Hello CL

I have a 01 LS430 and for about two weeks, my steering wheel does not tilt down or up; it is rather "stuck" in a good position. The wheel does not move up when taking the key out, nor can I get it to move when manually adjusting it or when using a memory button. I can hear the gear turning.

The telescope function works as usual. Any suggestions??

 

tough one, give it a good bump with your knee when you turn your key off.....that ususally works with my toaster when it's acting up..

 

time for service...

 

For that year LS,check to see if it was a TSB. May be a issue they had with that year! My car did the same in 2003 and was under warranty when it happened so it was fixed without an issue of blame or me even asking if it was common with the 2001 LS430. Again, could be a TSB fellow member. All the best and hope its a tsb so you wont have to spend $ to fix it! L.G.N.M

 

May also be a simple issue such as what makes the steering column retract and detract is of track! Hope its not time for new steering column but, this is certainly an issue for one who had same exact issue or a qualified mechanic from Toyota/Lexus or just a qualified mechanic who has worked on these cars and can help you. Also, dont bother with it further in case it can be fixed you dont want to further damage it potentially! L.G.N.M

 

i have tha same problem,what is the tsb???

 

I have an LS400 and an LS430. About 6 months ago the tilt stopped working on my 400. Your symptoms sound the same. The gear is turning but not engaging. I looked on the net and found references to the fix. The 430 looks and acts the same as the 400 so the same fix may work.
If the gear is turning but nothing is happening then the problem may be that the cog gear is offset from the worm gear. Put a garden hose washer behind the cog gear and it works like new. Takes 30 minutes max and that offsets the motor gear assy at about $600 and labor of about $300.
I don't do my own maintenance but I could handle this.

Here is a youtube on how to fix it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgeIzc9Uga4

If all of this is not applicable for the 430 then I'm sorry for getting your hopes up but it sure sounds like the same problem.

 

I said there may be a TSB for this issue! I have no idea if thats the case truly but, I find that many have had this issue and when I went and had my steering wheel issue corrected I was told it had been an issue! I didn't have to worry of concerns of a TSB because I was under warranty. Again, the service consultant mentioned it had been an issue with the LS 430 though. Look into this Im sure something will come up! L.G.N.M

 

I had the same symptoms on an LS400. I have an LS400 and LS430 and the tilt looks and works the same. I searched the web and found the tilt motor was about $600 and $300 to install.
I fixed mine in 30 minutes based on info on the web. If you go to youtube and search for Lexus tilt steering fix you'll find the repair. There is a cog gear that becomes offset from a worm gear. Putting a garden hose washer behind the cog gear fixed the problem.
30 minutes saved $900 and it was easy.
Don't know if it works on 430 but it worked on my 400.

 

Good info to know!!!!! mazing fix and BIG savings!!! L.G.N.M