llocur

Any ideas on the best way to go about tackling these problems, need tires but don't want to smoke them w/ present problems.

5W40

Failed alignment and brake shake are two diff issues I think, missing alignment will cause driving issues and tire abnormal worn, that should be fixed before new tires put on; steering wheel shake or brake pedal pulses when braking which means you need brake serviced and rotor inspected.

rns

Do you have any symptoms of the failed alignment?
Pulling somewhere during steady speed or under acceleration or braking?

Did the shaking appear after service?
If brake parts seem ok, tyre balance is one option of shaking under braking although they would more or less shake during constant speed too.

llocur

Hello rns, I bought the car like this, it just came w/ the service records and one says "alignment failed" as if they couldn't get it to specs/ car doesn't really pull, there's slight shake or tremble in the steering wheel at highway speeds, then a shake when brakes are applied, the shake doesn't really happen a city speeds (up to about 40mph).

Also tires a bald

llocur

The tires ARE bald.

rns

So then it sounds like tyre related problem. You need to replace them and have them balanced as it is normally done.
Wheel alignment will not be accurate if the tyres are badly or unevenly worn.

Carver

A series of problems to solve. The shuddering under braking is most likely a warped rotor problem and separate from the alignment issue. All the solutions begin with a set of new tires. Go to a large tire company with the very best alignment equipment (Hunter 5700?) and let them solve your problem. They see the worst there is every day and your car is just another car to them.

I was in a similar situation when I got my '05, cupped tires, shuddering and what I thought were bad bearings because the whine was so bad. It was all tire and brake related. My mech couldn't get the alignment on mine either and had to send it out to be done, it's most likely the rear causing the problem, a bolt was seized back there. If it were my car I would get a high quality set of rotors and pads, take it to a major tire place and turn them loose, brakes, tires and alignment.

You didn't say how many miles on the car but if it's over 120 there may be some strut issues that will have t be resolved.

llocur

Thanks Carver, it has 186K on it, what is your recommendation for high quality pads and rotors?

Carver

OEM is fine, ceramic pads are excellent replacements. At 186 you may be looking at struts as well. I don't know your financial situation but it may be possible to do the work in stages to keep costs under control,

For your safety you need to get the tires and brakes done first. If struts are indicated I would wait on the alignment and do them at the same time.

You need to get some real world advice on a plan of action. Your struts may have already been done. We can say what things may be wrong based on mileage but that may have absolutely nothing to do with your car.

Get it diagnosed and let us know what they say.

llocur

Will do Carver

5gears-IS

iTrader: (5)

Any shaking during braking is warped, worned rotors

Here is your best deal ever......get this set of drilled slotted rotors with ceramic pads
http://www.ebay.com/itm/PERFORMANCE-DRILLED-AND-SLOTTED-ROTORS-PAIR-SEMI-METALLIC-BRAKE-PADS-SET-/351025850388?fits=Year%3A2006%7CMake%3ALexus%7CModel%3ARX330&hash=item51bac56814&vxp=mtr
It is most likely the front ones but it may be the rear ones too. I would change all 4 if I was you so contact the seller to quote you all 4 as he sells sets of fronts and rear for an excellent price.

I have these on my IS250 and they have been beyond excellent over the last 3 years!