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Steering slightly resists sometimes at high speeds
I have a 2010 IS 350 Sport, a little over 54K. I am noticing that when I drive higher speeds (75 to 80 mph), sometimes when I make a steering correction or there is a slight curve, the steering will resist for about a second, a little like its stuck and then free up. It does not happen all the time, nor is it a problem or a safety issue, but more of an annoyance. I am curious if this is normal or happens to anyone else, or if this may be an over aggressive VSC intervening. Tires are brand new, all are balanced, no alignment issues. Any advice on correcting this is appreciated
I experience the same thing with my 2011 and I thought it was because of the tires. Wanted to write about it just didn't know how to explain it, lol
In my opinion this is caused by electric power steering rack.
Anyone else with this issue please chime in.
That's interesting. You reminded me that back in 2004-5, I had an 01 BMW 540i Sport. Took it on several mountain runs (Angeles Crest, Las Tunas Canyon, etc) with a group of other cars. These roads have very sharp switchbacks, corners, curves etc.
After a few miles or zig zagging, on an S curve, my steering locked up! I'd never experienced that before. It's like the wheels were pushing up against a curb and I couldn't turn the wheel any more (which is bad when you're running out of road and the car doesn't want to tuck in cause you CAN'T STEER!). I backed off it a little, then I was able to steer tighter. I had to do that the entire rest of the drive. Basically jiggle the wheel a little bit so that it wouldn't lock up like that.
I made it down the mountain. Then made an appt at BMW. Turns out, they said a valve was "sticking" and ended up replacing the power steering pump. After that, it was smooth as silk. Of course yours can be a different issue, but there's one vote for the power steering pump (even though it's EPS on the IS, if the unit is failing...).
I have this same issue, and agree, I think its the electric power steering rack. I haven't replaced mine but found racks on ebay for about $300. If mine gets any worse I will replace.
Interesting to hear that. 2013 F-Sport w/78k mi. Zero issues of that nature at any speed the car is capable of. I cruze at 80mph more often than not and it is completely stable and predictable.
FWIW - the OBD Fusion app has access to some of the body data. I randomly tossed in a gauge to show steering angle and it worked so there may be some other data like current load or something that would help you troubleshoot this.
Also the F-Sports have a different steering ECU's than base model but I don't see that as a factor.
I think I know what you all are talking about. I've driven several Yoda Rav4's (2014 to 2018) and they have this little bit of deadband where the assist is unresponsive and doesn't aid the driver. Its one thing I've always hated about EPS as a hydraulic R&P doesn't do this. Anyone who has driven older vehicles where someone over tightened the pitman shaft in a steering gear (to reduce freeplay) will know the feeling. Like the vehicle is off the ideal heading and it takes 3x more force to make a tiny tiny correction. Does that sound right?
And how many these are non- F-Sport and/or could be bucketed by production year? I'm just wondering if the steering ECU would be a fix?
I think I know what you all are talking about. I've driven several Yoda Rav4's (2014 to 2018) and they have this little bit of deadband where the assist is unresponsive and doesn't aid the driver. Its one thing I've always hated about EPS as a hydraulic R&P doesn't do this. Anyone who has driven older vehicles where someone over tightened the pitman shaft in a steering gear (to reduce freeplay) will know the feeling. Like the vehicle is off the ideal heading and it takes 3x more force to make a tiny tiny correction. Does that sound right?
And how many these are non- F-Sport and/or could be bucketed by production year? I'm just wondering if the steering ECU would be a fix?
Not 3x more forced, but a bit more than normal. I don't have this issue at all on my 2013 Sienna which also has electric assist. I talked to my mechanic, he suggested taking it to the Lexus dealership. Since it only happens on long trips and it's not that bad it might not be worth spending the money
I don't really notice it on my IS, but I also have the steering ecu off of a 12 IS-F, so possibly that extra bit of stiffness is affecting that (or I just don't pay attention to it).
On the other hand, a 13 Hyundai Azera with EPS that I've driven I can definitely tell that it resists. A couple times I'd think I lost power steering just trying to make a slight correction.
I think I know what you all are talking about. I've driven several Yoda Rav4's (2014 to 2018) and they have this little bit of deadband where the assist is unresponsive and doesn't aid the driver. Its one thing I've always hated about EPS as a hydraulic R&P doesn't do this. Anyone who has driven older vehicles where someone over tightened the pitman shaft in a steering gear (to reduce freeplay) will know the feeling. Like the vehicle is off the ideal heading and it takes 3x more force to make a tiny tiny correction. Does that sound right?
And how many these are non- F-Sport and/or could be bucketed by production year? I'm just wondering if the steering ECU would be a fix?
Originally Posted by AMIRZA786
Not 3x more forced, but a bit more than normal. I don't have this issue at all on my 2013 Sienna which also has electric assist. I talked to my mechanic, he suggested taking it to the Lexus dealership. Since it only happens on long trips and it's not that bad it might not be worth spending the money
Something I forgot to mention, it's $5 for the Fusion app and $10 for the Lexus / Toyota PID add on.it is the add on that makes it worth the purchase.
JM2C but I'm guessing the later model steering ECUs this less of a problem. Mine shows no trace of it and it is something I am sensitive too after working in the frame and alignment shop.
It seems that some owners of older GS models had experienced the same issue with their steering. After recall work done by Lexus, the "dead steering zone" at high speed was much improved.
Just to let everyone know, for me lately it has not been a big issue. It only happens when I go on long trips, and only on certain stretches. There has been no time where I have felt unsafe, and it seems to be happening much less then when I first bought the car. Making sure the both front tires are at 35 psi seems to help. There may be a point where I take it to a Lexus dealer to look at or see if they can re-calibrate the steering ECU, but overall I may just leave it as it is
10-24-19, 05:28 PM
Steering slightly resists sometimes at high speeds
