Canada - Steering - Notchy Steering Feel At Highway Speeds
BulletinL-TCI-2968
Issue Date
September 8, 2011
Title:
NOTCHY STEERING FEEL AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS (2WD)
Service Category
Steering
Section
Steering Gear/Linkage
Market
Canada
Applicability
Introduction
Some Lexus vehicles may exhibit an intermittent non-binding, notchy steering feel and/or the steering wheel will not smoothly self-center when driving at highway speeds. This condition may occur when changing lanes or when coming out of long sweeping turns at highway speeds. Please use the following repair procedure to address this condition.
Production Change Information
This TSB applies to all 2006 model year GS300 and 2006 - 2007 model year GS430 vehicles, and to vehicles produced BEFORE the Production Change Effective VINs shown.
Warranty Information
Parts Information
Required Tools & Equipment
Repair Procedure
1. Conduct a road test to verify the steering feel condition.
Did the steering exhibit an intermittent non-binding, notchy steering feeling and/or steering wheel does not self-center condition when driving at highway speeds?
- YES - This TSB DOES apply.
Go to Step 2 for power steering gear assembly replacement.
- NO - This TSB does NOT apply. Refer to the applicable Repair Manual for diagnosis.
2. Remove the power steering gear assembly.
For complete removal procedures, refer to the E-TAS / TIS library, applicable model and model year Repair Manual:
- 2006 2WD GS300/430:
Steering - Steering Gear (for 2WD) - "Power Steering: Steering Gear (for 2WD): Removal"
- 2007 / 2008 / 2009 / 2010 / 2011 2WD GS350/430/460:
Steering - Steering Gear (for 2WD) - "Power Steering: Steering Gear (for 2WD): Removal"
- 2007 / 2008 / 2009 / 2010 / 2011 GS450h:
Steering - Steering Gear - "Power Steering: Steering Gear: Removal"
- 2008 / 2009 / 2010 IS-F:
Steering - Steering Gear / Linkage - "Steering Gear/Linkage: Steering Gear: Removal"
- 2006 / 2007 / 2008 / 2009 / 2010 2WD IS250/350:
Steering - Power Assist Systems - "Power Steering: Steering Gear (for 2WD): Removal"
- 2010 IS250C / IS350C:
Steering - Steering Gear / Linkage: "Steering Gear/Linkage: Steering Gear: Removal"
3. Degrease the tie rod ends, EPS spline, and cross member to EPS bolt contact surface.
NOTICE
Failure to degrease these components will prevent the proper amount of torque from being applied to their related attachment hardware.
4. Install the NEW power steering gear assembly.
5. Inspect and adjust wheel alignment.
6. Initialize the rotation angle sensor and calibrate the torque sensor zero point.
For complete installation and initialization procedures, refer to the E-TAS / TIS library, applicable model and model year Repair Manual:
- 2006 2WD GS300/430
Steering - Steering Gear (for 2WD) - "Power Steering: Steering Gear (for 2WD): Installation"
- 2007 / 2008 / 2009/ 2010 / 2011 2WD GS350 / 430 / 460:
Steering - Steering Gear (for 2WD) - "Power Steering: Steering Gear (for 2WD): Installation"
- 2007 / 2008 / 2009 / 2010 / 2011 GS450h:
Steering - Steering Gear - "Power Steering: Steering Gear: Installation"
- 2008 / 2009 / 2010 IS-F:
Steering - Steering Gear/Linkage - "Steering Gear/Linkage: Steering Gear: Installation"
- 2006 / 2007 / 2008 / 2009 / 2010 2WD IS250/350:
Steering - Power Assist Systems - "Power Steering: Steering Gear (for 2WD): Installation"
- 2010 IS250C/IS350C:
Steering - Steering Gear/Linkage: "Steering Gear / Linkage: Steering Gear: Installation"
7. After the repair is complete, road test the vehicle to confirm the notchy steering feel condition is NO longer present.
NOTE:
Issue of this Technical Service Bulletin is to ensure that proper repair information is available.
IT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN AUTHORIZATION FOR REPAIR. Normal provisions of the formal warranty policy, as applicable, will apply.