CaMsGS3

I had the same thing happen to me, steering wheel shaking and vibration

I got a tire balance and all is well now

Zarlov

Guys,

I just got my 99 GS400 and noticed the same vibration you guys are talking about around 60-70MPH. Its REALLY bad. (FYI, car has 38k miles on it) Granted, the car's current tires are almost shot (Goodyear Invictors I think?), do you think a professional wheel balancing with new tires will spare me from the vibration? It's a horrible vibration at about my cruising speed on the interstate. I commute to work everyday about 40 miles, so this vibration will get old fast.

Also, I noticed the current tires are actually the GS300's size tires. On the label inside the driver's door, it says that P215/60R16's (that I currently have) are for the GS300. It only shows 225/55R16's for GS300 and 400 and one other larger size for the 400s. Would the slightly different sized tire make a diff on the vibration issue? Of course I plan on getting the correct tire size with the next round of tires, but I would like to hear everyone's comments. Anyone with similar situations?

TIA,
-Zarlov

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

Zarlov, I take it you have 16" rims. If the tires are shot I suggest getting new ones and a good balance AND alignment. No telling how the car was driven in the past. You shouldn't have any trouble getting a smooth ride from 16" rims with new tires unless the rims are bent or the suspension is damaged or you have a defective tire (or the tires are slipping on the rims which can happen). Go to a quality tire/balance shop that has Hunter equipment and you should be all set.

gain

there's also technical service bullettin regarding the vibration issue on 98 GS400's
TSB: ST003R-98 JUN 98 Steering - Vibration/Flutter

Murph

My vibration problem went away after L-Tuned suspension install AND a 4-wheel alignment. Not sure which was the culprit (suspension component or alignment) but I'm smooth as glass now. I have stock 16's with Goodyear tires.

Good luck,

Murph

Xav2k2

I am having a vibration problem with my 99 GS300. Mine starts vibrating at about 80 mph. I also have the same tire issue as you Zarlov. I have P215/60R16's my car, but I noticed the spare is a 225/55R16

Alewifebp

Well, I have had similar problems. The Invicta's are absolute crap. Replace immediately. I always had a little bit of harshness in the 65-70 MPH range with the stock Invicta's on my GS3.

I then replaced them with Dunlop SP5000's, and it is has been mixed. They would shake a lot at highway speeds, but it was very intermittent. I had them balanced at my Lexus dealership, and they were much better, but not perfect. And yes, they do have Hunter at my dealership. At Hunter's web site, it gives you the locations of all places that have the Hunter balancer. I had them balanced again at my last service, and they are much better again. Now they barely shake at all.

I think that tires can make a lot of difference. It seems that the SP5000's I have are a pain to balance, but if you replaced them with a touring tire, such as the Michelin MXV4, I doubt you would have the same type of problem. It seems the higher the performance, the more likely you are going to have vibration problems unless the balance is done just perfect.

gs3_4me

I'm noticing the SAME THING, but really only when braking at speeds above 60mph.... kinda scary actually... goes away as the speed goes below 55...

just an alignment/balance issue? should I complain to my dealer, who just did my 15K service?

btw, i have the stock turanzas as well.

Jackco711

I know this is an old post but it helped me a lot and Id like to testify to the percision and the effectiveness of the Hunter 9700 that everyone raves about. I searched all over for this machine then finally found out that my local lexus dealer has one. They charged me $100 for the balancing but the car rides like a dream now. 100x better. I think it was absolutely worth the money. The machine is also pretty impressive looking. It actually taked the tire into consideration so that the mech. can slide the tire of the wheel to get max. effectiveness and near perfect balance. Now Im noticing a little problem with my alignment that wasnt there before.....guess I got to go back.

Guitarman

If you're getting a vibration when you apply the brakes at that speed, it's most likely your front rotors are warped. It sometimes starts more noticably at higher speeds (as does yours) but if you don't get them turned or put some new rotors on, you'll start feeling it at even lower speeds.
Hope this helps.

alexulan

like everyone mentioned.

I have the same thing at around 65MPH
I have a set of kumos supra tires and they are very flat until you properley warm them up.

A lot less vibration on the way home then to work.

I did not have the problem w/ the Dunlop SP9000 but I thought that tire was very loud! I like the Khumos better for grip and price. But no mater how many times you balance them they still vibrate.

A case of you get what you pay for.

The rebalancing the front did help some what.

Also Notes:
IF vibration is felt in the steering wheel = Front Tires need balance.
If vibration is felt in the butt = rear tires need balance.
If vibration is felt during breaking = You need a break job.

I tried to get centering rings but was not able to find any for my SSR 18" auglee struse.
PM me if you know where I can pick them up. I tried every SSR dealer so far and everyone is clueless as to where to pick up a set.

Jackco711

Thanx

alexulan

This thread inspired me to search again for my centering rings.

And guess what SUCESS!

LEXUS GS 300 93-on 5x114.3 74.00mm/2.913 60.06mm/2.365 HR74-6006


I had to go to
http://www.speedstar.co.jp/collection/strusse/spec.html
And translate the Japanese to English to get the Center Bore for my rim.

Then it was as simple as going to Prestige web site and placing a $40 order.
http://www.prestigewheel.com/HubRingsbyMake.asp

Soon I should be vibration free. Cross my fingers and toes.

dgtbullet

TIRES!!!!!!!