Steering wheel play in 2017 G80 RWD Premium

[as400guy]

I now have 850 miles on my new G80 and am starting to get comfortable with a dramatically newer car than I was used to! I'm less than halfway through the Owner's Manual and have not even started the DIS manual.

From the time of delivery I have had steering wheel play that is more than I think normal. The wheel has about 1/2" play before I get direction change from the tires. This results in more drift than I am used to before wheel correction happens. On uneven roads or with a crosswind the car weaves notably. The car continues to drift until the play is exhausted and then over-corrects. I get the play in the wheel in Eco, Sport and Normal driving mode. I get the play regardless of speed.

Have others experienced this?
Is it a problem or am I just not used to the car?
Maybe I'm just not used to a "modern" car after driving the same 1997 Lexus for 20 years?

BTW, I LOVE THIS CAR!

 

[ws46060]

When my G80 is responding to the Lane Keep Assist, the wheel feels a little loose for a second. Is your play associated with the LKA?

 

[chris41]

I've noticed it too on the highway, but it seems more prevalent on a windy day. I'm surprised how much the wind can push my car.

 

[as400guy]

LKAS is off.

The issue is pretty much all the time. I suspect there is a (hidden) setting that sets the wheel's play for routine steering.

The issue is nerve-wracking on a stretch of highway that has been under construction for years. The lanes are narrowed and it's always packed with cars. It's hard to keep the car in the full narrow lanes.

 

[AustinTX]

LKAS is off.

The issue is pretty much all the time. I suspect there is a (hidden) setting that sets the wheel's play for routine steering.

The issue is nerve-wracking on a stretch of highway that has been under construction for years. The lanes are narrowed and it's always packed with cars. It's hard to keep the car in the full narrow lanes.

I'm happy to let you try my 2015 here in Austin to see if it behaves differently.

Do you notice this on all drive mode settings (ECO, NORMAL and SPORT)?

 

[MikeyTG]

Mine does not seem to have any play at all. In fact I went on a 2 hour trip the other day to meet a friend for lunch and he remarked on how much his [BMW SUV] was pushed around by the wind and I had not noticed the wind at all. When I am on the highway I barely move the wheel to keep the car centered, it tracks like it is on rails.

Are your tire's pressures set correctly? Mine are at 35 PSI cold.

 

[as400guy]

Are your tire's pressures set correctly? Mine are at 35 PSI cold.

Good point. Mine was delivered with all tires at 39. I had not gotten around to letting out some air. Will report back.

- - - Updated - - -

I'm happy to let you try my 2015 here in Austin to see if it behaves differently.

Do you notice this on all drive mode settings (ECO, NORMAL and SPORT)?

Yes, all modes are the same.

I might take you up on your offer. It could be me, not used to a "modern" car. I'll let you know.

 

[Mark_888]

Good point. Mine was delivered with all tires at 39. I had not gotten around to letting out some air. Will report back.

Recommended tire pressure is in the drivers side door jamb sticker. A couple of PSI over recommended is OK, but looks like yours is little too much.

 

[pmcjr]

1/2 inch is not very much, but as best I can tell, I do not have any play at all in my '17 G80. I tried to replicate what you are experiencing, but as soon as I turn the steering wheel, there is an immediate response.

 

[pmckechnie]

Alignment can cause this also.

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