Telescopic steering column squeaking
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jul 2014
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From: Tn
Telescopic steering column squeaking
My steering column is squeaking when it extends at start up. This seems to worsen in warm weather. Anybody have luck at lubing the telescopic mechanism?
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,279
Likes: 1,034
From: Illinois
I don't know about lubricating the mechanism, but the movement of the steering column upon start up and shut down can be disabled via the available personalized settings. If I remember correctly, you can access that setting with Toyota TechStream. I disabled mine about a year ago. Not only did I find it annoying to have to wait for the steering column to stop moving every time I started the vehicle, but I also wondered about how long the mechanism would last if the steering column was moving every time the vehicle was started or shut down. And I find that, with leaving the steering wheel in the normal driving position, I still have plenty of room to spare when entering or leaving the vehicle.
If you don't find another solution to stop the squeaking, you might want to consider just disabling the steering column movement upon start up and shut down.
If you don't find another solution to stop the squeaking, you might want to consider just disabling the steering column movement upon start up and shut down.
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,279
Likes: 1,034
From: Illinois
Yep. On my ES, it is a double nuisance because the default setting is for both the steering column and the seat to move with every start up and shut down, and I've disabled both on the ES, as well as disabling the steering column automatic movement on the GX.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 29
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From: Tn
Great advice- I don't have any need to keep that telescopic function working so disabling sounds like the way to go. I love this place! (Club Lexus) 
Do you all know what techstream would work for our first gen GX? Will this work?
Do you all know what techstream would work for our first gen GX? Will this work?
Last edited by abatodu; Oct 30, 2014 at 10:09 AM.
Driver
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 102
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From: Arizona
I don't know about lubricating the mechanism, but the movement of the steering column upon start up and shut down can be disabled via the available personalized settings. If I remember correctly, you can access that setting with Toyota TechStream. I disabled mine about a year ago. Not only did I find it annoying to have to wait for the steering column to stop moving every time I started the vehicle, but I also wondered about how long the mechanism would last if the steering column was moving every time the vehicle was started or shut down. And I find that, with leaving the steering wheel in the normal driving position, I still have plenty of room to spare when entering or leaving the vehicle.
If you don't find another solution to stop the squeaking, you might want to consider just disabling the steering column movement upon start up and shut down.
If you don't find another solution to stop the squeaking, you might want to consider just disabling the steering column movement upon start up and shut down.
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,279
Likes: 1,034
From: Illinois
Yes, you need to use the TechStream software and the OBD connector to change the personalized settings on your own. The software and connector can be purchased for around $30. If you go to the dealer to have them change the settings, they are likely to charge much more than that every time you want to change the settings.
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Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,279
Likes: 1,034
From: Illinois
Great advice- I don't have any need to keep that telescopic function working so disabling sounds like the way to go. I love this place! (Club Lexus)
Do you all know what techstream would work for our first gen GX? Will this work?
Amazon.com : Fotga Newest V8.00.034 MINI VCI for TOYOTA TIS Techstream Diagnostic Cable & Software : Toyota Mongoose Cable : Car Electronics
Do you all know what techstream would work for our first gen GX? Will this work?
Amazon.com : Fotga Newest V8.00.034 MINI VCI for TOYOTA TIS Techstream Diagnostic Cable & Software : Toyota Mongoose Cable : Car Electronics
Also, note that you might need to use an older Windows XP laptop to get it to work, but some people have reported success in using it on Windows 7 laptops.
Last edited by lesz; Oct 30, 2014 at 10:57 AM.
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Joined: Dec 2008
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From: VA
Great advice- I don't have any need to keep that telescopic function working so disabling sounds like the way to go. I love this place! (Club Lexus)
Do you all know what techstream would work for our first gen GX? Will this work?
Amazon.com : Fotga Newest V8.00.034 MINI VCI for TOYOTA TIS Techstream Diagnostic Cable & Software : Toyota Mongoose Cable : Car Electronics
Do you all know what techstream would work for our first gen GX? Will this work?
Amazon.com : Fotga Newest V8.00.034 MINI VCI for TOYOTA TIS Techstream Diagnostic Cable & Software : Toyota Mongoose Cable : Car Electronics
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,279
Likes: 1,034
From: Illinois
Yes, you can still adjust the steering wheel position. All that you are disabling is the way that it automatically moves every time you start up or shut down the vehicle. And, even if you disable it, the steering wheel position is still kept for use with the memory buttons on the door.
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,279
Likes: 1,034
From: Illinois
There may also be another alternative to using the TechStream software for changing the personalized settings.
There is an Android App that will allow you to change the settings.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...sta-app-5.html
As of the last time that I checked about 6 months ago, the Carista app only worked with more recent Lexus (and Toyota) vehicles, including the Generation 2 GX, but the app developer said that he planned to develop a version that would be compatible with the Generation 1 GX. You might want to check to see if that has been done. The cost of the app and the OBD Bluetooth connector is about the same as the cost of the Techstream software and connector.
There is an Android App that will allow you to change the settings.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...sta-app-5.html
As of the last time that I checked about 6 months ago, the Carista app only worked with more recent Lexus (and Toyota) vehicles, including the Generation 2 GX, but the app developer said that he planned to develop a version that would be compatible with the Generation 1 GX. You might want to check to see if that has been done. The cost of the app and the OBD Bluetooth connector is about the same as the cost of the Techstream software and connector.
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