How to replace driver's side HVAC servo?
 

My 2003 SC430 finally needs to have the air mix servo on the driver's side replaced. It's gotten very noisy and occasionally stops working so that only warm air comes out of the driver side vents. I've seen some posts and videos about the servos on the passenger side, but nothing much on the driver's side. Per my regular mechanic "the book" says it's $900 worth of labor to do this, including removing some or all of the dash. I don't like the thought of anybody doing that in my car! Is this a reasonable DIY operation? What's the best way to gain access to the servo? Thanks for any help!

Just remove the dash covers under the drivers dash…removing the actual dash is not required.

be sure to report back with the how to steps and pics…Welcome to CL

Thanks for your response. From looking at my Lexus repair manual, it looks like some of the door trim must be removed to get to one of the 3 bolts for the under dash cover. The bolt on the right side of the steering wheel is accessible, but there is a 3rd bolt to the left of the steering wheel that I can't figure out how to get to - is it under the dash? I didn't see it in my first attempt to look around there. Do you recommend removing the driver seat to get more room?

this guy replaced the drivers actuator but didn’t show how to do it but in his comments, he described it a little.

This is a great video about the actuator issue.

Here is a nice thread on the subject and will show you how to remove the drivers actuator…the car is a GS430, they are similar
keep us updated please.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc4...l#post10689653

Thanks Bgw70, for your responses. After making one attempt to crawl into the driver's side foot well, I discovered that I was more claustrophobic than I expected, and aborted the attempt. I went back to my mechanic and asked him to try replacing the servo this way, rather than what "the book" says. He agreed, and $150 later (1.25 hrs of labor), my servo was replaced! That's the best $150 I've spent lately, and now I have a quiet car again with consistently cold AC. I brought the old servo home and took it apart, and was quite surprised at the lack of obvious wear anywhere. It makes me wonder why it was so noisy for so long - perhaps dirty electrical contacts? I took some pictures of this 20 year old servo - anybody need any of the gears??https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...66b8712b2a.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...c21643d261.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...f84b89cf68.jpg

Glad she is all fixed.
i wonder if all that grease were cleaned up and replaced, the servo work again…then again, it might need a new motor too