Hi everyone.

Wondering if you might be of assistance. I was driving my mother's 05 GX (non-kdss suspension).

The steering seems to be quite loose at speeds above 100kph (60mph).
There is also a vibration at these speeds (likely relating to balance).

How tight is your steering?

If alignment/balance doesnt fix things, what other parts might be the culprit?

Thanks!

 

Vibrations are likely caused by poor tire balancing. Loose steering could be lots of things. I would take your Mom's GX to a good front-end shop or even the dealer & have it checked out.

 

Thanks Rick.

It's been years since I last drove her truck... as such I was wondering how much play/ how taught things are at 100kph or so?

Do your cars track smoothly, and straight at 70-80mph?

I remember cruising at speeds a fair bit higher quite comfortably... now it seems hairy.

thanks

 

I actually have the same issue recently. I know I need to replace the inner boot but don't see how that could really effect performance like this.

 

Our '08 with 54K miles tracks straight as an arrow at 70-80 mph--smooth too. If you haven't already, check air pressure in the tires. I run 36 lbs. front & rear. Then determine when the tires were last rotated--should be every 4-5K miles. Next would be alignment, but again, now you need a good shop.

 

Eric the issue in your truck is to replace the Differential Dynamic Damper ( P/N - 41196-60010) & Front Differential Support ( P/N - 52380-60061) & Steering Slide Yoke - ( P/N 45219-60090) & the Steering Intermediate Shaft Sub Assy ( 45203-60120) .
Lexus issued a TSB to the above fault for 03 / 04 But there were lot of 05 models having the similar complaints and this solved it, I do not have a copy, but the core issue was that the truck exhibited a steering vibration and a front driveline drone. The above part replacement solved the issue. Hope this helps.

 

DAM! Really!?!?!? I sure hope this is NOT the issue with my 06 and it's just a simple alignment.

PS: I am kind of ultra sensitive to everything on this car though lol. Some little sound or bump seems off I think it's the end. Sometimes it is and some times its not.

 

hey mann777, my 06 has the vibes and a little bit of drone. it won't be covered by the tsb then?

 

Here's TSB DL001-08. It supersedes all previous TSB's on the 'Driveline Vibration Drone Between 55 - 75 MPH' (Or about 89 - 120 km/h).

Some notes about the TSB:

• It's covered under the Powertrain Warranty. 72 months of 70,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
• If you're out of warranty, the 55 - 65 MPH fix is relatively cheap.
• If you're out of warranty, the 70 - 75 MPH fix is labor intensive (TSB references 8.5 hours of labor).

Other things to check, as other members have mentioned:

• Tire pressure
• 4-wheel alignment
• Inner boot
• Front wheel bearings (driver's side or both)

Good luck!

Cheers,
Kermee