Nameless1

iTrader: (3)

New to this forum, but not necessarily new to Lexus. Anyway, just got an '08 ISF and noticed that the steering requires much more effort to turn than my old '07 IS350 and my wife's '13 RX350. Just curious if any other ISF drivers out there notice the same thing or if there is something wrong with my power steering. My previous cars, '08 STi and '06 EVO, also did not require this much effort to turn the steering wheel.

ISF4life

iTrader: (30)

Congrats ! and Welcome , yeah maybe only u have that issue, Check the steering or back to the dealer for double check.

Evil Teo

iTrader: (13)

check your power steering fluids

MisterSkiz

iTrader: (2)

lol are you trolling?

RCB

iTrader: (18)

The ISF uses EPS, an electric motor and a controller to adjust sensitivity for steering assist. It usually works or not. I've never heard of a weak EPS system but that's not to say that it can't happen.

itsmike177

iTrader: (3)

I also had an 08 STi (wagon) and 06 IS350 that went to an 08 ISF and noticed the steering is much heavier in the ISF (artificially so.) Normal mode in the ISF makes the steering feel slightly lighter.

Assuming your tire pressures are normal, the heavy steering feel is normal.

Off topic, recently went to an 2011 ISF and the steering feel is much improved, as in lighter but more precise even in Sport mode.

edgeucated

iTrader: (4)

Im pretty sure Teo is trolling haha

2011 has an upgrade to the ECU for steering it feels better than the 08.

Maybe you guys think the steering is harder or heavier than the 2IS because the IS-F comes with a steering damper, which is essentially just a heavy paperweight installed inside the steering wheel. I added it to my is350 and personally, I love the new steering feel.

Rossi

iTrader: (4)

Just wondering, is there a way to have the 2008-2010 model update the UCU for the steering to the 2011+ specs?
If it is just a software, I wonder if dealer might be able to update our cars. I have 2010 car.

edgeucated

iTrader: (4)

Seems I was wrong, there's a few more than just the ECU upgrade to get the better handling in the newer IS-F:

caveman

From what I remembered it was a different ECU unit.
Someone had posted a picture of it awhile back.

Nameless1

iTrader: (3)

Thanks for the responses. I don't mind the heavier feel, but I think I might prefer it if it were slightly lighter. Is there a way to remove said damper, or adjust the sensitivity of the EPS?

edgeucated

iTrader: (4)

yes you can very easily remove the steering damper, it is held on by two screws. However, I really doubt you'll enjoy the lighter steering wheel; removing the weight will make vibrations more noticeable in the steering wheel.

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

This is inaccurate. The front spindles/hubs/bearings are unchanged. Only the shocks and springs are changed in the front. The part numbers for the hubs, front subframe, and all attached suspension components have not changed since the IS-F was first delivered to the US - including the steering rack and its bushings..

There is a long thread in the 2IS forum about changing the steering ECU. Yes, it is possible and relatively inexpensive to change to the 2011 steering ECU and everyone who has done this has been very happy according to the thread in the 2IS forum.

Nameless1

iTrader: (3)

I didn't think you were being literal when you mentioned the paper weight. I'm not sure if that is what is making the steering require more effort to turn. I could be wrong though. I may give it a shot just to see how it feels. Where exactly is the weight located? Do you have a pic by chance?

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

Don't waste your time messing with the damper. The issue is the steering ECU.