steering column questions '99
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 75
Likes: 8
From: Netherlands
steering column questions '99
Hey guys,
So after a few years I decided to do a proper diagnose on my steering column as it never work since I own the car (1999 LS).
I have seen many other topics about this, so bare with me and please read first.
I found that the tilt screw was jammed. It's working right now, although not yet super smooth. If you watch my video, is it correct that this is full range of up and down movement? It doesn't go higher because it hits a stopper or something in the colurm, and it doesn't go further down because it hits the snap ring on the screw.
The telescopic movement isn't working, looks like the column it self is stuck, or the motor is to weak. It turn's, but only with the little bit of play it has in the slider support.
I've seen TSIB ST003-00, and there is a telescopic motor listed in the parts list, is this a more powerfull one to overcome my problem, or do I have an issue with column itself?
thx
So after a few years I decided to do a proper diagnose on my steering column as it never work since I own the car (1999 LS).
I have seen many other topics about this, so bare with me and please read first.
I found that the tilt screw was jammed. It's working right now, although not yet super smooth. If you watch my video, is it correct that this is full range of up and down movement? It doesn't go higher because it hits a stopper or something in the colurm, and it doesn't go further down because it hits the snap ring on the screw.
The telescopic movement isn't working, looks like the column it self is stuck, or the motor is to weak. It turn's, but only with the little bit of play it has in the slider support.
I've seen TSIB ST003-00, and there is a telescopic motor listed in the parts list, is this a more powerfull one to overcome my problem, or do I have an issue with column itself?
thx
Racer
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,906
Likes: 491
From: Nevada
WAIT HOLD UP
Stop right there.
Wait just a ****ing minute.
The column is supposed to be silent??!?!?!?! Mine makes a BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR noise every time it's moved.
__________
btw, to answer your question, yes the column should have a greater range of movement. I just got in my car and I would say my range of movement is 3 or 4 times larger than yours.
As for the telescoping function and everything else - I'm not too sure - this isn't an area I'm particularly knowledgeable of. I believe typically the failures are within the motors rather than the column itself - but please don't take that as ground truth. Is the motor getting the correct voltages and signals telling it to activate?
Stop right there.
Wait just a ****ing minute.
The column is supposed to be silent??!?!?!?! Mine makes a BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR noise every time it's moved.
__________
btw, to answer your question, yes the column should have a greater range of movement. I just got in my car and I would say my range of movement is 3 or 4 times larger than yours.
As for the telescoping function and everything else - I'm not too sure - this isn't an area I'm particularly knowledgeable of. I believe typically the failures are within the motors rather than the column itself - but please don't take that as ground truth. Is the motor getting the correct voltages and signals telling it to activate?
Last edited by 400fanboy; Jun 8, 2021 at 01:00 PM.
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 75
Likes: 8
From: Netherlands
WAIT HOLD UP
Stop right there.
Wait just a ****ing minute.
The column is supposed to be silent??!?!?!?! Mine makes a BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR noise every time it's moved.
__________
btw, to answer your question, yes the column should have a greater range of movement. I just got in my car and I would say my range of movement is 3 or 4 times larger than yours.
As for the telescoping function and everything else - I'm not too sure - this isn't an area I'm particularly knowledgeable of. I believe typically the failures are within the motors rather than the column itself - but please don't take that as ground truth. Is the motor getting the correct voltages and signals telling it to activate?
Stop right there.
Wait just a ****ing minute.
The column is supposed to be silent??!?!?!?! Mine makes a BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR noise every time it's moved.
__________
btw, to answer your question, yes the column should have a greater range of movement. I just got in my car and I would say my range of movement is 3 or 4 times larger than yours.
As for the telescoping function and everything else - I'm not too sure - this isn't an area I'm particularly knowledgeable of. I believe typically the failures are within the motors rather than the column itself - but please don't take that as ground truth. Is the motor getting the correct voltages and signals telling it to activate?
That sounds like the older column, with the plastic gears. That's a different story then the '99 LS
Pit Crew
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 249
Likes: 52
From: IL
Lexus switched to silent brushless style motor in Late production 98 and all 99-00 LS400's. Not sure which is more reliable, my 97 with 230k has weak motors that get stuck at times, and my 98 with the same loud motors is nearly flawless, never gets stuck.
Per the video, the column on my 98 has about 2x as much up/down range. Yours looks to be binding in some way, it should be smooth.
The telescopic function sounds like a weak motor. Good news is the old school motors should be able to be removed and cleaned out a bit, might revive them to usable condition.
Per the video, the column on my 98 has about 2x as much up/down range. Yours looks to be binding in some way, it should be smooth.
The telescopic function sounds like a weak motor. Good news is the old school motors should be able to be removed and cleaned out a bit, might revive them to usable condition.
CL Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,703
Likes: 826
From: 565 St Peter NOLA
Hey guys,
So after a few years I decided to do a proper diagnose on my steering column as it never work since I own the car (1999 LS).
I have seen many other topics about this, so bare with me and please read first
I found that the tilt screw was jammed. It's working right now, although not yet super smooth. If you watch my video, is it correct that this is full range of up and down movement? It doesn't go higher because it hits a stopper or something in the colurm, and it doesn't go further down because it hits the snap ring on the screw.
The telescopic movement isn't working, looks like the column it self is stuck, or the motor is to weak. It turn's, but only with the little bit of play it has in the slider support.
I've seen TSIB ST003-00, and there is a telescopic motor listed in the parts list, is this a more powerfull one to overcome my problem, or do I have an issue with column itself?
thx
So after a few years I decided to do a proper diagnose on my steering column as it never work since I own the car (1999 LS).
I have seen many other topics about this, so bare with me and please read first
I found that the tilt screw was jammed. It's working right now, although not yet super smooth. If you watch my video, is it correct that this is full range of up and down movement? It doesn't go higher because it hits a stopper or something in the colurm, and it doesn't go further down because it hits the snap ring on the screw.
The telescopic movement isn't working, looks like the column it self is stuck, or the motor is to weak. It turn's, but only with the little bit of play it has in the slider support.
I've seen TSIB ST003-00, and there is a telescopic motor listed in the parts list, is this a more powerfull one to overcome my problem, or do I have an issue with column itself?
thx
The following threads should provide almost all the info you need-
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...queak-fix.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...-solution.html
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 75
Likes: 8
From: Netherlands
If/when the motors die the ancillary parts likely caused the failure.
The following threads should provide almost all the info you need-
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...queak-fix.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...-solution.html
The following threads should provide almost all the info you need-
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...queak-fix.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...-solution.html
yes I've seen them somewhere in the past. Probable the route that I will be taking. But I've seen a motor listed on one of the TSIB's, so I was also wondering if that is something I should also get.
Like bylan says, on mine it looks/sounds weak. Both of m actually. The tilt function currently looks like its binding making it hard for the motor to move.
Added 2 pictures, this is the tilt motor and screw.
Top pic is lowest position, it sits against that washer or snapring that sits around the screw.
Bottom pic is highest position. You can see that there is still some thread left, but it felt like it hit its upper limit somewhere else.
Hence the question on the total travel that I should be getting
CL Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,703
Likes: 826
From: 565 St Peter NOLA
New motors are of course an option but they will be hindered as well until you disassemble/clean/replace the bushing on the threaded rod and re-lubricate. If this basic maintenance isn't done a new motor will likely fail in less than a year...
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 75
Likes: 8
From: Netherlands
Hard to quantify the distance of travel, I'd guess from the vid it should be 3X what you currently have.
New motors are of course an option but they will be hindered as well until you disassemble/clean/replace the bushing on the threaded rod and re-lubricate. If this basic maintenance isn't done a new motor will likely fail in less than a year...
New motors are of course an option but they will be hindered as well until you disassemble/clean/replace the bushing on the threaded rod and re-lubricate. If this basic maintenance isn't done a new motor will likely fail in less than a year...
Is there anything known on the sliding / telescopic section? If that's stuck, a new motor and linkage won't do anything either. And the motor stops when the small bit of play in the linkage stops
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
Racer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,286
Likes: 212
From: Chandler, AZ
Hey guys,
So after a few years I decided to do a proper diagnose on my steering column as it never work since I own the car (1999 LS).
I have seen many other topics about this, so bare with me and please read first.
I found that the tilt screw was jammed. It's working right now, although not yet super smooth. If you watch my video, is it correct that this is full range of up and down movement? It doesn't go higher because it hits a stopper or something in the colurm, and it doesn't go further down because it hits the snap ring on the screw.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhBhDbu5A2Q
The telescopic movement isn't working, looks like the column it self is stuck, or the motor is to weak. It turn's, but only with the little bit of play it has in the slider support.
I've seen TSIB ST003-00, and there is a telescopic motor listed in the parts list, is this a more powerfull one to overcome my problem, or do I have an issue with column itself?
thx
So after a few years I decided to do a proper diagnose on my steering column as it never work since I own the car (1999 LS).
I have seen many other topics about this, so bare with me and please read first.
I found that the tilt screw was jammed. It's working right now, although not yet super smooth. If you watch my video, is it correct that this is full range of up and down movement? It doesn't go higher because it hits a stopper or something in the colurm, and it doesn't go further down because it hits the snap ring on the screw.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhBhDbu5A2Q
The telescopic movement isn't working, looks like the column it self is stuck, or the motor is to weak. It turn's, but only with the little bit of play it has in the slider support.
I've seen TSIB ST003-00, and there is a telescopic motor listed in the parts list, is this a more powerfull one to overcome my problem, or do I have an issue with column itself?
thx
Racer
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,906
Likes: 491
From: Nevada
CL Community Team
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,172
Likes: 1,006
From: Japan
Racer
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,906
Likes: 491
From: Nevada
The design change was done in August 1998 to use ultrasonic motors instead of conventional motors aiming to perform the quieter operation. It's far quieter for human ears but shorter the lifespan as is explained here. Once a ultrasonic motor is failed, the only way to fix is to replace the whole motor and it's not inexpensive.
Now that I own the car 25 years later, I'm very happy my 1998 car was made before August 1998 lol.
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 75
Likes: 8
From: Netherlands
Hey guys
Wanted to get back on this subject real quick.
I still haven't done anything to resolve this issue to be honest. But now (maybe because it gets colder?) the wheel tilts all the way up when removing the key, but it doesn't come all the way down to it's last position. But not because it's stuck though.
If I remove the key and put it back in rapidly then eventually it gets to the position it should be in.
Does this also have something to do with the motors or is this a separate issue?
Wanted to get back on this subject real quick.
I still haven't done anything to resolve this issue to be honest. But now (maybe because it gets colder?) the wheel tilts all the way up when removing the key, but it doesn't come all the way down to it's last position. But not because it's stuck though.
If I remove the key and put it back in rapidly then eventually it gets to the position it should be in.
Does this also have something to do with the motors or is this a separate issue?
Pit Crew
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 249
Likes: 52
From: IL
Is there a subtle click from the column when the motor gives up? Mine do that when having a weak day. Sometimes spazzing on the adjustment button gets it going, but my belief is the internal resistance of the motor is tripping the relay it runs off of. Mine work better on cold days.
I may one day remove the tilt motor in my 98 and clean it out with contact cleaner, to see if that livens it up a bit. I would still suggest you do the same. Its far easier than replacing unobtanium parts.
I may one day remove the tilt motor in my 98 and clean it out with contact cleaner, to see if that livens it up a bit. I would still suggest you do the same. Its far easier than replacing unobtanium parts.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
biosurfer1
LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006)
5
Apr 11, 2019 02:48 PM