Patsum

I feel like on my IS350 that on the roads I have to fight the car to go where I want it too often.

The alignment is fine. the car drives straight when I don't touch the wheel. The wheel is center. the tires are new.

But as soon as I touch the wheel to correct it or change direction it makes me feel like it wanders and is lost and I have to re-do my correction and then over correct it all too often.

at 160K could any steering components be going bad? What should I check for? What does this sound like?

It corners great, suspension is awesome still.

But this steering is obnoxious. When I turn the wheel just a touch to the left or right the problems occur, 11:30 o clock to 12:30 o clock engages this behavior and feels sloppy. even though there is no play in the wheel.

tires are set to 38 psi rear cold and 35 front cold

panda08

iTrader: (1)

possibly the power steering ecu? or maybe when an alignment wasn't done, the calibration wasn't reset in the computer

Patsum

This could be the case but I feel like it must be something mechanical that is worn out after 160,000 miles in 7 years.

panda08

iTrader: (1)

Well, it would either be the steering rack or steering column that could go mechanically bad. Tie rod ends wouldn't be the case because it'd be hard to align it when they're messed up

Patsum

Well hold on there now. This could be something.

When I got my car a month ago the steering wheel was cocked to the right slightly while driving straight.

I had to have the car aligned 3 times to get the wheel center. But the car tracked and drove straight regardless of the wheels position all 3 times.

I doubt this is related but just in case....
This also rears its head badly when I'm stopping the car and grip the wheel. All over the place. But if I let the wheel go and brake, straight as an arrow.

Are these all connected somehow?

carlos3366

I am disappointed with my steering also. It feels sticky when I make small corrections and it pulls to the left. The tires are new and the alignment is 100% according to Lexus. I really believe this disappointing steering problem is due to Lexus' bad design. Make sure you have the right tire pressure, maybe on the high side, it seems to help mine.

clubfoot

It is most likely the alignment! Most places (dealerships) align to the "green" band,...you cannot do that with our cars. Take it to a good independent shop and have them do it, and look at the numbers! Tire pressures will also affect tracking.

Samieee

iTrader: (1)

Do you know the ideal numbers for stock suspension?

circuitt

iTrader: (3)

Perhaps bushings ? Pick up some figs

clubfoot

I don't have a scanner but here's what I have from one of my alignments. Toe on our cars is the most important setting, otherwise the car will "dart" especially under braking. Our cars have a "natural" toe out tendency under braking to add stability so toe is very important. Make sure the tires are good, even wearing, balanced and proper tire pressures before alignment. I take my car to an ex-Lexus Master mechanic and his machine can pull the latest specs for our car. Good luck.

The Standard suspension 18" wheels 2006-08

Front settings:

Camber = -1.1 to 0.4
Caster = 7.3 to 8.8
Toe -0.04 to 0.12
SAI = 9.9 to 11.4
Included Angle = 8.8 to 11.8

Rear Settings:

Camber = -2.0 to -0.5
Toe = 0.04 to 0.20