Steering

[twodogs]

Hi all went to look at a 2007 LS460 today, car seemed fine apart from the steering wheel, which was off centre by about 5 or 10 degrees.

just wondered if anyone had any opinions on this,

the sales guy reckons the tracking just needs done but having read about steering rack problems am just a bit concerned.

I must say the car drove fine with no warning lights and steering felt okay.

[messi]

I bought a gs430 about 3 weeks ago in mint condition but the steering wheel is slightly off but it still drives straight with no problems. Maybe someone has done the tracking on mine without putting the steering wheel straight

[twodogs]

Hi messi

could well be right but it is something i personally have never heard of

and just wanted a bit reassurance it was not a sign of something more sinister going on

[Ruud]

private car or dealer advertised?

[twodogs]

Car is at a independant dealer it has been his own personal vehicle

he has agreed to get this done and i will wait and see what happens and if it corrects it

[Spacewagon52]

I had a Volvo with a steering wheel misaligned - it was down to the mechanic doing the tracking - it was straightened easily enough but I would find it very annoying - something I would want to be put right. Good luck with the LS 460 if you decide to buy it. Would like updates on what you think of it compared to the LS400.

[alien1974]

it could have had a whack on the suspension? hmmm i would be highly suspicious

[Ruud]

Clear signs of the alignment being off is uneven tyre wear.

I'd say, the car being from a dealer, you're quite safe.

Have him do the tracking and if it turns out to be the steering box or suspension parts, you're covered anyway.

[cruisermark]

do a bit of googling for further info but this problem has been discussed here before.

one scenario is is if the car has been driven into say a kerb at speed - this can cause the steering pin to break or something along those lines - lexus have in the past replaced the whole rack to rectify this problem.

the second scenario relates to an ecu problem for which lexus have issued a recall for

i don't thing its a tracking problem although the problem could potentially be masked by adjusting the tracking

[steve2006]

If you're spending a significant amount of money on any car it pays to have an RAC/AA inspection done, they are very thourough.

Don't know if that includes an HPI check but again ask to see it.