How to Address Lexus Body Roll Issues

Lexus vehicles are renowned for their extra smooth ride, but with that comes a downside. Lexus cars and SUVs usually have a softer suspension, which makes the ride much more comfortable. However, this also causes the car to roll. In this article, we will define body roll and explore what steps you might be able to take to mitigate the issue.

What is a Car Body Roll?

Other terms used for body roll are sway and lean. When your car leans to one side while making a sharp turn, that’s a body roll. You’ll notice, when you’re turning right, your car wants to lean to the left or conversely when you’re turning left, your car leans to the right. The sway or lean is greater when you are making the turn at higher speeds.

Why Does Car Body Roll Happen?

Have you noticed, when your washing machine goes into the spin cycle, how your clothes are forced outwards and stick to the walls of the basket? That force is called the centrifugal force. It is that same force that acts on your car when you are turning corners. The more the centrifugal force, the more the body leans or rolls. Vehicles with a higher center of gravity tend to experience more body roll.

Effect of Body Roll on Your Car

Body roll in a car is a normal phenomenon. Modern cars are outfitted with the proper types of suspension and safety features so that the cars do not actually roll over. However, too much roll (or lean) can make the driver and the passengers feel uncomfortable. In acute cases, it may cause your Lexus to become unstable, which could make your vehicle unresponsive and you could lose control of your car.

How to Mitigate Car Body Roll?

There are some ways to reduce body roll. Be sure to have these enhancements done by a professional mechanic otherwise, it could be a potentially dangerous situation.

• • Suspension Upgrades: There are two changes you can make to the suspension of your Lexus:
    • Anti-Roll Bars: Sway bars or anti-roll bars can be installed to connect the left and right sides of your Lexus’ suspension, to distribute the weight more evenly, which will reduce the tendency to lean.
    • Stiffer Springs: By increasing the resistance in the suspension, you’ll be lowering your car’s center of gravity. This will decrease imbalance during turns and reduce body roll.

• Tires and Wheels: Consider installing high-performance tires that have better grip on the road. This allows improved load transfer and keeps your car stable. Also, wider tires and alloy wheels, which are lighter, can have a positive effect on your car’s overall handling.
• Chassis Bracing: Braces can help make your Lexus less flexible during cornering, which will improve the body roll issue. There are several types of braces, such as underbody braces, strut lower bars, and sway bar braces. We can take a look at your car and recommend which one is best for your situation.
• Tire Pressure and Alignment: Needless to say, you must keep your tires at the manufacturer’s recommended pressure and you have to ensure your wheels are properly aligned. These are part of the standard car-care routine. Every responsible car owner needs to have these checks done during a regular maintenance cycle. We can certainly help you with this.
• Driver Behavior: Do you take your turns like an Indy 500 race-car driver? Aggressive and high-speed turns will create unnecessary imbalance and body roll. The trick is to drive at an even-keeled pace and make your turns in a gradual way.

Ask Us Questions

Each car is different and each issue is different. Ask us how we can help you with your Lexus’ body roll issue or any other car problem. We can advise you on which method to choose and the pros and cons of each approach are. Keep in mind, no matter which solution you pick, there are some trade-offs, such as the ride may not be as comfortable anymore. However, addressing the body roll issue is important, as it makes your car much safer. What is most important is to make sure you are taking your car to a professional garage, where the mechanics are intimately familiar with the installation process.

At MW4 Outfitters, we are here to elevate your riding experience—whether you are off-roading or highway cruising on vacation. This is our specialization, so when you come to us for enhancements for your vehicle, rest assured you are with highly trained and experienced professionals. We not only have the coolest accessories to upgrade your vehicle, but we take the time to discuss what is best for you and your budget. Call us or book an appointment to visit us. We are in Humble, Texas.