LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000) Discussion topics related to the 1990 - 2000 Lexus LS400

power steering too loose

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Old 03-21-04 | 09:30 PM
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Default power steering too loose

My friend says he's LS's steering is so loose that he literally has to concentrate driving in order to keep the car going straight. He says he can turn the wheel with his pinky, it's so loose. I'm wondering, is this with all LS's or maybe he has a problem with his rack and pinion ? any ideas ?
Old 06-18-14 | 08:38 PM
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not with my ls430 tight as hell
Old 06-18-14 | 09:10 PM
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Sounds like a worn suspension issue as in tie rod ends and or bushings/control arms with ball joints.
Old 06-18-14 | 10:22 PM
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i think that might be normal. i remember i replaced a rack/pump/pressure hose on a 92 LS400. i was able to turn the wheel with my pinky. i was amazed! the car was all stock.

what year is your car? maybe the shock on the rack is bad? only 1st gen LS has a shock on the rack.
Old 06-18-14 | 10:30 PM
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My LS does this sometimes. Most times it feels like any other power steering. Then all of the sudden it becomes too soft like wheel are off the ground smooth. No leaks anywhere.
Old 06-19-14 | 03:32 PM
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it's not loose, it's just sensitive, and yes it's normal. also check your tire pressures to make sure they are not over inflated.

if you still think it is loose, you can have the car aligned and add a bit more toe in to get rid of the sensitivity, of course staying within the tolerance levels.

remember these are granny mobiles, and the ability to turn with one finger is a plus!
Old 11-09-15 | 11:06 AM
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Default loose steerling

Originally Posted by theRain04
My friend says he's LS's steering is so loose that he literally has to concentrate driving in order to keep the car going straight. He says he can turn the wheel with his pinky, it's so loose. I'm wondering, is this with all LS's or maybe he has a problem with his rack and pinion ? any ideas ?


did your friend fix this problem?
my car steering got extremely sensitive and I'm afraid to drive my car.
Old 11-09-15 | 12:38 PM
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So what is this about? Easy turning or sloppy steering? Sloppy means you turn the steer wheel a quarter turn or so before the car turns. That is what I think of when someone says loose.
Old 11-09-15 | 01:32 PM
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Sounds like an alignment issue which could be due to worn suspension parts. I would get an alignment check before doing anything else.
Old 12-01-15 | 02:11 PM
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dealer checked tire pressure, did HEALT check up, and other things... and they said car is NORMAL!
I really don't know what to do at this point.
car or wheel is resist stop SILL mode when I press the brake on rough or uneven or bumpy street. wheel moves by itself left to right so I have to hold it real tight.
it feel like driving on icy road. I drove this car for over 3 years and I never had this problem until 2 months ago.


If road condition is good the car does not wobble or shaky when I press the brake.
and most time dealer test drove on good condition street so they keep telling me car is normal.
Old 12-02-15 | 05:48 AM
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uhh..at highway speeds its not supposed to be "loose" or free wheeling..u should have a steering assist feel to it.

read up
http://www.autospeed.com/cms/article...ering&A=110778

i have the same issue btw and just posted it in another thread
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