DiamondX

Hi, all. We are a two LS family with my Wife driving a 2002 430 (128k) and me driving a 2011 460 (31k). Both since new. When I drive the 430 on the highway, I just point it and it goes. It stays where I want it and never wanders, very easy to drive. The tires are Michelin Primacy 16s set to Lexus pressure recommendations. The tire wear is excellent.

When I drive the 460 on the same highway it tends to constantly wander, always needing minor correction. The tires are Michelin Pilot MXM4 18s set to Lexus recommendations. Again, the tire wear is excellent. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

Devh

It's most likely alignment related. You can make almost any car track perfectly straight on a straight road if you set the alignment with the incorrect amount of positive toe.

It's a loaded answer and just because a car tracks absolutely straight doesn't mean it's aligned correctly. It is obvious that if a car does drift excessively then that is certainly an indication of a car needing an alignment.

You can get the car aligned if it bothers you to see if it helps but on the whole some cars require a minor correction because they might be offset by the crowning of the road but at the same time they are probably in perfect alignment. Having this minor nuisance also has it's benefits for the way the car handles around turns so there is always a happy medium.

roadfrog

Only way to deal with this is to start with a 4 wheel alignment. This alone will likely cure the issue. If not, then you can go on to further diagnosis.

tbilisi79

Mine just had the alignment done and tires are like new michelins and it still does it on some local roads, I noticed if the road has groves in it from heavy traffic, car will wonder .
On a highway it's perfect and during breaking its fine too.



I suspect my control arm bushings will need attention soon. Let's see if that helps any.
I hear a faint clunk when taping brakes quickly, nothing at al when driving under normal conditions.

Clunk is heard nice and well when using brakes in reverse.

I think even a new car will follow the grooves to an extent.

kornpeef

LEXUS has a tsb for their control arm bushings. they ls uses the funky 2 piece upper control arms that tend to eat through bushings. you can inspect by lifting car and grabbing tire at 12 and 6 oclock positions and giving a push pull to see if there is any looseness. the bad bushings will leave witness marks where the arm at the bushing comes in contact with the frame.

kornpeef

the tsb is L-SB-0021-12

Doublebase

I would think a good pre-alignment inspection, followed by an alignment, will solve the problem. My car tracks and wanders a bit too, but nothing major. I imagine at some point I'll give it an inspection and throw it on the rack. I'm nearing 90,000 miles now and that's the mileage that things start to go...ball joints, tie rods, control arm bushings, etc.

DiamondX

Thanks for all of your feedback. Alignment checks fine. I'll check the suspension next.