RX 300 Handling "How2" Page

Here are some ideas to consider for improving handling in the RX 300. Some of these items are easier or cheaper than others. This list of items are in order of ease, cost and permanence. Warning: changing any suspension or steering component will change handling and is not recommended. If you make changes, you do so at your own risk. If you change your suspension, all changes should be track tested for performance. Changes you make are made at your own risk.

Increase Air Pressure
[Difficulty Level 1]

Fast and Easy. Here is an easy way to feel how some of the other changes will effect the ride and handling capabilities. Increase the air pressure by 6 lb in each tire (36 lbs/sq in) all the way around. You will notice a marked improvement in steering, more road feel in the seat, i.e. stiffness (slightly rougher ride). With the improved steering you also get less sway on the curves and turns (stability). After testing, set the tire pressure back to that recommended by the manufacture.

Increase Tire Size
[Difficulty Level 1]

Plus size. Fast and Easy the next time you are going to buy new tires. Many owners are upping the tire width without changing the total diameter much (not enough to rub or throw off the odometer reading). A simple change from 225 to 235 width has been claimed to improve stability (curves and turns) and not change the stiffness of the ride much for the same tire (probably not enough to notice).

When you take the vehicle in for tires, know what tire pressure (cold) you are going in with (should be 30 lbs) and have the tire changer set the new tire pressure to the same exact pressure so you get an accurate comparison - otherwise you'll be guessing forever. Here is a good thread at ClubLexus for more info. Also, tire ideas from TireRack.

Add Wheel Spacers
[Difficulty Level 1]

This is fast just pop off the wheels and add the spacers, rebolt the wheels. This can be done quickly with or without wider tires (above). Spacers move the wheels out a bit so stability is improved. This is a bit like the effect of adding wider tires. Spacers can also be added with the plus size tires above for a greater effect. Warning: it has been shown that spacers increase the wear on wheel bearings. So lots of driving, curves, bumps, heavy loads will accelerate wheel bearing wear.

Install Larger Wheels
[Difficulty Level 2]

Larger wheels and tires with less side wall (i.e. same diameter as standard wheel tire combinations) will increase stability and handling with some increase in stiffness. This is very popular but of course is expensive and as such - more permanent. You might try a couple of the cheaper ideas before committing the bucks for 18" wheels. Some combination of larger diameter wheels with narrow sidewall tires will require spacers to move the wheels out enough so the tire does not rub on the strut assembly.

Remove One Coil Loop
[difficulty Level 3]

This can be done with little money and some labor to lower the ride and stiffen the suspension (decrease sway and improve handling). This can be done by clamping down one loop in each of the 4 springs. I've done this and it does take a bit of effort and time locating the correct size clamps which can be found in many automotive stores. Once you collapse a loop of the coil, handling is much tighter and the ride stiffer. I had this mod in for a while, but the ice heaves and pot holes this winter were so bad up here in Boston I had to remove the clamps and go back to full spring compliance. The roads here are like what most of you call off-roadin' !

Change Coil Springs
[Difficulty Level 4]

This is a nice mod but requires special tools or a shop that knows what they are doing. Lowers the vehicle and may be a little less stiff that just removing one coil loop, but will make the vehicle handle better all around by stiffening up the ride, tighter steering and lowered center of gravity. You can buy a kit made for the RX 300 at: ProCarParts

Stiffer Anti-Sway Bar
[Difficulty Level 3]

This is another good way to decrease sway and improve handling. However, hitting bumps on one side will transmit more of the energy to the side away from the bump - may not be noticeable depending on the stiffness of the anti-sway bar. I have not seen any kits made for the RX front or rear. However, Mike D. on the Clublexus web site mentioned for the RX300, "actually the Silver Sport Edition RX300 came with a "Euro Tuned" suspension and that included a sway bar. So you could order this sway bar and put it on the regular RX300.

It also has stiffer springs/struts.

Might be good if you can find them in a salvage yard."

Thanks Mike! This option might be worth looking into.

Note - when ever you re install wheels, after driving 50-100 miles, re-torque the wheel lug bolts. This is necessary because the wheels/lugs may re-seat and require re-torquing.

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