The LS430s I've driven (including mine) seem to have imprecise steering around the center. In the corners the steering is very precise, but around the center of the wheel the steering floats.

Is there some way I can resolve this, perhaps with aftermarket suspension parts or by doing something else? The car (LS430) drives like a boat around the center and like a sports car in the turns.

Here's a reference to the same thing by a reviewer of this car:

http://automallusa.net/2005/lexus/ls430/reviews.html-> "The softness of the suspension results in squirmy transient response"

 

I just bought a "new" 2005 LS430. As the odometer showed 36000 miles, they replaced the tires: I wanted Michelin. The dealer put on Michelin Pilots. The car steers like it was on rails, beautiful at center; no wander or drifting or "wiggle." A 2003 LS430 I owned earlier was somewhat similar to your description but not so bad. It, too had Michelin but I don't remember which ones.

Way back I had a CPO 1998 LS400 with Dunlop and it wandered around like "Moses in the wilderness" in a straight line.

 

My 2005 LS430 doesn't exhibit any of that behavior. The steering is precise and very comfortable.....no floating feeling of any kind. You might want to check your tire pressures...that could certainly cause what you are describing. I see this was your 1st post on the forum. Welcome.

 

What year, and how many miles?

 

Thanks to everyone for your responses. It's an LS430 '05 with 22,000 miles on it. I still have the original Dunlop SP Sport 5000 tires on the car, and they are at about 4/32.

Do you really think it could just be that I need to get new tires?

The pressure is currently 32psi. These are the 17" rims. Do you think the tire pressure should be higher or lower to reduce the problem?

 

YES ! For sure. And get a 4wheel alignment while your at it. You'll sware its a different car.