IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013) Discussion about the 2006+ model IS models

Slight Steering Wheel Vibrations @ > 60 mph

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 07-14-11, 05:34 PM
  #1  
LexusLifer
Rookie
Thread Starter
 
LexusLifer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Slight Steering Wheel Vibrations @ > 60 mph

Hey Guys -

I've searched and searched throughout CL and could not find a good answer to what I think is a minor problem -- hopefully with a simple fix.

I just dropped my AWD '08 IS250 on H&R Sport Springs with 19" wheels running on 235/35/19 Hankooks. Tires have about 8k on them. For the three times I've driven the newly dropped ride, I notice that when hitting the 60 mph mark, I can feel a subtle vibrations in the steering wheel. The entire cabin does not vibrate as objects on my passenger seat remain still.

Now, is this something that will resolve itself as my springs settle? Would a steering wheel damper help? Or is this a bigger problem that I am failing to see?

I dropped my previously leased '08 AWD IS on Road Magnets and did NOT experience this vibration. Any bit of information/experience would be a big help. I think my mind needs to placed at ease.
Old 07-14-11, 05:41 PM
  #2  
MrBBQ
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (9)
 
MrBBQ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: SoCal
Posts: 988
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Get an alignment as any change in ride height will cause the alignment to be off and check the balance of the wheels, maybe you hit a pothole or a balance weight came off.. steering wheel wobble usually related to improper wheel balance.
Old 07-14-11, 06:02 PM
  #3  
daem0n
Rookie
iTrader: (2)
 
daem0n's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: FL
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

definitely get an alignment from a good shop that can do a good examination of your suspension.

also for added effect, i bought this for $26 http://is.sewellparts.com/accessorie...2010/2123.html

i can't say it makes a huge difference, but its like why not? pretty inexpensive mod lol
Old 07-14-11, 06:14 PM
  #4  
Sffd103
Fire Slayer
iTrader: (16)
 
Sffd103's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: NorCal
Posts: 10,548
Received 10 Likes on 10 Posts
Default

I think it's a wheel balance issue more than an alignment issue.
Old 07-14-11, 06:27 PM
  #5  
Kurtz
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
 
Kurtz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: NC
Posts: 7,810
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes on 11 Posts
Default

and if properly installed (bushings set the neutral and such)- springs don't settle.
Old 07-14-11, 06:48 PM
  #6  
Denver
Lead Lap
iTrader: (13)
 
Denver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Ga - Gwinnett
Posts: 703
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

it should be wheel balance. alignment problems shouldnt give vibration. i would start with wheel balance first.
Old 07-14-11, 06:52 PM
  #7  
iRock
Lexus Champion
iTrader: (12)
 
iRock's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Bay Area
Posts: 4,125
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

another vote for wheel balance
Old 07-14-11, 07:16 PM
  #8  
Sango
Pole Position
iTrader: (10)
 
Sango's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Vancouver, BC / Seattle, WA
Posts: 3,382
Received 8 Likes on 6 Posts
Default

Wheel bearing could cause it too.
Old 07-14-11, 08:48 PM
  #9  
anthrax144
Lexus Champion
 
anthrax144's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: WA
Posts: 2,058
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Or in my case a slightly bent rim...
Old 07-15-11, 12:16 AM
  #10  
rich250x
Pole Position
iTrader: (3)
 
rich250x's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: CA
Posts: 329
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

i had vibrations at around 75, balanced the wheels and the vibration was gone
Old 07-15-11, 12:44 AM
  #11  
Hoovey689
Moderator
iTrader: (16)
 
Hoovey689's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: California
Posts: 42,300
Received 125 Likes on 83 Posts
Default

Just had this fixed on my mom's RX. Wheel balance was the issue. It had a really bad shimmy
Old 07-15-11, 11:55 AM
  #12  
Gville350
Moderator
iTrader: (10)
 
Gville350's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 11,576
Likes: 0
Received 434 Likes on 386 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by anthrax144
Or in my case a slightly bent rim...
Been there bro! Had a minor vibration at 55 MPH or faster and when I got new tires Discount Tire confirmed what I thought it was...a slightly bent rear rim.
Old 07-15-11, 06:34 PM
  #13  
LexusLifer
Rookie
Thread Starter
 
LexusLifer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Thanks for the input, guys. I'm going to have an alignment done next week in addition to a wheel balance. Hopefully this takes care of the issue.
Old 07-15-11, 08:30 PM
  #14  
Denver
Lead Lap
iTrader: (13)
 
Denver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Ga - Gwinnett
Posts: 703
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

^^ yes it will and you need an alignment anyways since you just lowered your car
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
matts6887
RX - 2nd Gen (2004-2009)
11
08-15-22 01:58 PM
arb381
IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013)
2
04-11-15 03:30 PM
BlueStone9
IS - 1st Gen (2001-2005)
15
04-28-09 08:54 PM
RXSF
RX - 2nd Gen (2004-2009)
17
02-07-07 11:39 AM
Trillion2001
LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000)
14
09-06-01 01:38 PM



Quick Reply: Slight Steering Wheel Vibrations @ > 60 mph



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 07:16 PM.