BobDana400

My telescopic steering wheel died a week ago. I'm taking it to the dealer on 4-14-03 to diagnose. The tilt still works. Dealer greased it in December. Unfortunately my '99 LS is two months out of warrenty--dealer said no luck on the warrenty coverage. Any thoughts on cost or advice.
Thanks, Bob

tenpointed

Contact Lexus customer service at 800-25-Lexus and explain the situation. Since it's only 2 months out of warranty, and I'm assuming under 50k miles, with enough complaining they will probably authorize the repair.

BobDana400

Thanks ten. Yes I'm under 50K. I'll call them before I go to the dealer.

ffitzgerald

This is a known design problem on the LS400 and LX470. My Lexus dealer replaced my mechanism twice on my 2000 LS400. They told me the steering wheel was too heavy for the mechanism after they added the trip computer controls. At first they tried a GM lubricant but that didn't work. With the last replacement the problem seems fixed.
I would think Lexus should fix this if they already tried the lubrication route and it still failed. There must be a techical service bulletin on this.

Lextreme

I talked to a Lexus Tech few weeks ago. He have been with Lexus since 1991. He stated that the 1st Gen LS400 is the best made car ever. The newer models have more electronics =more problems and lower workmanship quality.

tenpointed

This sounds exactly like a response from somebody who has a 1st gen LS400. Well, I've had all 3 generations and can tell you that they definitely keep getting better and better; electronics, features, quality of workmanship; they all keep getting better. 2nd gen is better than the 1st. 3rd gen is better than the 2nd. I think that tech was telling you exactly what you wanted to hear since you have a '90 LS. Lexus is not a company that rests on its laurels. Why else would their motto be "the passionate pursuit of perfection?"

BobDana400

I contacted Lexus at their 800# prior to going to the dealership regarding the telescoping motor. They heard my concerns, and then they said to take the car to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the problem and replaced the telescoping motor under warrenty (the car is 2 months out of warranty). The assistant service manager said that Lexus really does want to back up their car quality. The whole process was pretty effortless--a free ES 300 rental was provided too!
Thanks to "TENPOINTED" for his suggestion. For those of you that may need to do this, just follow these steps, and may you have success too!

BobDana400

P.S. Here's a plug for the Valencia dealership for providing exceptional service. They have treated me well with general maintenance service too.