My issue is already fixed, but I wanted to post this for other's info, in case they are experiencing something similar.

I recently purchased an '07 IS250 and I noticed right off that the steering was a bit stiff. I didn't think much of it. I just thought, hey, it's a sports car and it doesn't have much play in it. But after a couple of weeks, I noticed that at freeway speeds, 75 or so, the steering would "catch". I'd be going in a straight line and when I would try to make normal corrections, it would feel like the steering wheel had been caught by a magnet, and I had to tug it loose, causing me to swerve slightly.

I took it to the dealer (Nalley Lexus in Smyrna, GA, Atlanta metro, thumbs up for their service dept) and they replaced the rack in the steering, It has not only corrected the main issue, but the steering overall is much smoother.

Again, just a public service announcement. It was a no big deal fix, was done completely under warranty and they had it done in a day, so if you're experiencing the issue take it to the dealer.

 

Hey welcome to CL, thanks for this useful information. It's threads like these that contribute to the better good of all owners. Perfect cause and effect, your experience, description and finally solution.

 

Just out of curiosity, do you know if service campaign SSC 9LC (the recall for the electric power steering link) was performed on your car?

 

Thanks for the tip.

 

I thought that one is for 06's?

 

No, some of the '07s too. More specifically SSC 9LC applies to :

 

may be it's related to the news this morning?

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/car...as-toyota.html

 

Sorry, I don't know. The service record says only that they "removed and replaced the electric power steering rack".

 

i get this on my 2009 too ... it gets "caught" or get pulled by a magnet feeling when in turns

like its stiff and tight .. then suddenly it becomes lose
is that what ur getting??
actually.. yours is a stiff feeling mine is a loose feeling
but does anyone know whats going on with mine?
is it the same issue?
could a 2009 still get a bad steering rack ?

 

Is it related to the tires? Maybe tramlining?

 

I thought tires might be part of the problem, but replacing the steering rack resolved the issue.

 

I get this feeling also but it is only when they are left turns on the freeway. Like i have to pull the steering wheel away from the magnet.

 

Same exact issue. I've been trying to search for the recall (or is it TSIB?) here but I can't find it. Maybe I'm using the wrong keywords. Can anyone help me out? Thanks.

Edit: I already have the 9LC TSIB done. I'm going to take it to the dealer to see what's up. I have stock HID (but changed new D4S bulbs) and I have HID fogs. I don't think my HID's are an issue.

 

Mine do the magnetic act when turning lock to lock....it literally locks magnetically near the end and have to pull it away to make it straight