Lexus Is200

[winnart]

I have recently bought a low mileage Lexus IS200 year 2001 & had a problem with the steering not centralising fully. There is also a knocking or tapping when driving slowly on a rough road, it sounds like it’s coming from the passenger floor or front wheel. I’m not sure if the two problems could be connected. I’ve had the tracking set & fit new tyres but the problem is sill there. I’ve driven the car in a car park & if you don’t help the steering back, it just goes round in circles.

Does anyone know if this is a common fault or have any ideas what might cause this?

Many thanks

[mattc]

Could be a suspension bush, drop link, anti roll bar bush

[ormi]

you will prob find the tapping/nocking is the brake pads rattling easy fix not sure about the steering though as i would need to see...

[winnart]

Could be a suspension bush, drop link, anti roll bar bush

Thanks Guys, I'll check both these suggestions out. I did take this car to the Lexus dealer who agreed the steering isn't right. He said they had a similar problem with the same model a couple of years ago. They put a new steering rack on that car but in their opinion it didn't seem to make any difference, but the customer never came back and so they didn't get to the bottom of the fault.

Thanks for your help!

[Lance]

As for the tapping/knocking, when it occurs apply the footbrake lightly (you may need to do this with the accelerator applied too) to see if the noise disappears - if it does then it's the brake pads rattling, just need the metal clips adjusted or replaced to make them more snug in their positions.

As for the steering, you need to start at the beginning. Four wheel laser alignment to make sure everything is where it should be. Then check the ball joints / kinpin bushes... somewhere in there lies your problem.

[Bazza]

i would suggest the droplinks for the rattling

and to get the car aligned properly to correct the steering