Trillion2001

I just bought a beautiful '94 LS400 Anniversary Edition, but I notice that when I am on the interstate the steering wheel starts to shake at about 60. Not all the time, just comes and goes. Does anyone else have this model/problem. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

retrodrive

Welcome to the board

This is a common problem on any car if the wheel allignment is messed up. Go to your local Tire Rack and they will do that for you.

It could be something else, but the allignment is where I would start.

Trillion2001

Thank you very much for your help. As you probably guessed, I am definately not a mechanic, but I'm determined to learn as much as I can! I'm making the appointment today.

RealMarty

If the steering wheel is shaking it's most likely the balance of the front wheels. While you're at it, since the car is new to you, have the alignment checked and the rear wheels balanced as well.

additude

I would also suggest having your tires balanced, it could be a combination of balance and alignment, but I'd balance first. It's also less expensive. A rule of thumb for balancing is that if you feel vibration in the steering wheel it's the front tires, if you feel vibration in the seat it's your rear tires. Also, some tires can develop a flat spot when sitting for a day or two. If you feel there is a problem shortly after you start driving your car for the first time that day then it is possible your tires have not massaged out the flat spot yet. This is most common on high performance tires.

LOTC

Yes this is most common when you have large high perfromance wheels on the GS/LS models.They all seem to do this shaking at 55-60,but it goes away if you go higher.

96LS

i have a 96 ls400 and i have the same problem at 70mph on the highway. I can feel the steering wheel start to shake, including the car itself. I have recently replaced the stock tires with bridgestone turanza revos (H-rated)

tonka_ca

same exact problem with my 98ls...thing is i got by tires balanced and an alignment done, but didn't help the problem...duno what to tell you other than to get it serviced and specify the problem and MAKE SURE that they acknowledge the shaking specifically

retrodrive

Law! D00d! here you are! where did you disappear?

yin

Apart from balancing / wheel alignment ...which should hopefully cure your vibration....

....the more expensive and you don't really want to hear problems include ....play in the steering itself...usually linkages within the steering rack.

If you wanna check ths just jack up the front and well grab the front wheel in turn and see if you get any sideways movement - "PLAY" as you turn the weel manually.

This play is not due to the wheel not being securely bolted but play in the steering rack !!!.....well it is often over looked and well I don't know if there are particular linkages that are prone in the LS400 set up to this.

Kinda not what you wanna here I guess...perhaps the experienced gurus have more to say ???

96LS

yeah im probably going to take it into the dealer next week to get it checked out. Ive also noticed that the car pulls to the left, and i have to keep the wheel slightly turned to the right to keep it straight.

additude

Hummm,

Now that's an indication of improper alignment or misbalance of air pressures between the tires. Air pressure being an issue not mentioned yet, check your tire pressures. Set them to specs, but typically 32 lbs cold is good. Just make sure they are all the same.

Kizoku

Well I sort of have problem similar to this but it only shakes when im braking from the speeds of 60 or higher..........and not only does the steering wheel start to vibrate but the shifter actually starts to vibrate to........is this also solved by a wheel alignment???

Stephen

The shake while braking is caused by warped rotors. Simply have them machined.

As for the vibration, Lexus vehicles are very hard to balance properly. The car is so smooth that normal incredibly slight balancing errors that cant be felt on any other car are felt on the Lexus. I'm having a similar problem. Rule of thumb is never let anyone but Lexus balance the wheels on this car. I just had mine speed balanced up to 150MPH on the car, and the problem is gone.

Its been going on for about 10,000 miles. They balance the wheels, the balance holds for 1000 miles or so then comes back. They hope the speed balancing will work, we'll see.

My problem seemed to come and go at steady speed too, and the wheel balancing always helps, if only for a slight while. I'm certain thats the problem.

petrojeff

Guys, I had the same problem with my car for the last three months. I tried everything...Alignment, balance, and even bought new rims when the tire shop said the tires were balanced. Moral of the story is .... it is 90% certain that it is the tires. My tires looked great and had about 75% tread left. I was at wit's end and just bought two new tires on the front because it was shaking. NO difference!! Bought two new tires for rear...Super Smooth!! The problem with most tires shops is that they balance the wheels at only about 25 MPH. My advice is get new tires, and it goes away!