kasendorf

Just took my 2002 SC430 out of winter storage and the steering wheel seems to vibrate a little at speeds over 50. The problem is that since I haven't driven the car for 5 months I can't remember if this is the way it has always been. Also, just had the car serviced and the tech filled the tires to 37 psi, I usally keep them between 33 and 34. Any recommendations.

Thanks for the help.

lexusk8

It's possible that your tires have "flat-bottomed" after 5 months of winter storage, thus the feeling of imbalance when driving on highway. Not exactly sure of the remedy for this though.

LeslieRC

The tires WILL flat-bottom if the vehicle is left sitting for a long period of time. I am equally at a loss for a remedy. I would contact a reputable tire sales/installer for a solution.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

yeah, did you jack up the car when it's there for 5 months? if no, probably the bottom of the tire is flat. it's actually very bad on teh tires, coz' it's 3800lb sitting on top of them for 5 months. it can damage the tire. you should haev jacked up the car and put it on stands

anyway, drive around, and maybe get the tires for balance and see if that's ok

Johnny3

You may have to wait until the weather/pavement gets good & hot to get them round again, next time store it on stands or blocks.

ron36330

During the summer I use 38psi in my runflats. This is as determined by ambient air temperature and varies seasonally by charts in a Lexus TSIB..
The Lexus TSIB is PG005-02 Titled:Adjustment of Tire Inflation Pressure dated:April 04, 2002..
I think the TSIB is in the CL library. If not ask your SM about it.
Ron

kasendorf

Thanks for all of the feedback. It sounds like you may have it nailed. Have been driving the car for the last number of days and it seems to be getting a little better. Next year I will store on jacks or pads. Thanks.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

that's good to know. hopefully as the weather warms up it will get better

if you put the car on stands, "technically" the best thing is to take off the wheels and put them flat (stack them up together). but that's up to you i guess

good luck!

Lex12

Vibrations like that you describe also develop when the wheels need to be balanced. Over the years, I have had vibrations develop at 50+ mph on a few occasions, and the problem was corrected when I brought the car in for balancing.

JCtx

Flat spots of 5 months go away by themselves, especially if tires were properly inflated, but might take a little while. Just be patient.
I don't think it's anything else, since you mentioned it started doing it right after storage (storage doesn't mess up your alignment or wheel balance).
Have a great weekend everybody.
JC