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Lexus: Why Does My Car Pull in One Direction?

If your Lexus is pulling in one direction, there could be an issue with the tire pressure, alignment, suspension, or the brake system. Here's a guide to diagnose the problem.

By Bart Kempff - December 2, 2014

This article applies to the Lexus (2005-2013).

There are several reasons why your Lexus is pulling to one side. It could be as simple as low pressure in one of your tires, or it could be as complicated as brake issue. A small pull could indicate a simple imbalanced tire pressure, while an aggressive pull could be caused by a broken part in the suspension system. If your car starts pulling in one direction, follow the steps below to pinpoint the problem.

Step 1 - Check the tire pressure

The easiest check for discovering why the Lexus is pulling to one side, is to check the air pressure in the tires.

  • Review the owner's manual, check the sticker on the inside of the driver's door, or check the online specifications for your Lexus's recommended air pressure range. Please note that the front and rear tires may have different air pressure recommendations.
  • Confirm your Lexus is parked on a flat surface, then go to each tire, insert the air pressure gauge, and take notes on what the gauge reads. Take these notes, and compare them to the recommended tire specifications, if the numbers are not in the range, then your pulling is most likely caused by the incorrect air pressure.
  • Use your own pump or air compressor, or go to the local gas station with available air, and fill your tires until the air pressure gauge meets your cars specifications.
Figure 1. Just the tires' pressure.

(Related Article: How to Check Your Tire Pressure - Clublexus.com)

Step 2 - Check for misalignment

The most common cause for a Lexus to pull to one side is the misalignment of the tires. If you notice uneven wear on the tires, then that's most likely the answer. If you have the tools and expertise, you can then perform your own tire rotation and realignment, if not, bring your Lexus to a trained tire technician.

Figure 2. Check for wear.

(Related Article: How to Align Your Tires - Clublexus.com)

Step 3 - Check for broken parts

For more technical drivers, we will list a group of potentially broken parts that you may want to self inspect and repair if you have the expertise. If not, we would recommend you bring your Lexus IS into your Lexus dealer.

  • Examine your suspension and steering mechanisms, specifically the steering end link and tie rods, including the tie rod bushings, to see if they are bent or broken.
  • Examine the control arm to see if it is bent or broken.
  • Examine the strut, strut mounts, and the suspension in general, to see if any part is loose.
  • Figure 3. Inspect bushings.
  • Figure 4. Inspect control arm.
  • Figure 5. Examine struts.

Step 4 - Check your brakes

Check your brake system to ensure that it is in working order. Brake failure can certainly cause your car to pull to one side.

  • Examine your brake cylinder and brake caliper sliders to ensure they are not stuck or worn to the point that they are causing your brakes to stick.
  • If your brake disc or brake drum become extremely hot after driving in a straight line for only a few minutes, this may be your problem. Additionally, if your Lexus IS pulls in a certain direction every time you apply the brakes, then brake failure is most likely the reason your Lexus IS is pulling to one side.
Figure 5. Inspect your brakes.

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