Lexus? My parents have an ES330 and I drove it the other day. The steering is sooo silky smooth...I must figure out how to achieve a similar silkiness on my tC. Any ideas? I'm not talking about making the steering tighter or looser...just very smooth.

 

trade in the tC?

 

.....
That would prolly work.

 

I'ld never do that...I hate the way it accelerates...

 

it's more likely the bushings inside the steering shaft that is giving you that feeling. Nothing short of replacing the tc's parts with the es330 or fabricating your own, would change the what the tc "feels" like in its steering feel

 

Adding some suspension parts will make your tC handle better, if nothing else.

The tC is a pretty smooth-steering car to me. Maybe I haven't driven enough high-end cars!

 

i agree with somnambulated; the tC is pretty smooth steering imo.

maybe a rear sway?

 

and i also agree with the above ^^^^ the tC is very smooth in its steering. A nice heavy steering feel, and firm is what the tC has. I like that compared to overboosted, loose ones.

 

I know what he means though. My mom's 530i drives firm and steady. I'd never shell out the extra $40k over my car for it though. It's a 2006 and already the water pump failed.

 

Try airing up your tires a couple of more pounds, it makes your wheel a little bit lighter like the lexus. My dads lexus you can steer with the tip of your pinky the steering is so light.

 

i think the "lightness" people are talking about is the power steering boost level. The reason you can drive with a "pinky" is because its power steering is heavily boosted. The tC is a heavier, more effort required steering wheel for a more positive, sporty feel. The Audi A4 had this as well, not sure about the recent model.

 

That's the ting...the steering isn't loose on the ES. I'ld say it's about as tight as it is on the tC(okay not quite, but I've driven loose and it wasn't loose). However when you do steer, it is much smoother. It just has a completely different feel. It's much harder to describe without seeing for yourself.

This is what I was thinking...The ES330 has higher quality parts and that's why it has such smooth steering. I just needed to figure out what this part could be. I'll see what I can find!

 

if it's easier to steer, I would think that the pressure on the power steering is just that much higher. Less effort = smoother steering

or maybe the steering shaft has roller bearings instead of bushings. There's something to look into.

 

there's a HUGE difference between "loose" steering, and "smooth" steering, and I can guarantee because of the class of the ES and the target market (adults with too much money wanting an upscale family car) that the steering "feedback" is nothing compared to a TC, and I have driven an ES330, along with an IS300, IS250, IS350, etc etc along with some other cars I'd prefer in the steering department like a BMW M3 and a Porche 911 carrera 4

"Higher Quality" parts aren't the issue here, it's all just rubber and metal, it's all how the steering system was designed to suit the class of car, or specific car it's put in, the ES330 uses the same steering parts from every other lexus sans the SUV's, and it's not specifically targeted to that single car

The steering on the ES330 is most likely due to softer polymer rubber bushings, a higher pressure rotary valve, and taller gearing. All of this does not equal better steering "feel" but easier and more responsive steering instead.

Firstly, I would try replacing the stock fluid with some synthetic dextronIII transmission fluid, all you need to do is suck out the old fluid from the reservoir, replace, rotate steering wheels a few times, and repeat until all the old fluid is out, just don't turn the wheel with the car on and the fluid emptied.

Next, I would try reducing the overall weight of your car, getting lighter wheels and better tires. Your last point (which I wouldn't recommend unless you know what you're doing) is to start looking into the relief valve on the pump, just like a BOV on a turbo, a higher rate spring will hold more pressure to use before releasing it due to the higher engine speed creating more pressure than needed

 

Extremely well put. I don't think anyone could have said it better. It's a totally different design, you probably can't mock it...

 

the difference is in the SAI (steering axis inclination) notice also on the lexus that while it is smoother and easier to turn, the wheel doesnt snap back as well when you let go... i'd rather have the wheel snap back better IMO but thats from a performance stand point.

 

dont buy a $18k car and expect a lexus..if u want a smoother ride you can put beefer tires on it

 

can someone explain to me why the steering on my tc feels so light. Just recently I have noticed it takes me to turn the steering wheel about 90 degrees more left or right on turns and it feels a great deal lighter. What would be the problem and what should i do. thanks.

 

not sure, it might just be your car. Things like this are pretty subjective. Our steering would benefit from more of a "road" feel, but eh, whatever...

I don't complain too much because I know its not as bad as Toyota could have made it! Ever drove a Camry? then you'll know exactly what I'm talking about! yuck.

 

i hate power steering. makes everything feel unconected...ugh. The tc's isnt to bad i actually like it as far as power steering goes. The tacoma isnt bad either. But typically i rip it out. This is my Daily Driver after all tho so it will stay. My mr2 is by far my fav, no power steering at all Lotus style!