Notices
IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013) Discussion about the 2006+ model IS models

Steering Wheel Problem

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 28, 2007 | 05:07 PM
  #1  
Koofteh's Avatar
Koofteh
Thread Starter
Pole Position
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: BC
Default Steering Wheel Problem

Screw me, it seems the only posts I make on here are about problems I'm having with my IS250.

There's definitely something wrong with my steering wheel. When I'm completely stopped, I can turn the wheel in either direction quite slowly and at certain points it does this weird thing... it's hard to explain, but imagine there's like a can or something under your wheels and every time I turn the wheel it bumps as it goes over that.

But I looked and there's nothing blocking my front wheels... plus if there was genuinely a piece of trim or something sticking out which was causing this, why does it happen only when I'm totally stopped?

There's a noise it makes too but you can only hear that inside the car... no clue what this is.
Reply
Old Nov 28, 2007 | 06:34 PM
  #2  
Koofteh's Avatar
Koofteh
Thread Starter
Pole Position
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: BC
Default

Nothing... any ideas?

It's hard to explain but the best way to think about it is there's something under one of my front wheels and as you turn the wheel it bumps over it... but I know there's nothing there, it bumps like 4 times when you're turning it in one direction.
Reply
Old Nov 28, 2007 | 06:37 PM
  #3  
chrisyano's Avatar
chrisyano
Lead Lap
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 720
Likes: 1
From: falling back and fading...
Default

Do you get that everytime you do it?

Also, is it kind of like when the wheels hit a groove on a street and the steering wheel "follows" it?
Reply
Old Nov 28, 2007 | 06:41 PM
  #4  
Koofteh's Avatar
Koofteh
Thread Starter
Pole Position
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: BC
Default

The problem started today but yes, it happens every time I do it.

It's kinda like when you hit a groove, but a very big one. And as I say it happens a few times as you're turning the wheel all the way.
Reply
Old Nov 28, 2007 | 06:46 PM
  #5  
jackblack7's Avatar
jackblack7
Pole Position
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
From: NV
Default

If it only happens when you're completely stopped, I don't see why this is a problem. It's probably just the friction from dragging the wheels on the pavement.
Reply
Old Nov 28, 2007 | 07:01 PM
  #6  
ReLexin's Avatar
ReLexin
Lexus Champion
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,787
Likes: 2
From: Cape Cod, Mass
Default

mine does it tooo. i was gonna ask this ? too
Reply
Old Nov 28, 2007 | 07:04 PM
  #7  
Dabigman's Avatar
Dabigman
Lead Lap
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 432
Likes: 0
From: Bushes
Default

My guess is that when you crank the wheel all the way at some point the camber of the wheel causes that to happen. Where is lobux when you need him?
Reply
Old Nov 28, 2007 | 07:11 PM
  #8  
VikH's Avatar
VikH
Lexus Champion
CL Folding 200,000
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,822
Likes: 0
From: IL
Default

So your completely stopped and the front of the car feels like its going over bumps when turning the wheel? Either something is obstructing the wheel or your power steering is messed.
Reply
Old Nov 29, 2007 | 01:51 AM
  #9  
Koofteh's Avatar
Koofteh
Thread Starter
Pole Position
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: BC
Default

Because it's not subtle... it's like a huge skunk is stuck under my wheel.

Originally Posted by jackblack7
If it only happens when you're completely stopped, I don't see why this is a problem. It's probably just the friction from dragging the wheels on the pavement.
Reply
Old Nov 29, 2007 | 11:08 AM
  #10  
Namir's Avatar
Namir
Lead Lap
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
From: OH
Default

You trying to make crop circles on your tires?

I try to never turn my wheels when the car isn't moving, it gives me peace of mind that my tires will last longer (I don't know if thats actually true or not but I like to think it is, so don't burst my bubble)
As for your problem I don't really know, maybe check your power steering fluid?
Reply
Old Nov 29, 2007 | 01:04 PM
  #11  
bsanfor's Avatar
bsanfor
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: TX
Unhappy

I took my IS250 to the dealer for this exact problem. Their answer: "We tested three other cars, and all 4 acted identically...so, we have determined it is just a natural characteristic of this car."

Since that time, the problem is actually getting worse. I'm now noticing not only a "catch" in the wheel, though very miniscule, but I also have heard "clunking". It's very annoying when pulling into a parking space where you have to crank your wheel pretty hard.

To me, a catch in the steering and a clunking sound, whether characteristic of the car or not, is a flaw in manufacturing and should be fixed.

Let me know if you make any headway with your service department.
Reply
Old Nov 29, 2007 | 01:10 PM
  #12  
gsrthomas's Avatar
gsrthomas
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,947
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, Ca
Default

Maybe its due to the IS having a really good turning radius.

It doesnt bother me because I hardly parallel park and turn my wheels full turn when not moving.
Reply
Old Nov 29, 2007 | 04:01 PM
  #13  
Koofteh's Avatar
Koofteh
Thread Starter
Pole Position
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: BC
Default

You guys just don't listen... this is not a small problem that I can just live with or whatever. I'm telling you, go put a pair of boots under your tire and you'll see what I mean. I'm not talking about the small vibration or sound problems others have had with their steering wheel.

Oh well, maybe I'll take a vid of it tomorrow.
Reply
Old Nov 29, 2007 | 05:44 PM
  #14  
VikH's Avatar
VikH
Lexus Champion
CL Folding 200,000
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,822
Likes: 0
From: IL
Default

We don't understand the problem!!!!!! Saying "put a pair of boots under your tire" means absolutely NOTHING. It doesn't make any sense. Please take a video.
Reply
Old Nov 29, 2007 | 11:05 PM
  #15  
Zanorath's Avatar
Zanorath
Pole Position
CL Folding 25,000
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
From: WA
Default

I have the same thing happening, but its always happened. For the longest time I thought I was just running over a road bump when I was at full lock pulling out of the driveway, but after I moved the problem stayed. The feel is similar to the feeling of traction control kicking in when at a medium-low speed on a wet day, but, unlike the above poster, I have just dealt with it, as it seems like its just part of the car.
Reply



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 12:57 AM.