alchemist

iTrader: (1)

My wife's 2006 RX330 (95k miles) has had 2 episodes now with an awful vibration at highway speeds. I don't mean a minor rumble that is consistent, I mean a jarring vibration from the front where we've had to pull off the road. The steering was going left to right vigorously. It starts slowly then gets worse and worse until you have to stop the car. Very dangerous!

This has only happened twice, 3 months apart at 70-80mph. Once we pulled off the road and began again, it did not continue. It is hard to believe it is the tires. We do have a small leak in the steering rack but could this be the issue? Anything else in the suspension to cause this? It does not happen at braking.

Has anyone had this problem? I've searched and there are several threads on minor vibrations but nothing like this. I would take it to the dealer but I am worried, for good reason, that they will not be able to replicate the issue as it happened 3 months ago, not like every day.
Thoughts? Suggestions?

***FINAL UPDATE***

PROBLEM SOLVED. This issue was not tires, rotors or bushings as I mentioned before. The problem was the front AXLES. Swapped out for new now completely vibration free!

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...akes-pics.html

lexus114

WOW!! this could be any number of thing`s going on here. From wore out control arm bushings, to inner/outer tie rods a shifted belt in the tire. But you need to get to a shop and find out what`s happening ASAP!!

StLucchese

possible rack and pinion replacment? Did you check the power steering fluid? LCA's? tie rods?? bushings??? it maybe a whole varitety of things

if you cant DIY, independant mechanic or toyota dealer as oppose to the lexus dealer unless its under warrenty.

mandyfig

You need to get the RX over to a shop to be looked at. Extreme vibration is risky. You do not want the risk. Get it checked by your local Toyota shop to save money.

alchemist

iTrader: (1)

thanks for the responses. PS fluid is fine, I have mobil 1 synthetic ATF in there. I am a DIY-er - I'll look at the LCA's, tie rods, bushings

alchemist

iTrader: (1)

Does anyone think the steering rack would do this? Ours is leaking barely.

lexus114

I think if the rack is loose it can/will do this as well. Check to make sure it`s good and tight.

ramshyd

I am a rookie here. But i would suggest a simple wheel balancing, also road force testing.

lexus114

What is that road force testing anyway? I`v heard this mentioned at my dealer.

Adamjeeps

http://www.gsp9700.com/

Basically balances the tire with a load on it, makes for a more accurate balance when actually on the vehicle.

I won't have my tires balanced or buy tires from anyone who does not use it.

lexus114

Whoa, that`s interesting! Glad to hear my dealership offer`s this.

alchemist

iTrader: (1)

If it was a wheel balance issue it would be consistent vibration. Regardless, the wheels were force balanced and the alignment is perfect. Must be something in suspension or steering.

lexus114

Sounds that way to me. But if you cant figure it out, get to the dealer/shop asap.

alchemist

iTrader: (1)

I plan to take it in, but again, I'm worried that I won't be able to repeat the issue. I was hoping someone had a similar experience. I might swing by a suspension-specific shop and see what they think. I'll report back if I find anything out or have to replace something.

lexus114

Yeah, let us know. And good luck, I certainly hope they figure out whats wrong.