Steering - Notchy Feel At Highway Speeds

L-SB-0016-11

March 23, 2011

Notchy Steering Feel at Highway Speeds (2WD)

Service Category
Steering

Section
Steering Gear/Linkage





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 TSIB applies to all 2006 model year G5300 and 2006 - 2007 model year G5430 vehicles and to vehicles produced BEFORE the Production Change Effective VINs shown.





Warranty Information

APPLICABLE WARRANTY

^ This repair is covered under the Lexus Comprehensive Warranty. This warranty is in effect for 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle's in-service date.

^ Warranty application is limited to occurrence of the specified condition described in this bulletin.








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 TSIB DOES apply.

Go to Step 2 for power steering gear assembly replacement.

^ NO - This TSIB 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 Technical Information System (TIS) applicable model and model year Repair Manual:





3. Degrease the tie rod ends EPS spline and cross member to EPS bolt contact surface.

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 TIS applicable model and model year Repair Manual:

7. After the repair is complete road test the vehicle to confirm the notchy steering feel condition is NO longer present.