snaggle

Whats up CL!

So Ive had this "problem" for a while now, well pretty much since I bought my car. Always loved everything about the IS350, except this steering problem.

Anyways, so basically, Im almost certain this is normal, as I believe I have heard complaints in the past to an issue very similar to this, but just thought id double check:

So when driving, the steering wheel on many occasions will start to feel likes it is forcing you to turn slightly when driving on uneven roads, or any kind of road imperfections. I am pretty sure this is related to the electronic steering (the one thing I really wish the IS never had), but recently this has REALLY been annoying me, and sometimes it could be potentially dangerous. Am I the only one who gets this? Where the steering wheel just forces itself to turn and you have to resist with it to keep it straight or in the direction you intend it to be? Note, this happens for like 1 second then it loosens back up, and it always happens while turning or even driving straight on uneven or imperfect roads....

This is really the ONLY complaint I have for the IS350, the steering feel... I wish it was more like the BMW 335i for example...

Ive got the 08 IS350, and Im pretty sure its NOT the sport package. (if you dont have the aluminum foot pedals, its not the sport package right? I also don't have memory seats). Maybe it has to do with the steering damping? Could this problem even be fixed?

Also NOTE: I just recently did a wheel alignment and regularly do one, so it should have nothing to do with this...

Sango

iTrader: (10)

When you have a proper alignment, the car will naturally follow the crown on the road.

panda327

iTrader: (3)

i had this exact same issue and i completely know what you are feeling

Its not as apparent now but tire pressure makes alot of difference

snaggle

Wow, glad to see im not the only one!

I've tried different types of tire pressure too, it really did not change anything.

I also have a BMW 335i, and this problem NEVER happens, not even close, the steering is always perfect and also more engaging. True the tires are lower profile at 30 instead of 40, but that only makes the difference in road feel and response, still a different case from the steering.

Again, I think the problem is due to electric steering rather than hydraulic. It could also be that in addition with other things...

cchase231

I've experienced this as well. Sometimes it feels like it has a mind of its own. It's is not predictable, seems to happen different speeds, pulls different ways, and to different degrees at different times. I have also noticed it under breaking, sometimes the car wants to pull off the road or into oncoming traffic.

snaggle

Agreed 100%. As for the braking part too, happens to me a lot!

Sango

iTrader: (10)

I think it maybe something to do with the bushings as well as the stock ones deflect too much under braking causing the alignment (the toe) to be out during braking. It could be doing that on the worn crown and ruts too.

Changing the bushings with these would probably be the solution.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...eo-inside.html

vshopping

I finally found out what is causing this feeling of my steering being in a 'rut' and having to over compensate the steering. I went to the dealer because I could not take it anymore and the lead engineer came to listen to my issue with the car and immediately he knew that it was the Power steering gear assembly. I have a GS 350 2009 and the engineer said that this is a known issue and they have seen this on many IS models. So for everyone, like me, that thought it was the road, misalignment, low tire pressure, low profile tires, IT'S NOT!!! It is a known issue that requires a replacement part (on my car), part # 44200-30880. Hope this helps!!!

JETLEX

iTrader: (11)

vshopping, do you mind telling us what dealer was able to do this for you?

TIA!

ISguy20

Snaggle,

I have had the same issue since I bought my 2007 IS 250. The first week after a tire rotation is when the wheel seems to loosen up...so that may help. And to reiterate what was said above, a higher tire pressure always helps. I thought I was the only one with this problem. Thanks for raising the question

DavidT

So I have a 2011 IS350c. Apparently Lexus has not fixed the problem. Today I had the front end aligned because that was the only recommendation the Lexus dealer had. The toe was out and the alignment did help a little. But clearly this seems to be a horrible characteristic of these cars. Don't know how Lexus is allowing one of their best sellers to drive like crap. What gives Lexus ????

garaml7111

Hi,
Im have steering loose problem for few months. I went to 5 times to dealership and went to 3 private auto shop.
dealership keep saying is normal. private shop told me there is something wrong with the steering.
after you changed the gear assembly is your car is fine now?
since dealer is not going to fix my car I have to take it to private shop to fix it.
please please let me know. if your car is normal now.
thank you.

Solara350

Steering and suspension sucks for Toyota/Lexus

fq88

Hey guys, so, A little update on my Is, after the 08 Isf ecu update my steering wheel now vibrates at 40mph and up. It is very minor but you can feel the vibration. Any idea what it could be?

2013FSport

iTrader: (2)

This may not be the best thread to get this answer, but I highly doubt the EPS ECU caused an issue that wasn't there already. More likely is that this unit is responding to input from the front end and you have a tire/wheel issue to address.

Do the usual suspects;
Air pressure
Balance
Check for tire runout and wheel trueness which is more prevalent/a greater issue on aftermarket wheels as they usually bend easier than OEM when faced with potholes..

I'd add some details to your post and place it in a ISF EPS ECU thread.