BlkGS3

I really dont know what could be the problem, but it happens during breaking and shortly after i gas it after i break. It sometimes happens while driving too. Ive narrowed it down to 3 things, but im prob. way off...

1) i warped the breaks

2) something is wrong with the steering column

3) im just blowing this out of proportion and nothing is really wrong

Any suggestions?

InvAsian

I HAVE A 99 GS400 SITTIN ON SOM DUBS 20'S.. BUT WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT THE CAR, IT CAME WITH 17 INCH AFTERMARKET CHOME RIMS. MY STEERING WHEEL N TIRES STARTED SHAKING REAL BAD AFTER AT ABOUT 60 MPH... THEN I WENT N PURCHASE A SET OF NEW 20 INCH BALANCED RIMS AND TIRES AND THEN WALLA! THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY, BUT THEN I SOON PUT MY OLD 17 INCH RIMS ON MY GIRL'S TOYOTA AND WE EXPERIENCE THE SHAKY STEERING AND VIBRATING ON HER CAR, SO WE WENT TO AN AUTO MECHANIC SHOP AND GOT ALL 4 WHEELS BALANCED, AND THE ENDING RESULTS WAS GOOD. ISSUE RESOLVED.
Wheel Balance: Out-of-balance tires will cause a car to vibrate at certain speeds, usually between 50 and 70 mph. A tire is out of balance when one section of the tire is heavier than the others. One ounce of imbalance on a front tire is enough to cause a noticeable vibration in the steering wheel at about 60 mph. To balance a wheel, the technician will mount it on a balancing machine which spins the wheel to locate the heavier part. He will then compensate for the heavy part by attaching a lead weight on the opposite side. Many people are pleasantly surprised at how smooth their car drives after balancing all four wheels.

Most high quality tires will hold their balance fairly well and go out of balance very gradually. If you notice a vibration that wasn't there the day before, it is possible that one of the lead balancing weights fell off. If you feel the vibration mostly in the steering wheel, the problem is most likely in a front wheel. If the vibration is mostly in the seat, the problem is probably in the rear.

For those of you who are very sensitive about vibrations and your shop can't seem to get that last bit of vibration out, check to see if you have locking wheel lugs. Some locking lugs are as much as 1.5 ounces heavier than the other lug nuts which translates to about 1/2 ounce at the wheel rim. Try putting a 1/2 ounce weight opposite the locking lug and see if it helps

http://www.carcarecouncil.org/Tires_.../balance.shtml

BLK98GS3

i think it is warped rotors and or brakes from what you are describing. doesnt seem like bad balance because it is only in braking. have your brakes check and either get new rotors or get them resurfaced. good luck

GWELEX

This could be so many things, everything mentioned so far plus front end problems such as tie rods, improperly loaded front wheel bearing, alignment issues, etc. The best thing to do would be to bite the bullet and have a professional diagnois the problem, then you could take on the DIY for the problem.

aloha08isf

iTrader: (2)

hmm my guess would be alignment....

chuckb

you have warped rotors. get them turned or replaced if necessary. my 01 had the same thing when I bought it with 21k miles.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

Rotors are rarely every actually warped. Get them turned at a Lexus dealership and you'll be impressed.

chuckb

that's what Lexus dealership did on mine for free via warranty when I bought the car and it's been fine since.

gapxguy

I currently have the same problem. I notice lots of road noise too. Shaky steering wheel when braking and at speeds 50+mph. I'm planning to turn all my rotors and replace the pads while I'm at it. After that's done I'm getting an allignment, think that'll solve the problem? Is there a steering wheel bushing that can be replaced?