LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006) Discussion topics related to the flagship Lexus LS430

2001 LS430 UL Steering Column Rattle

Old 06-21-10, 09:55 AM
  #1  
HiloDB1
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
 
HiloDB1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Hilo, Hawaii
Posts: 1,063
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes on 13 Posts
Default 2001 LS430 UL Steering Column Rattle

I have noticed that there is a rattling sound coming from what seems to be the steering column when I am driving over bumpy surfaces. When Im on smooth road I do not hear the sound. I dont hear it when I just turn the wheel only over rough surfaces. It almost sounds like something is loose in the steering column causing the noise. Anyone else ever have this issue? Or does anyone know what it could be?
Old 06-21-10, 10:59 AM
  #2  
Vpanin
Pole Position
 
Vpanin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: NYC
Posts: 391
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by HiloDB1
I have noticed that there is a rattling sound coming from what seems to be the steering column when I am driving over bumpy surfaces. When Im on smooth road I do not hear the sound. I dont hear it when I just turn the wheel only over rough surfaces. It almost sounds like something is loose in the steering column causing the noise. Anyone else ever have this issue? Or does anyone know what it could be?



I have the same problem. My sound resembles a clicking sound more than anything. I dont know what it is but im assuming it might be the clockspring
Old 06-21-10, 01:02 PM
  #3  
SerasLibre
Rookie
 
SerasLibre's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: NJ
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

I have the same problem too. Last time I posted this question nobody replied, so maybe its not common? Is there a grease fitting anywhere in the steering column?
Old 06-21-10, 01:39 PM
  #4  
HiloDB1
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
 
HiloDB1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Hilo, Hawaii
Posts: 1,063
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes on 13 Posts
Default

As far as I know it doesnt sound like a click it just a rattle. Like something is loose. Its pretty annoying. Im debating taking the cover off the steering column to take a look and see what it could be.
Old 06-21-10, 04:59 PM
  #5  
CW2004LS43
Driver School Candidate
 
CW2004LS43's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: OREGON
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I have the same issue. Only on certain bumps, feels like the steering column is loose or has to much play in the bearing or what ever it is sitting in. There has to be a way to tighten it.
Old 06-21-10, 05:48 PM
  #6  
HiloDB1
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
 
HiloDB1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Hilo, Hawaii
Posts: 1,063
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes on 13 Posts
Default

Well when I get a chance Ill take it apart and see if there is anything I can do. If its something simple I will report back and hopefully have pics and a write up.
Old 06-21-10, 10:57 PM
  #7  
Vpanin
Pole Position
 
Vpanin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: NYC
Posts: 391
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

im going to take my cover off too.....
Old 06-22-10, 04:51 PM
  #8  
440+6
Rookie
 
440+6's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: MA
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

Edit: I have a copy of the service bulletin, PM me for details

Last edited by 440+6; 06-22-10 at 04:58 PM. Reason: I have the SB
Old 10-05-10, 12:44 PM
  #9  
CW2004LS43
Driver School Candidate
 
CW2004LS43's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: OREGON
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Did anyone ever figure this out? Mine is very annoying.

Thanks.
Old 10-05-10, 12:51 PM
  #10  
HiloDB1
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
iTrader: (3)
 
HiloDB1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Hilo, Hawaii
Posts: 1,063
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes on 13 Posts
Default

Never got around to taking off the cover. I got the TSB from 440+6 and dont feel comfortable trying the repair myself. I will probably end up taking it to the dealer to have the TSB done. I was quoted roughly $300 to do the TSB parts + labor. Im not sure if that will even fix the issue.
Old 10-05-10, 01:30 PM
  #11  
DDLexus
Racer
 
DDLexus's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Alabama
Posts: 1,254
Received 25 Likes on 20 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by CW2004LS43
Did anyone ever figure this out? Mine is very annoying.

Thanks.
i have an extra steering column laying around... here's a photo
Attached Thumbnails 2001 LS430 UL Steering Column Rattle-img_1497_small.jpg  
Old 10-05-10, 03:51 PM
  #12  
JimsGX
Lexus Test Driver
 
JimsGX's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: MA
Posts: 1,265
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Default

It looks like something out of Terminator II!
Old 10-05-10, 11:43 PM
  #13  
Vpanin
Pole Position
 
Vpanin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: NYC
Posts: 391
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

I just had the Lower universal joint replaced under warranty and that fixed my clicking and rattling. The problem is that other noises popped up shortly after. I dont even know if i want anyone work on my steering rack again. The techs always stretch the leather on the seat with their knees.
Old 10-05-10, 11:46 PM
  #14  
Vpanin
Pole Position
 
Vpanin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: NYC
Posts: 391
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

DDlexus what are you doing with an extra steering rack ????lol
Old 10-06-10, 06:28 AM
  #15  
DDLexus
Racer
 
DDLexus's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Alabama
Posts: 1,254
Received 25 Likes on 20 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by Vpanin
DDlexus what are you doing with an extra steering rack ????lol
Ha! My telescoping motor went bad, so I bought the whole steering column from a "recycle parts dealer". I found that it was cheaper to buy from a wrecking yard than buy a new part from the dealer. I'll probably list the rack on eBay eventually, for now it sits in the garage

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Quick Reply: 2001 LS430 UL Steering Column Rattle



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 06:34 PM.