atomarchio

I have a 2014 RX350 with 20K miles.

Recently noticed the steering wheel pulling a bit to the right. I took the car to a local Conrad's Auto service place which I believe is very reputable.

They told me the vehicle is out of alignment and to contact my Lexus dealer because they would likely fix for no charge given the low miles.

I brought the car to Lexus dealer and they said nothing is wrong. Not sure if they did anything but I did not notice the pulling to the right at that time.

However, I am noticing the wheel pull to the right again. Not sure what to do here. I also had a 2011 RX and never noticed an issue.

What can I do here to determine if there's a problem or not?

My Lexus dealer is over 30 miles away so it's not a convenient drive. Also, I have no proof of anything just the wheel pulling a bit to the right.

NateJG

1) Rotate tires
2) Ensure that the tire tread depth is similar on each axle
3) Air up the tires to at least that which is specified in the door opening
4) Drive down the center of the road - straddling the white line.
5) Let go of steering wheel - note any "lead" or "pull"
6) Do same on same road in opposite direction


If it pulls/leads to the same direction (Left or Right) in both directions (of the same road) - answer is "Probably"; if it goes straight, the answer is "maybe not".

If the tires are wearing more on inside or outside edges (but not both at the same time) then the answer is "Likely".

At 20K miles, it is unlikely that the dealer would align for free (would perhaps at under 12K in the first year of ownership).

Good luck. Please post your conclusion.

atomarchio

Turns out all 4 of my tires had low (in the 20's) air pressure and my door says they should be at 32 psi.

There may a very slight pull now but not worth noting at this point. Thank you.

tqh

There should be a light on your dash to warn of low tire pressure. If not you should have it fixed.
I am surprised the dealer didn't check the tire pressure.

atomarchio

There were no warning lights at all. Both the Lexus dealer and local Conrad's missed that. I am surprised they did not check tire pressure when I had the oil changed.

kitlz

Your tires were probably at a higher pressure when you drove in. Definitely reset the TPMS so it goes off before you hit the 20s. And get the alignment checked again just to be sure.

chandlervt

Next time I would skip Conrad if they do not verify tire pressure. Also at 20 psi, you should have substantial"deflating" on tire pressure. Risky to drive at such low pressure.

Invest in this
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-18-...P731/203060297

Best thing I bought. I have other Ryobi products so already had the battery (doesn't come with battery). Love it. Shows current pressure, set the desired pressure and it automatically shuts off at that PSI. No more hunting for quarters or fiddling with tires in cold weather.

If the new RX has the same system as NX200t, then it shows tire pressure in all 4 tires on screen. I miss that in my 2015 RX.

bionictony

i check my tire pressure every 1-2 months manually using a digital tire gauge even though i have tpms. old habits.