runnerjeff

Just bought a 99 LS400 with 50k, tires in decent shape, car pulls very slightly to the right, jimmy's at 60-70, and on braking. Can anyone recommend what type of mechanic to have look at this? Does it sound like a tire balance issue, ie a tire shop, or just an alignment issue? I'm in Phx, if anyone can recommend a good Lexus mechanic in this area, I'd be their friend forever.

michael200

Could be a few things:

Vibration: Bad tire(s) and or out of balance.
Vibration when braking: Warped brake rotors.
Pulling slightly to one side: Tire pressure not correct.

I'm in Phx, too, but can't recommend a good mechanic, since I do all my own work. Your problems don't sound serious.

trukn1

Like Michael stated above,, could be a number of things..

Vibration at speed- most likely a tire balance problem. Lexus' are VERY sensative to balance and most shops CANNOT balance our cars properly. Find a shop the uses the ROADFORCE AKA HUNTER 9700 balance machine. This has proven to be one of the best machines to be used for the balance of our cars.

Pulling to one side- possiblyan alignment problem, also may want to have the ball joints checked as well. These are good cars however they WILL go thru ball joints, and of course check the tire pressures.

Vibration while braking- could be the tire balance like i stated above, but as Michael stated, the rotors could also be warped.

Most tire shops or even a mechanic that you trust can handle most of these issues. However be very specific as to where you have your car balanced. If they do not use the machine I stated above or have no idea what you are talking about LEAVE IMMEDIATELY!!! Where ever you decide to get the balancing done, they can probably look into the other issues as well.

skperformance

iTrader: (6)

Vibration is hard and can be expensive to track down. Start with balancing the tires then the engine mounts.
Pulling to one side also can be from strut rod busings being worn .

Klierslc

You might check out your wheel bearing preload while yer down there.....

Lexkost

Rotate your tires ONLY ON ONE SIDE and then drive 60-70mph and if it is has the same vibration , then do the other side, if it is the same then the problem is elsewhere.
The vibration while braking is warped rotors and they may be able to turn them.

...if you find out the tire balance is bad ,you can get them balanced at a Lexus Dealer it will be a little more than a tire shop but it will be right.

skperformance

iTrader: (6)

I have found tire balancing issues have a specific speed then go away above or below it . But a drive train issue seems to have a low algorithm to it meaning it comes and goes after a certain speed in 3 second spurts then starts again.

trukn1

SKPerformance

I have been waiting for a loooonnngggg time to find the correct conversation to use the word ALORITHM and you just throw it out there, My hats' off to you sir. LOL!!!!! Webster at it's very best.

runnerjeff

I appreciate all of your feedback, obviously a knowledgable crowd. Thanks! Jeff

skperformance

iTrader: (6)

Not sure what a is but i know what you mean.
Hey it is not every day you can sound like intelligence.
LMAO
I know ,it was on purpose.