1999 tilt wheel problems
02-01-12, 05:06 PM
#1
1999 tilt wheel problems
Please don't flame me that I did not search because I did a lot. I don't believe the answer is on the forums. I searched and almost all the answers to fix the ole' no up and down but telescope is working pertains to the older design. Anyway, my 99 is not the same.
I knew the tilt did not work when buying the car and looked up the fixes on this forum but they do not pertain to my model. The only close answer I found was someone who was able to manually turn the tilt screw and this reengaged the motor somehow. I get nothing, no sound, no movement when trying to tilt and telescopic works but is a bit slow.
I also found a PDF related to a service bulletin describing how to replace the motor and fix everything up but honestly I would not mind just adjusting the wheel up a couple of inches and leaving it at that for now. The directions I found by one poster described using a pair of needle nose pliers to manually turn the thread and adjust to desired height but I can't get the screw to turn for the life of me. Any other suggestions on how to do this without pulling the whole thing apart?
The first pic shows the side view of the column and the telescoping screw and the two other pics for the tilt screw at the bottom of the column and the motor right behind it. I tried like hell to get the screw to turn by grabbing the end of the screw with pliers but it won't budge.
I knew the tilt did not work when buying the car and looked up the fixes on this forum but they do not pertain to my model. The only close answer I found was someone who was able to manually turn the tilt screw and this reengaged the motor somehow. I get nothing, no sound, no movement when trying to tilt and telescopic works but is a bit slow.
I also found a PDF related to a service bulletin describing how to replace the motor and fix everything up but honestly I would not mind just adjusting the wheel up a couple of inches and leaving it at that for now. The directions I found by one poster described using a pair of needle nose pliers to manually turn the thread and adjust to desired height but I can't get the screw to turn for the life of me. Any other suggestions on how to do this without pulling the whole thing apart?
The first pic shows the side view of the column and the telescoping screw and the two other pics for the tilt screw at the bottom of the column and the motor right behind it. I tried like hell to get the screw to turn by grabbing the end of the screw with pliers but it won't budge.
Last edited by Lavrishevo; 02-01-12 at 05:10 PM.
02-02-12, 03:56 AM
#4
May not matter but just want to make sure.
Your part number:
http://www.lexuspartsnow.com/parts/l...231-50050.html
TSB Part number:
http://www.lexuspartsnow.com/parts/l...231-50042.html
PureDifter, what would be the best way for me to run 12v to it? The Orange wiring harness has about 6 wires running to it. Which one is hot and ground?
Last edited by Lavrishevo; 02-02-12 at 04:01 AM.
02-05-12, 09:38 AM
#6
I know this may be difficult for some guys, but I have messed with motors of all kinds for years, and you wouldn't believe how many fail simply because of contaminated brushes/armatures. Depending on how they are made, sometimes you can simply spray the brush assembly with an electronic degreaser, spin them over manually a few times, and voila, they work ! The contamination is usually from a leaking bearing assembly, or just too much lubrication nearby. If you have reasonable access, it's worth a try. My '99 has the same problem, and one of these days, I'm gonna tackle that sucker ( it just happens to be stuck at a good height for both my wife and I, so it's not a priority--yet).
Steve
Steve
02-05-12, 01:46 PM
#7
There was a TSB for a similar problem shortly after the series IV was launched.
http://www.justanswer.com/uploads/sn...ing_tsib_1.pdf
The motor fails apparently due to the internal permanent magnet breaking up and jamming the motor, lubrication will have no positive effect and replacement is the only option.
I have always wondered if the cause of this motor failure on these and the earlier LS400s could be partially down to using the steering wheel as a grab handle when getting out of the car .While the steering wheel is still moving up I used hold and push down on the wheel and use it to help push myself out of the car but have since stopped doing this.
Apparently the same motor is fitted to the Toyota Land Cruiser, if that is the case they are selling for under $220.00.
http://www.toyotapartsoverstock.com/...923160022.html
http://www.justanswer.com/uploads/sn...ing_tsib_1.pdf
The motor fails apparently due to the internal permanent magnet breaking up and jamming the motor, lubrication will have no positive effect and replacement is the only option.
I have always wondered if the cause of this motor failure on these and the earlier LS400s could be partially down to using the steering wheel as a grab handle when getting out of the car .While the steering wheel is still moving up I used hold and push down on the wheel and use it to help push myself out of the car but have since stopped doing this.
Apparently the same motor is fitted to the Toyota Land Cruiser, if that is the case they are selling for under $220.00.
http://www.toyotapartsoverstock.com/...923160022.html
Last edited by steve2006; 02-05-12 at 02:08 PM.
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02-05-12, 02:33 PM
#8
I know this may be difficult for some guys, but I have messed with motors of all kinds for years, and you wouldn't believe how many fail simply because of contaminated brushes/armatures. Depending on how they are made, sometimes you can simply spray the brush assembly with an electronic degreaser, spin them over manually a few times, and voila, they work ! The contamination is usually from a leaking bearing assembly, or just too much lubrication nearby. If you have reasonable access, it's worth a try. My '99 has the same problem, and one of these days, I'm gonna tackle that sucker ( it just happens to be stuck at a good height for both my wife and I, so it's not a priority--yet).
Steve
Steve
02-05-12, 02:44 PM
#9
There was a TSB for a similar problem shortly after the series IV was launched.
http://www.justanswer.com/uploads/sn...ing_tsib_1.pdf
The motor fails apparently due to the internal permanent magnet breaking up and jamming the motor, lubrication will have no positive effect and replacement is the only option.
I have always wondered if the cause of this motor failure on these and the earlier LS400s could be partially down to using the steering wheel as a grab handle when getting out of the car .While the steering wheel is still moving up I used hold and push down on the wheel and use it to help push myself out of the car but have since stopped doing this.
Apparently the same motor is fitted to the Toyota Land Cruiser, if that is the case they are selling for under $220.00.
http://www.toyotapartsoverstock.com/...923160022.html
http://www.justanswer.com/uploads/sn...ing_tsib_1.pdf
The motor fails apparently due to the internal permanent magnet breaking up and jamming the motor, lubrication will have no positive effect and replacement is the only option.
I have always wondered if the cause of this motor failure on these and the earlier LS400s could be partially down to using the steering wheel as a grab handle when getting out of the car .While the steering wheel is still moving up I used hold and push down on the wheel and use it to help push myself out of the car but have since stopped doing this.
Apparently the same motor is fitted to the Toyota Land Cruiser, if that is the case they are selling for under $220.00.
http://www.toyotapartsoverstock.com/...923160022.html
I just ran it down, and I believe you are right, 89231a in the photo looks right...
02-06-12, 04:40 PM
#12
This could go from bad to worse
Has anyone had to replace that? I'm thinking that I like my steering wheel just where it is...
02-07-12, 05:57 AM
#13
Really? Ouch, no wonder they are so expensive; electronically commutated motors are only half of the potential cost. There is a separate electronic control module that probably costs even more, and is beyond the diy guy's ability to troubleshoot, unless you're an engineer with a scope Has anyone had to replace that? I'm thinking that I like my steering wheel just where it is...
Has anyone had to replace that? I'm thinking that I like my steering wheel just where it is...
02-07-12, 08:26 AM
#14
mine was seized up, I took it apart yesterday, and it looked ok, the bearing was hard to turn with the magnets on it, I lubed it and put it back together, and could turn it then.......... if I ever have to get into it again, I will plug it in and see if it works properly. I was surprised how simple it was.
Could you go into detail about how you removed it. I have the TSB but it is nice to hear from someone who did it themselves. Please, plug it in and tell me if it works.
I am about to embark on this myself.
12-14-21, 02:47 PM
#15
Driver School Candidate
I had a similar problem with my 99 Lexus GS300. The steering wheel tilt motor did not work when cold. It only worked in hot weather or after a couple hours of driving on the open road. The problem is that the small motor that tilts the steering wheel has no vent openings and the iron filings from the motor's brushes mechanically clog up the motor's function. When it warms up enough the grease melts and the motor works. Remove, disassemble and clean the motor, and use just the smallest amount of lithium grease to lube it while reassembling it. I found a step by step how to online. I can't find my hard copy but I will check back on this dialogue and post it when I find it. Good luck
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oldyngoody
LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000)
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