IS - 3rd Gen (2014-present) Discussion about the 2014+ model IS models

Why is our steering wheel not perfectly round?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 11-27-18, 10:56 AM
  #1  
srv777
Rookie
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
srv777's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: BC
Posts: 54
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Why is our steering wheel not perfectly round?

Does anyone notice that our steering wheels are not perfectly round? Not talking about D-shaped aftermarket wheels, but the stock steering wheel.

Is there a reason for this? Just curious because it is someone annoying that something that is supposed to be round isn't....
Old 11-27-18, 11:20 AM
  #2  
RKSTRAT
Intermediate
 
RKSTRAT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: PA
Posts: 392
Received 40 Likes on 32 Posts
Default

I am glad you asked this. I have thought about the same thing.
Old 11-27-18, 12:14 PM
  #3  
E46CT
Lexus Test Driver
 
E46CT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: zero maintenance
Posts: 8,600
Received 2,071 Likes on 1,564 Posts
Default

That doesn't mean the steering wheel isn't round, but just not centered exactly perfectly. By design. There's probably a foundation for this in automotive design/engineering/ergonomics. Maybe for feel/perception or comfort when you get in. Who knows. I think most cars do this. I'm usually looking at the road when I'm turning the wheel so hasn't really bothered me =)
Old 11-28-18, 06:41 PM
  #4  
Sasnuke
Lexus Test Driver
 
Sasnuke's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 6,260
Received 1,732 Likes on 1,368 Posts
Default

Ease of access and egress...giving more room for your legs and lap.
Old 11-28-18, 08:12 PM
  #5  
TonyN
Instructor
iTrader: (1)
 
TonyN's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Tucson
Posts: 966
Received 115 Likes on 79 Posts
Default

It's by design taken from other sports cars with flat bottom, it's for a compact cockpit that needs the extra leg room, it's a nice node to the sportiness of the car.
Old 11-29-18, 12:25 AM
  #6  
Olasek
Intermediate
 
Olasek's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: CA
Posts: 489
Received 21 Likes on 17 Posts
Default

Not round?? In my 2016 IS 350 (not F-Sport) it is perfectly round, I even verified with a measuring tape. There is so much stuff in the center of the wheel that it may play trick on your eyes, I suggest you measure it and then judge whether it is round or not.
Old 11-29-18, 04:56 AM
  #7  
Burrcold
Advanced
 
Burrcold's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Toronto
Posts: 562
Received 72 Likes on 57 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Olasek
Not round?? In my 2016 IS 350 (not F-Sport) it is perfectly round, I even verified with a measuring tape. There is so much stuff in the center of the wheel that it may play trick on your eyes, I suggest you measure it and then judge whether it is round or not.
The F Sport wheel is ever so slightly wider than taller (14.5" wide x 14" tall).

The inside frame is most likely completely round, and that extra half inch on the sides is a result of the thicker grip points (9 and 3) on the sides.

Last edited by Burrcold; 11-29-18 at 05:41 AM.
Old 11-29-18, 08:33 AM
  #8  
E46CT
Lexus Test Driver
 
E46CT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: zero maintenance
Posts: 8,600
Received 2,071 Likes on 1,564 Posts
Default

I think he means when it spins, it sort of wobbles off axis. or at least that's the reality that's causing his perception. I think most if not all cars do this.

He wants it to spin perfectly like an actual wheel/tire
Old 11-29-18, 01:02 PM
  #9  
Olasek
Intermediate
 
Olasek's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: CA
Posts: 489
Received 21 Likes on 17 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Burrcold
The inside frame is most likely completely round, and that extra half inch on the sides is a result of the thicker grip points (9 and 3) on the sides.
I also have thicker grip points on the inside but in positions 10 and 2, not 9 and 3.
Mine is everywhere the diameter exactly 14.5".(measured outside)
If they did something to the steering wheel after 2016 - then it is possible.
Mounting the steering wheel slightly off center - sorry I don't buy it, it would have zero ergonomics justification.
Again, I suspect the whole claim to be bogus, if they decided on some real sporty wheel (like in a Ferrari) it wouldn't be a mere 0.5" difference.
Old 11-29-18, 01:09 PM
  #10  
Burrcold
Advanced
 
Burrcold's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Toronto
Posts: 562
Received 72 Likes on 57 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Olasek
I also have thicker grip points on the inside but in positions 10 and 2, not 9 and 3.
Mine is everywhere the diameter exactly 14.5".(measured outside)
If they did something to the steering wheel after 2016 - then it is possible.
Mounting the steering wheel slightly off center - sorry I don't buy it, it would have zero ergonomics justification.
Again, I suspect the whole claim to be bogus, if they decided on some real sporty wheel (like in a Ferrari) it wouldn't be a mere 0.5" difference.
I wasn't referring to the "10 and 2 notches", more that the sides of the wheel are more heavily bolstered when compared to the top of the wheel. This is what most likely accounts for the 0.5" variance. I used a string to get the length of each and then measured that since it's hard to get an accurate measurement with a stiff measuring tape.
Old 11-29-18, 01:11 PM
  #11  
BlazeL
Rookie
 
BlazeL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: KY
Posts: 70
Received 18 Likes on 14 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Olasek
Mounting the steering wheel slightly off center - sorry I don't buy it, it would have zero ergonomics justification.
I actually do believe this is true. 18' and I think I noticed that one day. The steering wheel is not perfectly aligned to center-to-center to the rounded dash portion directly above it that covers the cluster. Not by much but enough to be noticed by the eye. I will try and get a picture today and upload it. If you're OCD and you own an 18' you might want to look away. Lol
Old 12-17-18, 09:20 AM
  #12  
BlazeL
Rookie
 
BlazeL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: KY
Posts: 70
Received 18 Likes on 14 Posts
Default

I'm not sure why but I remembered talking about this on my way to work this morning. Here's a pretty good picture of how noticeable it is. I held the phone right in front of my face.
https://imgur.com/gallery/oZVEIRt

Noticeable that the center of the wheel is not aligned with the center of the dash.
Old 12-17-18, 01:25 PM
  #13  
srv777
Rookie
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
 
srv777's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: BC
Posts: 54
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

The non-roundness (is that a word?) is most noticeable when you are parking and turning the wheel back and forth.
Old 12-18-18, 08:43 AM
  #14  
VisualEcho
Pole Position
 
VisualEcho's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: MO
Posts: 370
Received 35 Likes on 27 Posts
Default

I figured it was a teaching device, as everyone should be driving with both hands on the wheel, 9/3 position, which is more of a D shape on the wheel for ergonomics. Anything else is incorrect. I'm glad the heat is in the correct position as well.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
gamma113
IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013)
8
11-14-22 09:12 AM
RXSF
Car Chat
22
04-01-08 02:11 AM
phillygs3
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005)
2
12-02-07 01:30 PM
Big Willy
IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013)
3
11-21-07 11:55 AM



Quick Reply: Why is our steering wheel not perfectly round?



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 11:29 PM.