Squeaky LS430
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 31
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From: Florida
Squeaky LS430
I recently started a thread in an effort to resolve a squeak that occurs when I switch my Lexus off. I thought maybe it was my A/C but today I turned my A/c off prior to shutting down the engine. The noise then became more obvious, it is emanating from my steering column retracting to its HOME position. Is there any way to lubricate this?
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,512
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From: MI
I recently started a thread in an effort to resolve a squeak that occurs when I switch my Lexus off. I thought maybe it was my A/C but today I turned my A/c off prior to shutting down the engine. The noise then became more obvious, it is emanating from my steering column retracting to its HOME position. Is there any way to lubricate this?
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 31
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From: Florida
I researched this forum and found that a TSB had been issued for the 2004 LS430. I took my 2003 in to Lexus of the Treasure Coast and they inspected the vehicle and told me that I need a new motor & motor tilt. $330.00, $351.00 and $280.00 labor. My Lexus does not qualify under the TSB???? Seems odd that Lexus acknowledged there was a design problem and took steps to correct the situation but somehow failed to pinpoint when the problem began. I am getting a letter off to Lexus.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,512
Likes: 4
From: MI
I researched this forum and found that a TSB had been issued for the 2004 LS430. I took my 2003 in to Lexus of the Treasure Coast and they inspected the vehicle and told me that I need a new motor & motor tilt. $330.00, $351.00 and $280.00 labor. My Lexus does not qualify under the TSB???? Seems odd that Lexus acknowledged there was a design problem and took steps to correct the situation but somehow failed to pinpoint when the problem began. I am getting a letter off to Lexus.
Driver
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Netherlands
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Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,512
Likes: 4
From: MI
Yup what he said. You can still make adjustments. I have never had a car before that automatically retracts away so getting in without the feature should be pretty easy still.
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Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Thats how my thread started but it seemed like it involved some dismantling and my old body don't bend like it used....I'm of an age when if it needed lubricating the manufacturer supplied a grease fitting. Incidentally I have gotten a letter off to Lexus noting my displeasure, I feel like a "notch baby".
CL Community Team
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,915
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From: Alabama
Don't waste time arguing with Lexus about the TSB being a admission of a design flaw because that is absolutely not what a TSB is, and they will argue about it until the cows come home. A TSB is a technical publication that contains a specific problem description and a factory recommendation for use by the Lexus technician on the best way to repair/resolve break downs/problems/maintenance issues on a Lexus vehicles.
A design defect would be addressed in a recall and not just in a TSB.
So the best way to work the conversation on reduced or comped repair cost is to ask for a manager and discuss with them how you are a loyal customer and that you understand all cars need periodic maint and repair but in this specific case you are disappointed with quality, repair seems costly given age of car, repair is on an item that does not break in other cars, etc., etc. That conversation can work to your advantage. Arguing about TSBs should be done for free is a dog that won't hunt, wastes time, and just makes them think you are a noob.
A design defect would be addressed in a recall and not just in a TSB.
So the best way to work the conversation on reduced or comped repair cost is to ask for a manager and discuss with them how you are a loyal customer and that you understand all cars need periodic maint and repair but in this specific case you are disappointed with quality, repair seems costly given age of car, repair is on an item that does not break in other cars, etc., etc. That conversation can work to your advantage. Arguing about TSBs should be done for free is a dog that won't hunt, wastes time, and just makes them think you are a noob.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Squeaky steering column
I received a phone call from Lexus and they wised me up on what a TSB is, the conversation pretty much followed the way I expected. My intent was not to try and squabble about a freebie but to understand how my vehicle suffers from the problem that initiated the TSB and yet my VIN# wasn't included within the bracket provided for in the TSB.
I was told that the TSB's are only good during the vehicles warranty period anyway and of course that discluded me. I can only assume the squeak became apparent to Lexus after my warranty expiration, hence the ommission of my VIN. I still love my Lexus and if the squeak gets really annoying I will have Lexus disable the program that operates the retraction. Thanx for all the advice.
I was told that the TSB's are only good during the vehicles warranty period anyway and of course that discluded me. I can only assume the squeak became apparent to Lexus after my warranty expiration, hence the ommission of my VIN. I still love my Lexus and if the squeak gets really annoying I will have Lexus disable the program that operates the retraction. Thanx for all the advice.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,501
Likes: 77
From: Northern VA
It's well known that on all Lexus models, the auto-retracting steering wheel motors eventually wear out and squeak/groan, then fail. I knew this even before I bought my LX in '06, so the first thing I did was to have the dealer disable the auto retracting feature. The memory steering column still works. When I bought my LS, I did exactly the same thing. Also, don't use the auto folding mirrors and auto tilt-down function unless you really have to. Those motors are wear out and the replacement cost is like $1800 for a single mirror! You can shut the auto tilt off by putting the mirror switch in the center position.