it in steering wheel. Occasionally going over bumps you can a chattering/knocking noise.
The Toyota dealer said I needed a new steering rack and suggested I replace the yoke too since they're already in there. $7000 CAD for the repair. Cars value is not worth spending that kind of money hence my search for alternate solution. I was able to isolate noise to inside cabin so did not think it was steering rack. This fix pretty much confirms it.
I did not remove any footwell covers and just felt around blindly to do it. Took about 20 minutes to install three 4.5mm wide zip ties. This is with my 2 year old in drivers seat stepping on my face and also nervously working under the knee airbag thinking it could go off; so it didn't take too long.
The cars handling is so much better now. A bit firmer too, might be combination of less play and friction of zip ties, but I don't mind it too much. I might try the bearing fix aijoju did, but does anyone know where to disconnect shaft to slide bearing onto?
08-01-16, 03:58 PM
#57
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Location: Toronto, ON
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IMO what this looks to be steering wheel having free play which looks to be the steering shaft assembly itself (worn u joints)
now if there was a provide a more heavy duty u joints to support the weight of the complete steering wheel assembly (which is pretty heavy)
then the issue could be solved again IMO.
Basing this theory from a Toyota recall in regards to a defective steering shaft for popular models, like the camry, Rav4, Prius,
now if there was a provide a more heavy duty u joints to support the weight of the complete steering wheel assembly (which is pretty heavy)
then the issue could be solved again IMO.
Basing this theory from a Toyota recall in regards to a defective steering shaft for popular models, like the camry, Rav4, Prius,
08-02-16, 12:56 AM
#58
Is it normal to have to turn the steering wheel A LOT when turning? I mean the steering wheel is like a merry-go-round when I'm driving in the city. 
I want to get it stiffer so that when I turn the wheel the effect is immediate. Now if I turn the steering wheel for example 90deg the car barely turns at all. Does it depend on the speed of the car 'cause I think it's a bit stiffer when I'm going faster?
With some of the cars I've driven if I turn the wheel 90deg It would most propably go offroad at that point..
I want to get it stiffer so that when I turn the wheel the effect is immediate. Now if I turn the steering wheel for example 90deg the car barely turns at all. Does it depend on the speed of the car 'cause I think it's a bit stiffer when I'm going faster?
With some of the cars I've driven if I turn the wheel 90deg It would most propably go offroad at that point..
08-02-16, 06:43 AM
#59
IMO what this looks to be steering wheel having free play which looks to be the steering shaft assembly itself (worn u joints)
now if there was a provide a more heavy duty u joints to support the weight of the complete steering wheel assembly (which is pretty heavy)
then the issue could be solved again IMO.
Basing this theory from a Toyota recall in regards to a defective steering shaft for popular models, like the camry, Rav4, Prius,
now if there was a provide a more heavy duty u joints to support the weight of the complete steering wheel assembly (which is pretty heavy)
then the issue could be solved again IMO.
Basing this theory from a Toyota recall in regards to a defective steering shaft for popular models, like the camry, Rav4, Prius,
