Hey there,

I've been having ongoing issues with my power steering, particularly at low speeds where the steering just feels overly tight or heavy. Took it to my mechanic and he said the output was barely getting up to 13.5v and I should replace the alternator. I haven't had any other noticable issues with electronics, but would a situation like that potentially make the steering harder on this model?

Thanks!

 

I don't know but have not see a similar complaint on this board. It always helps to tell us the model year, and mileage on your vehicle.

First replace the alternator since you know it is bad. Then if the steering issue continues you know it is being caused by some other issue. However in these vehicles low voltage can cause many problems, including seemingly random warning lights, and a weak alternator will shorten the life of your battery.

He may also want to replace the alternator drive belt at the same time and check out the belt tensioner and idler pulleys in case they need replacement.

 

Hey, thanks for the response. It's 2014 RX350 AWD. And yeah they're replacing the belt as well. What's a reasonable rate for that all-in (parts/labor)?

 

Costs depend upon who is doing the work and where you live. Just stay far away from the dealership.

I have our factory alternators refurbished with the proper Denso kit. That always costs less and guarantees a perfect fit.

 

UPDATE:

Went to Advanced Autoparts and had them check the alternator/battery. Both were good and putting out proper voltage. It was the starter that was low...(8 volts or something)

Is this mechanic I went to a scumbag? lol

 

Your charging system is fine and well within specs.

 

Not a scumbag, just lack of experience.

 

Find yourself another mechanic.

Have he/she test the power and ground circuit of the power steering ECU assembly. The technician needs to load the circuit and not just measure the voltages and check for voltage drop (red arrows).

Inflate tire pressure to proper level. For the heck of it, you can check the 10A EPS fuse.

 

Well if the charging system and battery tested fine then you may have a bad motor in your electric steering rack. Finding an cheap capable mechanic that knows how to properly troubleshoot modern electric power-steering racks will be hard and end-up as a just replace the rack motor recommendation.

Heck even the Lexus dealer service shop will probably check the charging system and battery and if they are good then recommend a new electric power steering rack column motor as well most likely.

I would save up for a new electric power steering rack column motor.

Something like this

 

I wouldn't have the work done by the dealership necessarily, but are they the best bet to diagnose something like this? I'm in NYC and haven't found a good Lexus specialist yet...

Also, I'm running Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring tires--think their "grippiness" might contribute to the hard steering?

 

Model year and miles on your RX helps with diagnosis when asking for help.
Check your tire air pressure. Make sure it is no less than what the plate on the driver door frame states.
I usually check it cold before driving as it expands and reads higher after a few miles and on hot days or sitting in the sun.

Try an internet search for independent Toyota specialist repair

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Noticed that on our 2015 RX the steering wheel is harder to turn at slow speed than some other vehicles and wondering if the above problem was resolved or if 3RX by default or design has harder turning steering. Thanks

 

Very hard question to answer as the comparison is across models and by feel.
I would suggest do the feel compare with a friend's RX [same model] or go to a used vehicle dealer and do the feel test.

All Lexus models have a variable assist [more boost at low speed] so that part may have gone bad. Also the power assist gets worn out too.

Finally, basic items like proper voltage/charging-system-output, tires, inflation level, no-wear/play in steering links have to be all good [base-line].

Salim

 

My 2014 RX has very easy steering at low speed, like an electric steering car should. My 2002 Highlander and 2008 RX350 have hydraulic steering and it is quite heavy at low speed as it is a speed-driven pump mounted to the engine like all older Toyotas.