ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion - tilt will not work on SC400

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The electronic tilt system on my 93 SC400 makes a grinding noise when I try to place the wheel in the lowered position. Sounds like a gear is stripped. Will go up without any problem. Is this a difficult repair? Any idea on what Lexus would charge to fix? Thanks

you have to replace the whole steering column

find out the prices I got an extra one but I am far away.

"Pops" do you know for sure by experiance or just a guess? :( I think replacing the whole column would be a little excessive. Then again this from the same people that placed the alternator under the power steering pump costing me close to 1K to replace both! :eek:
I'll check with the parts guy at Lexus and see what it takes to repair it.

Hey Hawkstr,
sorry for the wrong info. the tilt motor is replacable on the sc,it is the gs that you have to replace the column.The tilt motor is about 500.00 and is not that hard to install.I am a DS at a large dealer,so I know what i'm talking about

Just a follow up-
I went to the dealer and confirmed what "Pops" said, (thanks Pops!) the tilt motor is replaceable and $501 and some change. I then decided to remove the lower panel and take a look at hard it was going to be to remove the tilt motor assembly prior to ordering a new one. The lower plastic trim panel came off easily. That gave access to the tilt assembly. I found on the side of the tilt motor a small cover held in place by 3 small screws. After removing that cover, the gear for the tilt was exposed!. It looks to be a worm gear type set up. You could clearly see the outside edge of the gear which was chewed a bit on three to four teeth (the spot where it would stop and grind). The best part was that I was able to remove the gear, flip it over, and rotate it 180 degrees for a perfect fit and a new, sharp set of teeth edges. Re-distributed the grease that was already in there and put it all back together. Works great, smooth, no noise, just as good as day one from the factory! :cool:

Now, that is COOL!!:D

Nice Work hawkstr!

Don't ya just love it when a plan comes together.:) :)