Horrible Steering vibration! Help!
Horrible Steering vibration! Help!
My wife's 2006 RX330 (95k miles) has had 2 episodes now with an awful vibration at highway speeds. I don't mean a minor rumble that is consistent, I mean a jarring vibration from the front where we've had to pull off the road. The steering was going left to right vigorously. It starts slowly then gets worse and worse until you have to stop the car. Very dangerous!
This has only happened twice, 3 months apart at 70-80mph. Once we pulled off the road and began again, it did not continue. It is hard to believe it is the tires. We do have a small leak in the steering rack but could this be the issue? Anything else in the suspension to cause this? It does not happen at braking.
Has anyone had this problem? I've searched and there are several threads on minor vibrations but nothing like this. I would take it to the dealer but I am worried, for good reason, that they will not be able to replicate the issue as it happened 3 months ago, not like every day.
Thoughts? Suggestions?
***FINAL UPDATE***
PROBLEM SOLVED. This issue was not tires, rotors or bushings as I mentioned before. The problem was the front AXLES. Swapped out for new now completely vibration free!
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...akes-pics.html
This has only happened twice, 3 months apart at 70-80mph. Once we pulled off the road and began again, it did not continue. It is hard to believe it is the tires. We do have a small leak in the steering rack but could this be the issue? Anything else in the suspension to cause this? It does not happen at braking.
Has anyone had this problem? I've searched and there are several threads on minor vibrations but nothing like this. I would take it to the dealer but I am worried, for good reason, that they will not be able to replicate the issue as it happened 3 months ago, not like every day.
Thoughts? Suggestions?
***FINAL UPDATE***
PROBLEM SOLVED. This issue was not tires, rotors or bushings as I mentioned before. The problem was the front AXLES. Swapped out for new now completely vibration free!
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...akes-pics.html
Last edited by alchemist; Aug 25, 2014 at 05:07 AM.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,507
Likes: 38
From: Bethlehem Twsp. Pennsylvania
WOW!! this could be any number of thing`s going on here. From wore out control arm bushings, to inner/outer tie rods a shifted belt in the tire. But you need to get to a shop and find out what`s happening ASAP!!
Rookie
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Texas
possible rack and pinion replacment? Did you check the power steering fluid? LCA's? tie rods?? bushings??? it maybe a whole varitety of things
if you cant DIY, independant mechanic or toyota dealer as oppose to the lexus dealer unless its under warrenty.
if you cant DIY, independant mechanic or toyota dealer as oppose to the lexus dealer unless its under warrenty.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,507
Likes: 38
From: Bethlehem Twsp. Pennsylvania
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Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,507
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From: Bethlehem Twsp. Pennsylvania
Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 461
Likes: 7
From: VA
Basically balances the tire with a load on it, makes for a more accurate balance when actually on the vehicle.
I won't have my tires balanced or buy tires from anyone who does not use it.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,507
Likes: 38
From: Bethlehem Twsp. Pennsylvania
http://www.gsp9700.com/
Basically balances the tire with a load on it, makes for a more accurate balance when actually on the vehicle.
I won't have my tires balanced or buy tires from anyone who does not use it.
Basically balances the tire with a load on it, makes for a more accurate balance when actually on the vehicle.
I won't have my tires balanced or buy tires from anyone who does not use it.
Whoa, that`s interesting! Glad to hear my dealership offer`s this.
If it was a wheel balance issue it would be consistent vibration. Regardless, the wheels were force balanced and the alignment is perfect. Must be something in suspension or steering.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,507
Likes: 38
From: Bethlehem Twsp. Pennsylvania
I plan to take it in, but again, I'm worried that I won't be able to repeat the issue. I was hoping someone had a similar experience. I might swing by a suspension-specific shop and see what they think. I'll report back if I find anything out or have to replace something.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,507
Likes: 38
From: Bethlehem Twsp. Pennsylvania
I plan to take it in, but again, I'm worried that I won't be able to repeat the issue. I was hoping someone had a similar experience. I might swing by a suspension-specific shop and see what they think. I'll report back if I find anything out or have to replace something.