Hello.

First time Lexus owner (2006 IS 250 AWD)

I've had my car for about a week now. I noticed that on some bad/bumpy roads, the steering wheel sometimes will pull to the right or left side a bit harder than I'm used to.

I brought my car into the dealership to have them look it over after I bought it. Forgot to mention the steering issue. They came back and said I need to get my wheel bearings replaced soon. I then asked about the steering issue and the tech didn't notice any issues there, but the next time I bring it in they'll look for it specifically.

This is my first performance sedan, having previously owned American SUVs and trucks. Just wondering if this is normal or how I can further diagnose this. I've had alignment issues before, but that showed up as a more of a pull during normal freeway driving.

Thanks,
-will

 

Worn bearings can easily cause this issue. We check for them before ever allowing a car on track at any high speed events.

Get that done and an alignment and you should be fine.

V

 

Oh, didn't think they were related at all. Awesome, fixing two things at once then

Thanks!

 

check ur air pressure in tires.....i own a 09 IS 350 and 08 BMW 335i coupe and I had pulling problems in IS 350...Found that the lower ur psi in tires the better they will track and not pull....i find on lexus 33 psi in front and 35 psi in rear wks great...no pull....try it out

 

How bout an alignment?

 

It seems to only pull if the road is bumpy or not very smooth. Like if it over exaggerates the bump. I definitely want to do an alignment, but will probably wait until after I replace the bearings.

Thanks!

 

Check your tire pressure. Get an alignment check. Get the bearing fix but don't mention anything that you hit the pothole otherwise it will not under
The normal tear and wear warranty. Mine still pull slightly to the left even though I got aligned the second time. (2009 and just align another time this year). I hit the curb and got the rear bearing fixed for free cuz there were noise coming out.

 

I'll toss one more out there, but because your in a250 I assumed you are on factory 17" rims so it shouldn't be related.

I had a lot of problems being on Goodyears mounted on the factory 18's.
Once I dropped to 17's and got some sidewall to soak up the road bumps, 90% of my jerking wheel issue went away...

2 more cents
Vince

 

Yeah that would work since the now softer sidewall will absorb all the road irregularities. That said have them check out the tie rods too.