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Non Ferrari Steering Issue

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by PT 328, Aug 25, 2008.

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  1. PT 328

    PT 328 F1 Rookie
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    #1 PT 328, Aug 25, 2008
    Last edited: Aug 25, 2008
    My neighbor has a Lexus RX 350. When making a right hand turn his steering wheel stays in the right hand turn position and is difficult ( stiff )to turn back to the left. This mainly happens when making a right hand turn. He is having no additional symptoms other than the stiffness. No grinding, squealing, loose steering. It is at the shop now and they are telling him it may be a strut problem. I knew someone on here could provide some more accurate insight into why this is happening. Thoughts? Thanks in advance for your help.

    Dan
     
  2. Steve King

    Steve King F1 Rookie

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    #2 Steve King, Aug 26, 2008
  3. PT 328

    PT 328 F1 Rookie
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    #3 PT 328, Aug 26, 2008
    Already gave it a shot and came up empty ( so far ). Thanks for the tip though. I am curious to the reason as well as my wife drives a RX330.
     
  4. MaleficVTwin

    MaleficVTwin F1 Rookie

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    #4 MaleficVTwin, Aug 26, 2008
    Strut problem is a possibility, but I would also look at the steering gear itself. It could be hanging up at full lock on that side. Good luck. :)
     
  5. fastradio

    fastradio F1 Rookie
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    #5 fastradio, Aug 27, 2008
    Dan,

    I was in the foreign car repair and restoration business for over 20 years and saw a couple of Toyota's and Volvo's with this exact problem. The problem is either within the steering rack, or the upper strut mount on the RHS is seized.

    With the car on an alignment rack...and the front wheels on "turntables", disonnect the tie road end at the right front wheel. Turn the steering wheel to the right and the left; if the steering now feels normal, the problem is within the strut bearing on the RHS. This can be further verified by turning the RH wheel, with it disconnected from the steering rack, by hand. With the car still on the turntables, the RF wheel should turn with ease.

    Conversely, if the wheel does move easily, the problem is within the steering rack.

    Regards,
    David
     
  6. Artvonne

    Artvonne F1 Veteran

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    #6 Artvonne, Aug 27, 2008
    SAAB used GM racks in the 80's, and they were notorious for doing the same thing. The rack cylinder would become worn and either jam under load, or bypass fluid and lock up. The harder you tried to turn it back the harder it fought. Disconnecting the tie rods would take the load off and make you think the trouble was elsewhere. Never heard of a strut bearing locking up but with the crap they build these days I can believe anything.
     
  7. PT 328

    PT 328 F1 Rookie
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    #7 PT 328, Aug 27, 2008
    Hey Guys,

    Thanks for the insight. I will forward this to my neighbor. He will appreciate your thoughts. I will keep you posted as to the outcome. I knew this board would come through, too many bright and helpful people not to.
     
  8. PT 328

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    #8 PT 328, Aug 27, 2008
    Update: They replaced the two front struts and the problem persisted. They did some additional investigation and are now going to replace the steering rack. Thanks for the insight.
     
  9. MaleficVTwin

    MaleficVTwin F1 Rookie

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    #9 MaleficVTwin, Aug 27, 2008
    When they did the struts did they also do the upper mounts?
     
  10. F328GTS/GTB

    F328GTS/GTB Formula Junior

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    #10 F328GTS/GTB, Aug 27, 2008
    Is it hydraulic power assist rack ? electric or manual gear ?

    Do you know the manufacturer of the rack ?
     
  11. PT 328

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    #11 PT 328, Aug 28, 2008
    I will get the details from my neighbor. The rack was ordered yesterday and is to arrive today. He will probably get the car back on Friday so I will take a look at his paperwork and report back. The dealer is sending the info to corporate as this is the first time they have seen this problem.
     

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