New 2001 Lexus GS430 - 2 Problems
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,423
Likes: 0
From: CA
Just picked up my 2001 Lexus GS430 and I love everything about it, however there are 2 problems that are bothering me and I have to go back to the dealer to fix them, but wanted your expert opinions first!
1. This happens once in a while, even on a smooth road, the steering wheel will vibrate wildly, almost like the alighnment or the tires are out of wack. Any opinions? This happens only once in a while and only a smooth road.
2. The dual exhuast tail piples are not even. My left one is obviously lower than the right one. Everything works fine, but it's annoying me, pay this much, you should get a perfect fit. Anyone else experience this problem?
Please advise and your help will be most appreciated!
Thanks!
1. This happens once in a while, even on a smooth road, the steering wheel will vibrate wildly, almost like the alighnment or the tires are out of wack. Any opinions? This happens only once in a while and only a smooth road.
2. The dual exhuast tail piples are not even. My left one is obviously lower than the right one. Everything works fine, but it's annoying me, pay this much, you should get a perfect fit. Anyone else experience this problem?
Please advise and your help will be most appreciated!
Thanks!
Driver
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: California
I have a 430 as well and I can' t relate to #1 but regarding # 2, I did notice that my driver side tail pipe hangs about 1/4 of an inch lower than the other side. If yours is driver side as well, than there must be some reason for the consistency from 430 to 430.
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,423
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From: CA
Originally posted by gsexploits
I have a 430 as well and I can' t relate to #1 but regarding # 2, I did notice that my driver side tail pipe hangs about 1/4 of an inch lower than the other side. If yours is driver side as well, than there must be some reason for the consistency from 430 to 430.
I have a 430 as well and I can' t relate to #1 but regarding # 2, I did notice that my driver side tail pipe hangs about 1/4 of an inch lower than the other side. If yours is driver side as well, than there must be some reason for the consistency from 430 to 430.
Rookie
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
I had the same problem with my GS430 a few weeks ago when i picked it up.
1) make sure you are not judging the tire vibration when your tires are still cold.
2) The Lexus has a manufacturer flaw in the upshift from 2nd to 3rd - Only a few people will notice this. I did notice and asked. We drove a few more GS and they all do the same thing. A mild shake during an upshift. Nothing we can do about it. It only happens under mild acceleration. Hard acceleration does not produce this problem.
3) Could be that the rim lost a weight or something. They had to replace a tire within the first 80 miles - because it was cupping really bad and shaking the car. Make a million tires - some will go bad. Because it is a Lexus does not exclude it from having some problems.
4) Just have them correct the Exhaust. Can't get too upset over minor cosmetic details. I know we all want perfection, - but remember - Lexus is " in pursuit of perfection - not we are perfect"
If the service is bad - then you have a major gripe. Until then - enjoy a great and dependable car.
I wish they would make anti-bird crap paint, just hits the paint and beads off. Oh well - there goes another coat of wax. I hate waxing - Thats what detailers are for
Peace,
Khanh
1) make sure you are not judging the tire vibration when your tires are still cold.
2) The Lexus has a manufacturer flaw in the upshift from 2nd to 3rd - Only a few people will notice this. I did notice and asked. We drove a few more GS and they all do the same thing. A mild shake during an upshift. Nothing we can do about it. It only happens under mild acceleration. Hard acceleration does not produce this problem.
3) Could be that the rim lost a weight or something. They had to replace a tire within the first 80 miles - because it was cupping really bad and shaking the car. Make a million tires - some will go bad. Because it is a Lexus does not exclude it from having some problems.
4) Just have them correct the Exhaust. Can't get too upset over minor cosmetic details. I know we all want perfection, - but remember - Lexus is " in pursuit of perfection - not we are perfect"
If the service is bad - then you have a major gripe. Until then - enjoy a great and dependable car.
I wish they would make anti-bird crap paint, just hits the paint and beads off. Oh well - there goes another coat of wax. I hate waxing -
Thats what detailers are for Peace,
Khanh
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,423
Likes: 0
From: CA
Originally posted by Knguyen
I had the same problem with my GS430 a few weeks ago when i picked it up.
1) make sure you are not judging the tire vibration when your tires are still cold.
2) The Lexus has a manufacturer flaw in the upshift from 2nd to 3rd - Only a few people will notice this. I did notice and asked. We drove a few more GS and they all do the same thing. A mild shake during an upshift. Nothing we can do about it. It only happens under mild acceleration. Hard acceleration does not produce this problem.
3) Could be that the rim lost a weight or something. They had to replace a tire within the first 80 miles - because it was cupping really bad and shaking the car. Make a million tires - some will go bad. Because it is a Lexus does not exclude it from having some problems.
4) Just have them correct the Exhaust. Can't get too upset over minor cosmetic details. I know we all want perfection, - but remember - Lexus is " in pursuit of perfection - not we are perfect"
If the service is bad - then you have a major gripe. Until then - enjoy a great and dependable car.
I wish they would make anti-bird crap paint, just hits the paint and beads off. Oh well - there goes another coat of wax. I hate waxing - Thats what detailers are for
Peace,
Khanh
I had the same problem with my GS430 a few weeks ago when i picked it up.
1) make sure you are not judging the tire vibration when your tires are still cold.
2) The Lexus has a manufacturer flaw in the upshift from 2nd to 3rd - Only a few people will notice this. I did notice and asked. We drove a few more GS and they all do the same thing. A mild shake during an upshift. Nothing we can do about it. It only happens under mild acceleration. Hard acceleration does not produce this problem.
3) Could be that the rim lost a weight or something. They had to replace a tire within the first 80 miles - because it was cupping really bad and shaking the car. Make a million tires - some will go bad. Because it is a Lexus does not exclude it from having some problems.
4) Just have them correct the Exhaust. Can't get too upset over minor cosmetic details. I know we all want perfection, - but remember - Lexus is " in pursuit of perfection - not we are perfect"
If the service is bad - then you have a major gripe. Until then - enjoy a great and dependable car.
I wish they would make anti-bird crap paint, just hits the paint and beads off. Oh well - there goes another coat of wax. I hate waxing -
Thats what detailers are for Peace,
Khanh
Lexus Champion
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,468
Likes: 11
From: Ontario, Canada
Originally posted by lexguynj
Just picked up my 2001 Lexus GS430 and I love everything about it, however there are 2 problems that are bothering me and I have to go back to the dealer to fix them, but wanted your expert opinions first!
1. This happens once in a while, even on a smooth road, the steering wheel will vibrate wildly, almost like the alighnment or the tires are out of wack. Any opinions? This happens only once in a while and only a smooth road.
2. The dual exhuast tail piples are not even. My left one is obviously lower than the right one. Everything works fine, but it's annoying me, pay this much, you should get a perfect fit. Anyone else experience this problem?
Please advise and your help will be most appreciated!
Thanks!
Just picked up my 2001 Lexus GS430 and I love everything about it, however there are 2 problems that are bothering me and I have to go back to the dealer to fix them, but wanted your expert opinions first!
1. This happens once in a while, even on a smooth road, the steering wheel will vibrate wildly, almost like the alighnment or the tires are out of wack. Any opinions? This happens only once in a while and only a smooth road.
2. The dual exhuast tail piples are not even. My left one is obviously lower than the right one. Everything works fine, but it's annoying me, pay this much, you should get a perfect fit. Anyone else experience this problem?
Please advise and your help will be most appreciated!
Thanks!
As for #2 I noticed that same problem on 2 GS's at my dealers on my last service visit.. I asked if that was normal and the service manager told me that a batch of cars got out with this problem which is easily fixed by replacing a rubber hanger..
All in all not major problems and think of it as a good test of your dealership's service department..
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Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,423
Likes: 0
From: CA
Originally posted by 2SAVVY
Ok lets start with #1.. When I picked up my 2000 GS4 I had the exact problem.. Went back to my dealer and they did what they called digital balancing under load.. New type of balancing machine I guess but whatever it did it worked great.. Vibration went right away..
As for #2 I noticed that same problem on 2 GS's at my dealers on my last service visit.. I asked if that was normal and the service manager told me that a batch of cars got out with this problem which is easily fixed by replacing a rubber hanger..
All in all not major problems and think of it as a good test of your dealership's service department..
Ok lets start with #1.. When I picked up my 2000 GS4 I had the exact problem.. Went back to my dealer and they did what they called digital balancing under load.. New type of balancing machine I guess but whatever it did it worked great.. Vibration went right away..
As for #2 I noticed that same problem on 2 GS's at my dealers on my last service visit.. I asked if that was normal and the service manager told me that a batch of cars got out with this problem which is easily fixed by replacing a rubber hanger..
All in all not major problems and think of it as a good test of your dealership's service department..
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Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,423
Likes: 0
From: CA
Well my Lexus dealer is booked, and my sales contact is not in, so it looks like another week until I get this fixed. I just hope they don't think I am crazy about those uneven tail pipes. To some it maybe minor, to owners like you and me, it's major and sticks out like a sore thumb.
The weird thing is this vibration of the steering wheel. Just doesn't make any sense for a week old car.
Will keep you posted. Thanks again for all your help!
The weird thing is this vibration of the steering wheel. Just doesn't make any sense for a week old car.
Will keep you posted. Thanks again for all your help!
Driver
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
From: Florida
I have 3300 miles on my GS430 no steering wheel vibration at any speed.
I just went out and measured my exhaust tips the driver's side(left) is 1/4" lower than the passenger side.
I will bring this up at the 6 month checkup.
I just went out and measured my exhaust tips the driver's side(left) is 1/4" lower than the passenger side.
I will bring this up at the 6 month checkup.
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,423
Likes: 0
From: CA
Originally posted by TMitchell
I have 3300 miles on my GS430 no steering wheel vibration at any speed.
I just went out and measured my exhaust tips the driver's side(left) is 1/4" lower than the passenger side.
I will bring this up at the 6 month checkup.
I have 3300 miles on my GS430 no steering wheel vibration at any speed.
I just went out and measured my exhaust tips the driver's side(left) is 1/4" lower than the passenger side.
I will bring this up at the 6 month checkup.
Now I got you looking at your exhaust pipes each and everyday until that 6 month service! Enjoy! It eats away at you! :-)
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,423
Likes: 0
From: CA
OK, latest update for this thread - I went to the dealer today and they fixed the Vibration in the steering wheel, had to balance the front tires again (I'm still shocked since the car is only 2 weeks old!). But hopefully this will be the final fix to this solution.
As for the uneven tail pipes, I have to come back in again, since they are ordering me either a new one or something to fix this problem. So that means back at the dealer again when the part comes in, another hassle.
So far these 2 weeks have been interesting, but still owning this car is well worth any small inconveniences. You may have seen my other thread, where I parked too deep and scraped the underneath of my front bumper, this car is just low to the ground!
Smiling always here!
As for the uneven tail pipes, I have to come back in again, since they are ordering me either a new one or something to fix this problem. So that means back at the dealer again when the part comes in, another hassle.
So far these 2 weeks have been interesting, but still owning this car is well worth any small inconveniences. You may have seen my other thread, where I parked too deep and scraped the underneath of my front bumper, this car is just low to the ground!
Smiling always here!
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Bloomingdale, IL
Off Topic
Hey lexguynj,
See, now you had me look at my exhaust and it is also slightly lower on the driver's side. Now I have to get that fixed because it's going to drive me crazy. I never noticed it before.
I tried to e-mail you directly since this is off-topic, but apparently that feature is disabled. Anyway, my 430 is about 3 months old and I have a problem where the right side of the center divider in the front cup holder lifts up slightly during normal driving which causes the lid not to open completely by itself. The dealership says it seems to happen in other the 2001 GS's in their lot so they say I'm out of luck. Have you had this problem?
I already have a thread going in this forum regarding this issue. Would you mind just posting your experience to that thread? I would welcome all other 2001 430 owners that I spotted on this thread to share as well.
Thanks,
Matt
Apologies to all for the off-topic post!!!
See, now you had me look at my exhaust and it is also slightly lower on the driver's side. Now I have to get that fixed because it's going to drive me crazy. I never noticed it before.
I tried to e-mail you directly since this is off-topic, but apparently that feature is disabled. Anyway, my 430 is about 3 months old and I have a problem where the right side of the center divider in the front cup holder lifts up slightly during normal driving which causes the lid not to open completely by itself. The dealership says it seems to happen in other the 2001 GS's in their lot so they say I'm out of luck. Have you had this problem?
I already have a thread going in this forum regarding this issue. Would you mind just posting your experience to that thread? I would welcome all other 2001 430 owners that I spotted on this thread to share as well.
Thanks,
Matt
Apologies to all for the off-topic post!!!
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,423
Likes: 0
From: CA
Re: Off Topic
Originally posted by mschoaf
Hey lexguynj,
See, now you had me look at my exhaust and it is also slightly lower on the driver's side. Now I have to get that fixed because it's going to drive me crazy. I never noticed it before.
I tried to e-mail you directly since this is off-topic, but apparently that feature is disabled. Anyway, my 430 is about 3 months old and I have a problem where the right side of the center divider in the front cup holder lifts up slightly during normal driving which causes the lid not to open completely by itself. The dealership says it seems to happen in other the 2001 GS's in their lot so they say I'm out of luck. Have you had this problem?
I already have a thread going in this forum regarding this issue. Would you mind just posting your experience to that thread? I would welcome all other 2001 430 owners that I spotted on this thread to share as well.
Thanks,
Matt
Apologies to all for the off-topic post!!!
Hey lexguynj,
See, now you had me look at my exhaust and it is also slightly lower on the driver's side. Now I have to get that fixed because it's going to drive me crazy. I never noticed it before.
I tried to e-mail you directly since this is off-topic, but apparently that feature is disabled. Anyway, my 430 is about 3 months old and I have a problem where the right side of the center divider in the front cup holder lifts up slightly during normal driving which causes the lid not to open completely by itself. The dealership says it seems to happen in other the 2001 GS's in their lot so they say I'm out of luck. Have you had this problem?
I already have a thread going in this forum regarding this issue. Would you mind just posting your experience to that thread? I would welcome all other 2001 430 owners that I spotted on this thread to share as well.
Thanks,
Matt
Apologies to all for the off-topic post!!!
Tech ordered a new center pipe for the exhaust.
I picked up the car after hours and couldn't get an answer on why this happenned and what this fix will do. It'll take another week and another trip into the dealer to get this fixed when the part comes in. All covered under warranty of course, but just a hassle. You can relay this info to your dealer also. As for the steering vibration problem, I noticed on the work sheet that they had to balance all 4 wheels again. My baby is only 2 weeks old so far. For some reason, I had 14 miles also driven on my car during the 1K service and I am sure the road test, seems like a lot, but I am not one to complain.
Hope this helps.
Originally posted by Knguyen
2) The Lexus has a manufacturer flaw in the upshift from 2nd to 3rd - Only a few people will notice this. I did notice and asked. We drove a few more GS and they all do the same thing. A mild shake during an upshift. Nothing we can do about it. It only happens under mild acceleration. Hard acceleration does not produce this problem.
2) The Lexus has a manufacturer flaw in the upshift from 2nd to 3rd - Only a few people will notice this. I did notice and asked. We drove a few more GS and they all do the same thing. A mild shake during an upshift. Nothing we can do about it. It only happens under mild acceleration. Hard acceleration does not produce this problem.
So in other words, this is normal, not a flaw.