RX - 2nd Gen (2004-2009) Discussion topics related to the 2004 -2009 RX330, RX350 and RX400H models

steering wheel vibration

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Old 04-26-17, 08:30 AM
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matts6887
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Default steering wheel vibration

just as the title states; I am getting a vibrating in the steering wheel at highway speeds around 65-75mph. at first i thought it was because my tires/wheels were out of balance; so i went and had that done and apparently there were some minor changes done as far as the balancing goes. I thought that would have fixed the issue but it did not totally fix it. I am still getting a vibrating steering wheel at those highway speeds. What could this possibly be? I hope this is not something thats gonna be a $$$$$$ fix cause i dont have the $ to take care of getting it done if it is.
Old 04-26-17, 08:34 AM
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mdbrown
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Need more info... any steering wheel vibration at parking lot speeds? At around town speeds 25-45mph? Does the vibration come on around 60 or so then go away at higher speeds? Does it get better or worse if you go over a bump?
Old 04-26-17, 09:23 AM
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BlackLexRX
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Sometimes an alignment will diminish it. Worse, it can be a sign of axle wear. Some have replaced there axles after going through entire system and that resolved it, if you search the forums you'll find threads on it. Typically passenger side axle wears out first, may be something to do with it being longer.
Old 04-27-17, 09:13 AM
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matts6887
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it usually happens only at higher highways speeds of approx. 60-80mph. gawd i hope its not a axle needing replacement because I know thats big $$$$$$ and thats $ that neither me nor my parents that usually help me out with the more expensive repairs etc have to work with.
Old 04-27-17, 10:19 AM
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numbafree
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It can be:
*wheels not balanced
*axle is effed up
*tire wear
*alignment

sounds like your front end, so jack it up (put blocks under the rear tires so it doesn't roll), put it in neutral so you can spin the wheel, and see if you hear or see anything wierd.

you can go to any tire place for a diagnostic, meaning have them put it on the rack and check out the obvious, I am sure they will give you an opnion about what is wrong.
Old 04-27-17, 01:26 PM
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rusn007
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If you are noticing more vibration when you're slowing down - you may want to check your rotors.
Old 06-23-22, 09:26 AM
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z32
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BTW, also check parking brake adjustments..... not sure how the electronic parking brakes are adjusted, but (for conventional parking brake setup) if they are set too tight (when not engaged), it can cause vibration >40mph or so....
Old 06-25-22, 05:51 AM
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Fm2004
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Hello all

New member here. I have the same issue on my 04 RX330 with 103K mile, at around 70miles I feel the vibration, took it to a local indy and had them check for balance , they found both front wheels are slightly bent. He ended up balancing them and installed it in the rear. Meanwhile, I am shopping for a used set of rims to replace them. it feels better but I still feel it which I assume is because it's AWD therefore it transfers the vibration from the rear to the front a bit. Hopefully the replacement rims fixes the issue.
BTW, I just got the car as a pass down so I am trying to bring it back to life. If anybody wants to do a tune-up. see link below very helpful on tackling this job.

Cheers
Fatola




Old 06-25-22, 08:31 PM
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edlexus1
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Default tire out of round or excess runout?

I bought my 2009 RX350 from a private party. It appeared to be in near immaculate condition even at 149K miles. I had access to every service record and those services were done over-religiously at the Lexus dealer. When I test drove it it had a mild shimmy at 75mph and tire noise seemed excessive. One of the service invoices mentioned trying to balance the wheels but dealer could not get right front balanced due to "excess tire runout" whatever the heck that is. I think it means out of round. Invoice said dealer could not fix the problem. The owner took the car back but never fixed the shimmy before selling to me. I took a chance and put $1000 worth of Michelins on it purchased at Costco. No more shimmy and the ride is remarkably quiet. Love these tires cuz they made the car what I thought it should be. Happy camper.
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Old 06-26-22, 07:09 PM
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Felix
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Tires as well as a quality balancing the tire/wheel assemblies really do make a difference.....
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Old 06-26-22, 09:02 PM
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Margate330
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Originally Posted by edlexus1
One of the service invoices mentioned trying to balance the wheels but dealer could not get right front balanced due to "excess tire runout" whatever the heck that is. I think it means out of round. Invoice said dealer could not fix the problem. The owner took the car back but never fixed the shimmy before selling to me. I took a chance and put $1000 worth of Michelins on it purchased at Costco. No more shimmy and the ride is remarkably quiet. Love these tires cuz they made the car what I thought it should be. Happy camper.
They knew exactly what was wrong and they new the tires were junk.
Even told the customer the "tires are out of round". lol
You probably knew they were pulling your leg on that.

Originally Posted by Felix
Tires as well as a quality balancing the tire/wheel assemblies really do make a difference.....
For sure 100% on that.
Tire vibration, start with tires first.
Steering wheel shaking while braking, thats usually bad brake rotors, start there.

Sometimes life is simple as that and people need a lucky break once in a while.
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Old 08-15-22, 01:58 PM
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Syedaqamar
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Rear Rotor needs replaced.
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