Notices
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005) Discussion about the second generation GS300, GS400 and GS430 (1998 - 2005)

Steering/handling issue. Need help

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 4, 2018 | 10:51 AM
  #1  
Kain52's Avatar
Kain52
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Default Steering/handling issue. Need help

It has to be something, one step forward, two steps back. Now there is new “cool” thing

Noticed some wiggle on highway speeds recently, mostly when doing slight turn to the right. Speed over 65. Car wiggles on the left wheel and it feels like a limping on one leg. Nothing when doing the same left turn. Knew that I have really bad front tires, got em replaced, shop said alignment was off, they fixed it, replaced tires, did tire rotation. drove to the city, everything was great, couple hours later was driving back and the problem appeared again. Feels even worse.

So summary:
car “limps”/ wiggle on the driver side on couple degree turns to the right at speeds over 65. Can be confused with like hitting small bumps or crosswinds but it’s not it. Mostly nothIng driving straight and nothing turning left on the other side. Really noticeable at long circle ramps where you have to just keep the steering wheel in one angle.
Read about steering rack bushings, but would it be both ways in that case?
Reply
Old Oct 4, 2018 | 12:58 PM
  #2  
kevin3344's Avatar
kevin3344
Racer
10 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,304
Likes: 184
From: North Carolina
Default

I would probably have the ball joints and control arms checked out, they are a weak spot on these cars. If a ball joint fails it will render the car undrivable and you'll have a lot more repairs. Have it inspected by a 2GS mechanic.
Reply
Old Oct 4, 2018 | 02:30 PM
  #3  
Kain52's Avatar
Kain52
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Default

Originally Posted by kevin3344
I would probably have the ball joints and control arms checked out, they are a weak spot on these cars. If a ball joint fails it will render the car undrivable and you'll have a lot more repairs. Have it inspected by a 2GS mechanic.
recently replaced control arms, ball joints and tie rods in the front, both sides, all new, tight and doesn’t make any noise.
Reply
Old Oct 4, 2018 | 04:51 PM
  #4  
firelizard's Avatar
firelizard
CL Community Team
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,140
Likes: 514
From: Canada
Default

Could be a caster arm bushing.
Reply
Old Oct 4, 2018 | 05:49 PM
  #5  
kevin3344's Avatar
kevin3344
Racer
10 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,304
Likes: 184
From: North Carolina
Default

The only other thing I can think of is warped rotors. When you're around 60-65 mph you'll feel a vibration but below that nothing....then around 80 mph it smooths out. When that happened to me I had my rotors turned and it was fine for a while. However, I will say most of us on this board have fought the "steering wheel vibration" at least once. It's a common thing with the 2GS and hard to get rid of even when everything is perfect.
Reply
Old Oct 4, 2018 | 08:00 PM
  #6  
Kain52's Avatar
Kain52
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Default

Originally Posted by kevin3344
The only other thing I can think of is warped rotors. When you're around 60-65 mph you'll feel a vibration but below that nothing....then around 80 mph it smooths out. When that happened to me I had my rotors turned and it was fine for a while. However, I will say most of us on this board have fought the "steering wheel vibration" at least once. It's a common thing with the 2GS and hard to get rid of even when everything is perfect.
rotors are recently replaced as well. No vibrations or noises too. I have a little theory right now, gonna go check before long weekend trip tomorrow.
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2018 | 06:31 AM
  #7  
Blaze876's Avatar
Blaze876
Instructor
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,011
Likes: 183
From: miami
Default

Originally Posted by Kain52


rotors are recently replaced as well. No vibrations or noises too. I have a little theory right now, gonna go check before long weekend trip tomorrow.
Check your caster arms. I would replace the steering rack bushings first though. When I was on the highway I had issues when passing trucks, the crosswind made the car unsteady. Steering rack bushings fixed that for me.

caster arm replacement made the car feel a lot more stable as well especially during braking.

Lastly I would recommend changing the sway bar end links. This is what fixed my vibration issues at highway speeds of you have any.

I would start with the steering rack bushings since its most likely never been changed and is the cheapest and easiest to do.
Reply
Old Oct 5, 2018 | 09:08 PM
  #8  
Kain52's Avatar
Kain52
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Default

Just drove through 4 states, and everything feels fine, not feeling any issues. Will keep updated. Thank you, guys, will look into it!
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mastaaku
IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013)
8
Apr 22, 2018 03:49 PM
Negative1
CT 200h Model (2011-2017)
9
May 27, 2016 02:04 PM
johnyboiiy
ES - 1st to 6th Gen (1990-2018)
17
Sep 4, 2013 07:24 AM
Tony320
SC - 1st Gen (1992-2000)
4
Jul 26, 2009 06:41 PM
sirrob11
LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006)
10
Apr 26, 2005 03:15 PM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 07:44 AM.