aachowhan

I have a 2007 Rx350 with AWD. I find myself since I have bought it and put 7k miles on it so far that when driving on slanted roads (or crowned they call it) I have to counter steer a lot. For example going down a straight road that is lower on the left side and higher on the right makes me have to turn my wheel to the right sometimes 15-30 degrees to go straight. Same for the opposite.

Is this normal behavior? Does anyone else experience this?

pauljcl

I have a 2009RX350, and have the same issue, though I do not know if it is to the same extent as you do. A previous RX300 I had also did the same. My tires have worn perfectly evenly - I'm on to my second set - and did so in the RX300, too. So I think it is just a characteristic of these cars, . The real answer, of course, can be obtained by having an alignment done or even by testing one (i.e same model, different car) at s dealer's and verifying that it acts similarly. Let us know....

aachowhan

The tires are new so I hope someone did the alignment when they put them on. Aside from that I have no issues but some roads here are crowned quite steeply. I find it annoying sometimes when driving this issue isn't as prevalent in my Camry. Aside from that, there is a minor pull to the right when I drive. I am going to have the suspension inspected for any wear.

mattd

Getting new tires and getting an alignment do not necessarily happen at the same time. They're two different procedures. You need to specifically ask for an alignment when you're getting new tires put on your wheels. The shop will balance the wheels as part of the tire install process (if they do not, find another shop), but that's not the same as getting an alignment.

My 2008 RX 350 was displaying the same behavior you two are seeing so I took it in for an alignment and found the rear camber and toe to be a bit off. The shop corrected it, and now it drives much better on slanted roads. I still need to keep the wheel turned a bit, but no where near as much as before.

So... I'd suggest getting your alignment checked.

aachowhan

I am aware of all that. But I didn't put the tires on they were either done by the dealer or previous owner.

I'll look into getting another alignment.

mattd

Gotcha.

Yeah the alignment did wonders for a couple weeks ago, so I'm guessing it will also work for you. Just looked at my paperwork - too much negative camber in the right rear, and too much toe-in on the front (both left and right)

NateJG

Are your tire pressures lower than specified by Lexus?

Does it drive to your satisfaction if you raise the tire pressures (cold) to 36 PSI?

If not, check for excessive toe out, since a car toe'd out will tend to lead in the direction of the lean (and more toe-in tends to correct for lean lead).

Camber has little effect on other than tire edge wear; and I'm not sure that caster adjustment is possible (it largely affects how well the wheels want to return to straight ahead).

aachowhan

All my tires are actually at 36 PSI. I use a digital gauge and at most they are off by 0.5 PSI. Sounds like an alignment in order.