Concern (vibration and other issues on LX with 22" rims)
11-03-04, 01:22 AM
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Concern
Hey all,
I have not written in a while but am back with some concerns about my 03 LX. I have been treating the car incredibly well and have been keeping up on the matinence schedule ect.
Recently my brakes have been squeaking significantly when I slow down. I sent the LX to the dealer 2 times but they say it's just brake dust and my brakes are in excellent condition.
The engine is much louder than when I first bought the vehicle, and the shifts are not as smooth. I also own a 02 LX and my girlfriend has the 04 GX both are much much smoother.
When driving over 45 mph I have been getting consistent vibration and shake throughout the car. Something not notable for a lexus. Again I sent the LX over to the local dealership and they said that it is my 22" tires and the feathering of the tires. BS I say. Any thoughts guys? Suggestions?
Thanks,
LL
I have not written in a while but am back with some concerns about my 03 LX. I have been treating the car incredibly well and have been keeping up on the matinence schedule ect.
Recently my brakes have been squeaking significantly when I slow down. I sent the LX to the dealer 2 times but they say it's just brake dust and my brakes are in excellent condition.
The engine is much louder than when I first bought the vehicle, and the shifts are not as smooth. I also own a 02 LX and my girlfriend has the 04 GX both are much much smoother.
When driving over 45 mph I have been getting consistent vibration and shake throughout the car. Something not notable for a lexus. Again I sent the LX over to the local dealership and they said that it is my 22" tires and the feathering of the tires. BS I say. Any thoughts guys? Suggestions?
Thanks,
LL
11-03-04, 05:51 AM
#3
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I'd also have to say its likely the 22" rims. They add a lot of extra unsprung weight when stopping plus can cause vibration, etc.
I suspect your wheels are either out of balance or bent or tires aren't worn evenly. When I've had bent wheels it causes vibration exactly like you described.
If you have another LX with OEM wheels, try swapping them and see if it rides normal
.
I suspect your wheels are either out of balance or bent or tires aren't worn evenly. When I've had bent wheels it causes vibration exactly like you described.
If you have another LX with OEM wheels, try swapping them and see if it rides normal
.
11-03-04, 09:22 AM
#4
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It may be the 22s. You don't mention the size of the tire you have on the wheels. Depending on that size, you could be moving above a 33" equivalent tire -- which can cause problems with driveline vibration. And it sounds to me that you're having driveline vibration issues.
If you gotta keep the 22s, then you need to make the appropriate changes to the front and rear drive shafts. Or...you could go with 305/45 R22 tires which is about a 33" equivalent tire -- which should be okay.
Another thing mentioned was the weight of the wheel. That's going to impact ride as well, but more in regard to the alignment of the front wheels. Make sure they're aligned correctly. Poor alignment will cause uneven tire wear.
As far as the squeeling while braking, I doubt it's just brake dust. I'll be you have a pad that's wearing down or wearing unevenly. There's a squeal indicator -- basically a piece of metal that rubs agains the rotor when the pads wear down -- on the pads. If one of the pads is wearing unevenly, then the others will look fine. I'd have them pull each pad and inspect them (or do it yourself), but they'll charge you at least an hour of shop time for that.
If you gotta keep the 22s, then you need to make the appropriate changes to the front and rear drive shafts. Or...you could go with 305/45 R22 tires which is about a 33" equivalent tire -- which should be okay.
Another thing mentioned was the weight of the wheel. That's going to impact ride as well, but more in regard to the alignment of the front wheels. Make sure they're aligned correctly. Poor alignment will cause uneven tire wear.
As far as the squeeling while braking, I doubt it's just brake dust. I'll be you have a pad that's wearing down or wearing unevenly. There's a squeal indicator -- basically a piece of metal that rubs agains the rotor when the pads wear down -- on the pads. If one of the pads is wearing unevenly, then the others will look fine. I'd have them pull each pad and inspect them (or do it yourself), but they'll charge you at least an hour of shop time for that.
11-03-04, 11:18 AM
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Thanks for the quick replies guys.
Thai- I agree the LX is not suited for 22" rim/tire combo but not many SUV's are. I did it purely for the look with no intent to ever take the LX off roading. Sad yes, but I don't have the time to venture out. Maybe someday.
My tire size is: Pirelli Scorpion Zero 305/40/22
When they were installed first on my car I noticed that the ride quality was not that much different. It rode very smooth and comfortable. In terms of the heavy weight of the rims/tire combo, could it really be that much of a difference over time? I only have 11,500 miles on the car, but the engine is much louder. I have gotten the balance/alignment done 2 times with the dealer saying everything is in order.
PS-My 02 is in another state so swapping out the tire/wheels are not an option. Also my original rims/tires are also in another state.
LL
Thai- I agree the LX is not suited for 22" rim/tire combo but not many SUV's are. I did it purely for the look with no intent to ever take the LX off roading. Sad yes, but I don't have the time to venture out. Maybe someday.
My tire size is: Pirelli Scorpion Zero 305/40/22
When they were installed first on my car I noticed that the ride quality was not that much different. It rode very smooth and comfortable. In terms of the heavy weight of the rims/tire combo, could it really be that much of a difference over time? I only have 11,500 miles on the car, but the engine is much louder. I have gotten the balance/alignment done 2 times with the dealer saying everything is in order.
PS-My 02 is in another state so swapping out the tire/wheels are not an option. Also my original rims/tires are also in another state.
LL
11-03-04, 01:45 PM
#6
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In regard to the brakes and shifting, engine noise...
If it's truely an issue of brake dust, then you should be able to remove the wheels, spray on some brake cleaner on the rotors, clean them up nicely (front and back), then you should have no more brake squealing. That said, I doubt it's just brake dust.
The shifting could be due to having old transmission fluid. I don't know how many miles you have on your LX or how long you've owned it, but I will start changing a portion of my transmission fluid when I change my oil. A few friends of mine suggested it and it makes sense...the transmission pan drain plug is near the engine oil drain plug. Whenever they change the oil, they also drain the transmission pan. The pan holds about 4 quarts of tranny fluid. They refill afterward. This way you always have "fresh" transmission fluid. The cost is minimal this way as well (as opposed to a full flush and fluid change). I'm told the shifting is much smoother than before.
What type of engine noise are you experiencing? Sqeaking belts or a louder exhaust noise? Some have reported cracked exhausts...or leaks...or something similar for the 470 -- honestly, I haven't paid much attention...I own a 450
As for tires and tire size, the 305/40/22 shouldn't cause too much drama in the driveline...so I'm not sure what the problem is...
Have you had the tires rebalanced recently?
If it's truely an issue of brake dust, then you should be able to remove the wheels, spray on some brake cleaner on the rotors, clean them up nicely (front and back), then you should have no more brake squealing. That said, I doubt it's just brake dust.
The shifting could be due to having old transmission fluid. I don't know how many miles you have on your LX or how long you've owned it, but I will start changing a portion of my transmission fluid when I change my oil. A few friends of mine suggested it and it makes sense...the transmission pan drain plug is near the engine oil drain plug. Whenever they change the oil, they also drain the transmission pan. The pan holds about 4 quarts of tranny fluid. They refill afterward. This way you always have "fresh" transmission fluid. The cost is minimal this way as well (as opposed to a full flush and fluid change). I'm told the shifting is much smoother than before.
What type of engine noise are you experiencing? Sqeaking belts or a louder exhaust noise? Some have reported cracked exhausts...or leaks...or something similar for the 470 -- honestly, I haven't paid much attention...I own a 450
As for tires and tire size, the 305/40/22 shouldn't cause too much drama in the driveline...so I'm not sure what the problem is...
Have you had the tires rebalanced recently?
11-03-04, 06:49 PM
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On the issue of Brake dust, the dealer keeps telling me that it is so and they just spray them down/wipe them clean. I only have about 11,500 miles on my LX. Even when my LX starts it is much louder than when I first purchased the vehicle. The tires and wheels have been balanced/aligned and the whole 9 yards. Should I take it to a tire and rim specialist? Besides Lexus?
LL
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11-03-04, 07:43 PM
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Unless Lexus is footing the bill for the work being done -- i.e. it's all being covered under warranty, then I'd have a ttire shop take a look at the wheel balance and the alignment.
Do you still have brake noise after they "clean" the brake dust? If so, then they're full of it...
Do you still have brake noise after they "clean" the brake dust? If so, then they're full of it...
11-03-04, 09:51 PM
#9
Originally posted by LuvLuxury
Thai- I agree the LX is not suited for 22" rim/tire combo but not many SUV's are. I did it purely for the look with no intent to ever take the LX off roading. Sad yes, but I don't have the time to venture out. Maybe someday.
Thai- I agree the LX is not suited for 22" rim/tire combo but not many SUV's are. I did it purely for the look with no intent to ever take the LX off roading. Sad yes, but I don't have the time to venture out. Maybe someday.
So, a lot more people respect your rims than my off-roading crave!
Good luck in finding a solution to your problems....
Last edited by tigmd99; 11-03-04 at 09:52 PM.
11-04-04, 05:51 AM
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Thai-
No, not trying to be defensive. I just know how much you appreciate the LX/Landcuisers capabilities for off roading. My bad if I came off "too snappy". I will let you guys know the update after I take it to a specialized tire/rim dealer. Thanks for the help.
LL
No, not trying to be defensive. I just know how much you appreciate the LX/Landcuisers capabilities for off roading. My bad if I came off "too snappy". I will let you guys know the update after I take it to a specialized tire/rim dealer. Thanks for the help.
LL
11-04-04, 06:14 AM
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LL - make sure you specifically ask them to check for bends in the wheels. The symptoms you describe are very much like what I had when my wheels were bent.
11-04-04, 12:34 PM
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Hey LuvLuxury,
I've been thinking about putting on rims for my '05 and have a post about it somewhere in the forum. The more and more I think about it I got skeptical. I was thinking maybe 20's to be safe or 21's to be somewhere in the middle. What do you think, and if you can please post some pics, that would be great, I'm having difficulty in chosing what rims would look sweet on the car. Thanks.
I've been thinking about putting on rims for my '05 and have a post about it somewhere in the forum. The more and more I think about it I got skeptical. I was thinking maybe 20's to be safe or 21's to be somewhere in the middle. What do you think, and if you can please post some pics, that would be great, I'm having difficulty in chosing what rims would look sweet on the car. Thanks.
11-04-04, 09:01 PM
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SCGuy-
Congrats on your 05 purchase. A new car is an unbelievable feeling! In terms of rims I was skeptical at first as well. I only wanted to go with 20's but opted to choose the Antera 301 Model 22". Not many rims fit the LX because of the bolt pattern, but CECwheels.com has some to choose from. I would post pictures of my car, but I can't upload the pictures onto this new computer. There may still be some pics of my white LX in the gallery. Please post some pics when you figure out what you are looking for!
PS- When I first got the tire/rim combo I was really surprised at how the ride quality was still very smooth and comfortable. This vibration problem is pretty recent. You will however notice more pull with the thicker width/thinner sidewall of the rubber. Bumps and cracks in the road WILL be more noticable, but that is the price you pay for good looks
LL
Congrats on your 05 purchase. A new car is an unbelievable feeling! In terms of rims I was skeptical at first as well. I only wanted to go with 20's but opted to choose the Antera 301 Model 22". Not many rims fit the LX because of the bolt pattern, but CECwheels.com has some to choose from. I would post pictures of my car, but I can't upload the pictures onto this new computer. There may still be some pics of my white LX in the gallery. Please post some pics when you figure out what you are looking for!
PS- When I first got the tire/rim combo I was really surprised at how the ride quality was still very smooth and comfortable. This vibration problem is pretty recent. You will however notice more pull with the thicker width/thinner sidewall of the rubber. Bumps and cracks in the road WILL be more noticable, but that is the price you pay for good looks
LL
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