While driving your vehicle, you might see that it starts tilting to one side more than the other. It might happen while going around corners or settle into that stance after parking it for the day.
This issue is often referred to as the “Lexus lean” because it’s often seen with that brand, but this problem can impact nearly every make and model on the road.
Since a leaning vehicle could require numerous repairs, it’s helpful to understand the potential reasons and symptoms that occur with this situation.
Here is a closer look at the problem and some solutions that you can take to correct it.
What Is Lexus Lean?
Some Lexus vehicles tend to lean a little when they’re at rest. Others have more fluidity in movement when turning to the left instead of the right. The difference can be up to an inch, which creates a noticeable issue that is more than an optical illusion. It tends to happen more with vehicles made from 2000 to 2010.
Although a leaning issue can happen with any vehicle, it tends to be more noticeable with Lexus models.
The most common reason for its development involves a weight imbalance while operating the vehicle.
Most cars and trucks experience weight imbalances during operations. If you drive alone, the weight is pushed toward the driver’s side in the front, putting more stress on the suspension there than at other points.
As time passes, that issue can cause the vehicle to start leaning more in that direction because the springs are loose.
Some Lexus vehicles with KDSS tend to develop this problem more than others, and it can happen at highway speeds or only while parked.
If you keep the vehicle in Sport Mode to maintain a firmer suspension, the leaning problem often goes away. Should it persist, you likely have a spring that requires replacement to correct the situation.
Additional issues to look at with a Lexus include the struts, shocks, chassis, and suspension. Anything that causes leaning issues should not be ignored.
What Are the Most Common Causes of the Lexus Lean?
Although the Lexus lean indicates that a repair is necessary, it doesn’t mean you could be spending thousands to correct the issue.
Many of the causes that trigger leaning tends to require simple adjustments. If you’re dealing with this issue right now, there are four specific reasons why your car could be tilting.
1. Tire Inconsistency
Slight changes to tire pressure can make it feel like a car starts leaning. When there is a substantial PSI difference, you’ll notice this issue when parked. It’ll also feel loose when driving around tight corners at higher speeds.
You can use an air pressure gauge to assess the pressure levels in each tire. It only takes a couple of minutes to determine if the PSI levels are equalized.
The tire manufacturers print the recommended PSI measurement on the sidewall of each tire if you’re unsure of the reading. You’ll see what the automaker prefers to run in your owner’s manual.
If a tire isn’t holding air, it could require a repair.
I keep the Rhino USA Tire Plug Repair Kit with me in my vehicle to correct this problem if it develops.
I can plug the leak and get back on the road without worrying about my emergency roadside benefits being available.
This product works with any tubeless tire, allowing you to get to the next service station or correct a leaning issue.
2. Wheel Misalignment
When your wheels aren’t correctly aligned, one of the primary symptoms of this issue is that your car will start leaning.
This problem is usually noticeable on one side, but not on the other. An inspection of your torsion bars is necessary.
The torsion bar absorbs impacts while driving. It uses movable bolts that sometimes move as your Lexus ages. If you notice leaning issues, the hardware might need a few adjustments to correct the concern.
This leaning issue can occur with an acute impact. Hitting a curb, striking a pothole, or having other suspension parts fail can lead to wheel misalignment.
Here are some of the other symptoms you might notice with this issue.
- The Lexus tries to pull to one side while operating.
- You notice more vibration or shaking on the road.
- It’s a bumpier ride behind the wheel than you remember.
- You have excessive tire wear on one side or experience uneven patterns.
- It is hard to keep the wheel straight when driving.
These issues may require a professional inspection to ensure your vehicle is safe to drive.
3. Worn Springs
Vehicles use springs that absorb shocks as you drive over bumpy roads. It’s what leads to a smooth ride. When one coil fails while the other stays strong, you can always notice a severe lean.
Some drivers experience uneven wear and tear with their springs because of how they drive, causing them to eventually dip toward one side.
In this situation, you’d need to replace the entire coil to correct the issue. Multiple springs could be a problem, so each one requires a direct inspection to ensure the vehicle receives an appropriate repair.
4. Twisted Chassis
After hitting something with your vehicle, it is possible for the frame to take a hit. The chassis offers the framework for a Lexus and other vehicles for the underside components. Each piece must be intact and stay straight to ensure safe operations.
When you have a broken chassis, it will feel like the car is tilted. The only way to correct this issue is to correct the problem.
5. Different Tire Sizes
If you install a larger tire size on one side of the vehicle than the other, you can end up with a lean.
Although a professional servicer should match the tire size specifications, DIYers can sometimes encounter this issue.
Since running different tire sizes can cause other damage to a Lexus and other vehicles, it needs to be corrected immediately.
Even being one size off is enough to cause problems with the shocks and struts.
How to Find a Trustworthy Mechanic
If you encounter an issue with your Lexus leaning, the repair might go beyond what your current DIY skills can tackle. Although you could take the vehicle to the dealership, it might be cheaper to take it to an authorized mechanic.
Most consumers have higher satisfaction levels when working with independent shops. Part of the reason for that outcome is the option to choose your provider.
Here are some tips to help you find a good repair shop to help take care of that leaning issue.
Look for Specialty Shops
It doesn’t make sense to take a Lexus to a mechanic that specializes in working on Ford vehicles. Most garages focus on specific brands. You’ll usually find better training and equipment waiting to work on your car with a shop that focuses on your auto needs.
Ask People You Know
Look for recommendations from your family and friends first. If they’ve worked with a specific mechanic before, they can tell you about that experience.
Once you narrow your choices, read the online reviews left by previous customers to get a feeling of what to expect when taking your car to get serviced.
Review Their Certifications
Each mechanic and garage you review should have ASE certification. This credential comes from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.
Although it isn’t a guarantee that you’ll have your leaning issues diagnosed and repaired, you’re more likely to have an accurate and thorough inspection and a high-quality outcome.
Check the BBB
The Better Business Bureau receives complaints across multiple industries. Auto repair shops are often in or close to the top ten for receiving customer concerns. The information you can find there can help you make a more informed decision.
Ask for Warrantees
Most mechanics guarantee the work they offer, even if there aren’t parts warranties available to use.
Since this information is highly variable, it helps to ask ahead of time to ensure you’re comfortable with the potential outcome.
How to Address the Lexus Lean
If the Lexus lean is due to a repair issue, it helps to bring a different vehicle to a mechanic before proceeding with a significant repair. When you know what to expect for service and wait times, it’s much easier to make an informed choice on who to use for this problem.
It doesn’t take much to create the Lexus lean. For me, it happened when I curb-checked my vehicle while pulling into a gas station.
We’d just moved across the country, and I was headed out to grab some groceries. I didn’t see the curb, swerved into the lot, and went airborne for a moment.
The lean was evident immediately. I got out to pump the gas, saw about an inch of play, and my heart sank.
It was repaired within a week for a fair price. What I can say from that experience is that when you address the issue immediately, you won’t need to worry about additional problems developing.
