I circled what need to be take on off to see and easily grease the two screw gear.

 

Nice JLAWS. I will look into this. I'm assuming the gears are exposed and easy to identify? Or do I need to remove a cover plate to access the gears. Thanks.

-KO

 

Yes hit the column switch to see what gears move after the cover is off.

 

Someone please recommend grease. Better yet, provide an online link.

Thanks everyone for detailed pictures and description!

 

The only grease mentioned in the Lexus steering system manual is "Molybdenum disulfide lithium base grease". This is also the same grease as mentioned in TSIB ST001-04 (attached).

 

Hey Guys,

I'm having a similar issue in my 2001 LS430. Mine gives a grumbling noise and the wheel shakes a little. It only does it intermittently when retracting. Maybe 1 out of 5 times. I think it just needs lube, however, I just left Lexus and they told me 1.) there is no way to disable the feature 2.) its probably not a lube issue and 3.) I would probably be looking at $450 for one motor, $400 for another and several hours labor. This is of course before they've looked at it. They didn't have time to get it in until later. My appointment is later today to have it gone thru. Our local Lexus dealers in this area are owned by Auto Nation. I think everything is very black and white to them and would rather replace everything than help you find a reasonable solution. It sounds like my issue might have different symptoms than the ones mentioned here but any info you have would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

I had simiar issues with my 1st and 2nd Ls430. Greasing the gears fixed the problem on both of them. When the gears are dry you'll start to hear noises and then the motor will fail after a while since it struugles to move.

I used heavy duty grease that's for ball joints and grease fitting etc. You can find the stuff in any automotive store. Get get a small can or small tube for a small grease gun. The stuff takes a loooong time to break down and you won't have to worry about it for many years. Read my previous posts to do it yourself or someone not afraid to attempt it. Well greased steering column gears will sound like "light blowing air" when it moves.

 

How did I not think of this analogy first?!

 

Just developed this problem on my '04 LS w/ 76K miles. No symptoms until light squeaking on the auto retract. Will try jlaws fix, if the motor isn't already dead.

 

When I looked at my steering column, it was clear that in addition to lubing the telescope jackscrew, you should lube the metal column housing, and try to lube the carrier bearing that's halfway between the motor and the end of the jackscrew as well. Both of these are potential friction points. In my case, the problem is the carrier bearing, and that's too tight for grease, and probably not pullable from the column assembly.

We're certain that you need the dealer to shut down the retract on exit feature?

 

Alas, it's not a user selectable option.

 

I took the car to a local and former Lexus tech. He used a special grease he said Lexus developed just for that problem. Once applied the problem ceased immediately. Funny thing is, Lexus wanted me to change both motors at almost $900.00 just for the parts.

 

Okay, I just bought my '01 LS430 and the telescope function does work at all. There is no motor sound or function at all. I have no idea if the telescoping functionality was turned off, if that can be done, or if it needs grease, or if some motor has failed. The fuses are fine.

Has anyone else had this problem and is there a DIY repair?

-Dan

 

Do a search here as there are a number of threads about it. IIRC, one even has pics. If the automatic retract feature has been turned off, the steering column should still be moveable using the switch. If it doesn't budge, I'd try the disassembly and see if the gears move at all when the switch is engaged. It could need grease, a new switch, or (most costly) new motors.

 

To clarify - The feature that can be disabled in the "cbest" settings, (only by the dealer) is the automated retract and repositioning of the steering column when the car is started or shut down. Disabling this feature stops the automated positioning but still allows for all manual adjustments to the steering column. So if the column does not respond to manual adjustments it is because something is jammed or there is a motor problem, and not a cbest setting.