DaveJ

When very slightly turning the steering wheel on my GS300 AWD, the steering wheel sometimes "sticks" for a moment. It feels almost like the front wheel or wheels are in a groove until overcome. It's very slight and my car's done this since new. It rarely happens and I can't duplicate it so I haven't bothered to report it to the dealer. I think the problem occurs when slightly straightening the steering wheel clockwise from a very slight turn.

I was hoping the problem was related to my my old run flats that I recently replaced. But nope, it just did it today.

Anyone else experience this or similar problem?
Thanks.

Jace7

sorry. I don't think I can be of help. Haven;t had that specific problem.
I have had the problem when you are on the road doing 85+ or whatever highway speed you drive at, my tires track the groves in the pavement. I am always having to correct my car from wanting to follow the groves.
Kind of frustrating but it's common I'll assume.

HotShotEng

I too have experienced this on my GS430. It is only occurs when I make a small turn to the left then straighten out again as you described. I told my Lexus dealer to check it out during my 5k oil change, but they said they couldn't feel the steering sticking. If it persists, I will have them recheck it at my 10k oil change. However, next time I will ask for a service rep to drive with me so I can show him the problem. I do not have run flats so I doubt that that is the problem. Some possible causes: 1) Steering pump (not likely); 2) Steering box/gears (possible), or 3) Tie-rods/pitman adjustment (most likely).
I wouldn't worry unless it gets noticeably worse.

Take care

DaveJ

HotShotEng, that's it! You've experienced exactly what I've described. And like me, it happens only when straightening out from a turn to the left. It's not a big deal, but I'll probably mention it the next time I take it to the dealer. You never know when this sort of thing may get worse after it's out of warranty. I wonder if it could become a safety issue?

Rexus300

iTrader: (1)

Hey,

I think its an issue of tramlining which is common with cars with big wheels 18 inchers or more and low profile tires to grove the lines in the pavement due to large width of our tires. I get it sometimes.

DaveJ

I don't think it's from lines in the pavement. The times I've noticed it is when on very smooth asphalt surfaces. Also, I have 17" wheels.