On my LS you can barely hear the wheel as it lowers and extends, sounds like a whoosh of air. The whole thing is graceful.

In every other Lexus I've been in you actually hear the motors.

 

same with mine, i'm pretty sure in 1998 or 1999 the steering adjustment motors were changed to 'ultrasonic motors' so yea essentially no sound at all

the motors in the 2013 LS i drove weren't these ultrasonic ones, evidence of increased bean counting i guess

 

Agreed.

You sure? I drove a '11 (pre-refresh) and the wheel was silent like mine, at least that's what I remember, it being a few years ago. That said, I could list about 25 examples of bean counting in that '11 compared to my 430.

There's nothing wrong with the power wheels that make noise, but it is extra special in an LS where it's virtually silent.

I've pulled the fuse on mine until my DIY buddy can get to it and professionally lube the screws and everything, and I really miss it. It's what makes a Lexus a Lexus.

 

My LS460s do/did not have the silent motor like my LS430 did. Nor did my 98 LS400.

 

I guess I was wrong. I would have sworn the '11 I drove I didn't hear anything when the wheel came out, and it's something I would look for. It was dead of summer and the car had been sitting--maybe the A/C blowing masked the sound. Not trying to second guess you guys but are you sure?? Mine is just like a silent whoosh and then a solid little (quiet) satisfying thud when it reaches the end of its travel.

It's not like a Lexus with a power wheel making normal noise is a big deal at all, but I love how it is silent in my 430...matches the whole theme of the car.

 

Its possible that earlier LS460s did, but my post 2013 LS460s don't. I'm 100% sure, I drive it every day and I know exactly what you're talking about from my LS430.

 

Interesting.

Maybe someone with an '07-'12 will chime in.

With the major upgrades they put into the '13 that's a strange omission, though.

 

Could be something to do with longevity also

 

Can someone look up the part numbers? Would be interested to know

We had the feature in our LX470, I don’t think I remember any noise.

 

it's also cool how like literally nothing else (besides the LX from the same year it would seem) has a steering wheel that silently lowers itself into your hands

normally just having the motors at all would be a noteworthy luxury feature, but 90s toyota actually felt it was important to go further and make the motors silent