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GS - 3rd Gen (2006-2011) Discussion about the 2006+ model GS300, GS350, GS430, GS450H and GS460

Steering Axis Inclination off spec.

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Old Nov 10, 2017 | 02:42 PM
  #1  
GSgyro's Avatar
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Cool Steering Axis Inclination off spec.

I just had my 2011 GS35 (25000 miles) alignment checked. Everything set ok except the Steering Axis Inclination (SAI) Specs are 8.6 to 10.1 degrees for left and right. The left was almost in spec (8.5) but the rich was WAY out of spec 29.9 deg. The car has never been in an accident of bad pot-hole bump.The dealer tells me SAI is not adjustable, it requires part changes, and if caster and toe in are ok it will not affect tire wear. It is hard to believe Lexus send cars out with suspension parts so out of spec limits; not by a bit, but a lot, essential should be 9 degrees and it is 30 degrees. Any thoughts on the implications and what to do.
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Old Nov 10, 2017 | 07:26 PM
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What parts are they wanting you to replace? Do you have a picture of the alignment report?
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Old Nov 11, 2017 | 10:09 AM
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Wow, that's strange to see an issue like that on a low-mileage car. Are you the original owner? If not, are you sure it hasn't been in an accident? I say that because the previous owners of my car tanked (what I believe to be) a curb, causing alignment issues. That, compounded with potholes and other city driving hazards, has led me to need a new driver-side axle.

For reference, the dealer quoted me $1,400 for a new axle (parts+labor included). Ouch.

Do you have any additional information?
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Old Nov 11, 2017 | 02:50 PM
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I have had the car since new and it has never been bumped.
The dealer just said it should be ok if it does not "pull" and it does not so far as I can tell.
The alignment results sheet is attached.
Attached Files
File Type: pdf
SAI001.pdf (291.4 KB, 133 views)
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Old Nov 12, 2017 | 01:29 AM
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If anything I would rather have a car thats been driven instead of parked most of its life. When you sit at idle rubber tends to sit at that location and dry up. That being said I would suspect your front lower control arm bushings maybe bad. Good thing its cheap and super easy to replace, if you can change a tire you can change these bushings.

You will need to take it to another alignment shop, preferably a shop that has a newer hunter laser alignment racks.

Here is the bushing I am referring to, it is the weak point in 3GS front suspensions as its a huge rubber bushing
https://www.ebay.com/itm/GENUINE-LEX...5aA1ry&vxp=mtr
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Old Nov 13, 2017 | 05:00 PM
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Originally Posted by ibidu1
If anything I would rather have a car thats been driven instead of parked most of its life. When you sit at idle rubber tends to sit at that location and dry up. That being said I would suspect your front lower control arm bushings maybe bad. Good thing its cheap and super easy to replace, if you can change a tire you can change these bushings.

You will need to take it to another alignment shop, preferably a shop that has a newer hunter laser alignment racks.

Here is the bushing I am referring to, it is the weak point in 3GS front suspensions as its a huge rubber bushing
https://www.ebay.com/itm/GENUINE-LEX...5aA1ry&vxp=mtr
You just reminded me to get mine replaced .... I, too, have a caster issue.
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