Not long after I bought my 2006 GS430, I started feeling a hitch or jerk in the steering wheel after coming out of a slight right turn just before the steering wheel returned to center position. When I went in for my 1000 mile Lexus courtesy tweak, I asked them to check out the problem. I was told that there was nothing unusual with the steering. I insisted that it was unusual, but to no avail. I thought it was probably a mechanical problem in the steering linkage. However, I just had my car in for the 9LB and 9LC Special Service Campaigns (AKA factory recalls) and the hitch is GONE. It evidently was the weak magnets in the original Power Steering Link Assembly that was causing the problem. It might be wishful thinking, but the car seems to handle a tad better since the fix.

 

Wow how did you have a car that didn't have those recalls done after this long?

 

Because they where not safety issue recalls. So I had them done when it was convenient for me to do them.

 

It only becomes a safety issue when some innocent customer isn't so lucky!

 

I think safety is the only reason they ever issue recalls. I'm just surprised they didn't badger you about it every time the car went in for service, especially when you first complained about the steering. On the upside, you probably got a lot of mileage off the old parts so in a way this works out for you in the long run anyway.