Steering - Steering Column Noise

STEERING
ST001-04

Title:
STEERING COLUMN NOISE

Models:
'98 - '00 LS 400 & '01 - '04 LS 430

January 7, 2004

Introduction

Some LS 400 and LS 430 vehicles may experience steering column noise due to insufficient torsional strength of the telescopic steering column cable. The cable has been replaced with a universal joint to prevent steering column noise. Follow the repair procedures described in this bulletin to improve the condition.





Applicable Vehicles

^ 1998 - 2000 model year LS 400 vehicles.

^ 2001 - 2004 model year LS 430 vehicles.





Parts Information





Warranty Information

Applicable Warranty *:
This repair is covered under the Lexus Comprehensive Warranty. This warranty is in effect for 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the vehicle's in-service date.

* Warranty application is limited to correction of a problem based upon a customer's specific complaint.





'98 - '00
LS 400
Component Information

LS 400 Trim Removal

1. Remove No. 1 Under Cover.

A. Remove the 2 screws and No. 1 under cover.

B. Disconnect the 2 connectors and DLC2.

C. Remove the 2 screws and DLC3.

2. Remove End Pad and Finish Plate.

3. Remove No. 1 Safety Pad.

A. Remove the 2 screws and disconnect the engine hood release lever.

B. Remove the 4 pad set bolts and No. 1 safety pad.

4. Remove No. 2 Heater to Register Duct.

5. Remove Column Upper and Lower Covers.
Remove the 3 screws, column upper and lower covers.

6. Turn to Page 10 for Component Repair Instructions.





'01 - '03
LS 430
Component Information





'04 LS 430
w/knee Airbag
Component Information

'01 - '04
LS 430
Trim Removal





1. Remove Instrument Panel Under Cover Sub-assembly No. 1.

A. Remove the 2 screws.

B. Disengage the 2 clips and remove the instrument panel under cover sub-assembly No. 1.

C. Disconnect the connectors.





2. Remove Coin Box Assembly.

A. Pull the parking brake and remove the 2 nuts from the coin box assembly.

B. Using a molding remover, disengage the 2 claws and remove the coin box assembly.

C. Disconnect the connector.





3. Remove Outer Mirror Switch Assembly.

A. Using a molding remover, disengage the 2 claws and remove the outer mirror switch assembly.

B. Disconnect the connectors.





4. Remove Instrument Cluster Finish Panel Center Lower.

A. Using a screwdriver, disengage the 2 claws and remove the instrument cluster finish panel center lower.

B. Disconnect the connector.

5. Remove Instrument Cluster Finish Panel End.

A. Using a screwdriver, disengage the 2 claws and the clip and remove the instrument cluster finish panel center end.

B. Disconnect the connector.





6. Remove Instrument Panel Safety Pad Sub-assembly No.1.

A. Remove the screw"A" and the 2 bolts "B."

B. Remove the 2 bolts and the hood lock control cable assembly.

C. Disengage the 4 clips and remove the instrument panel safety pad sub-assembly No. 1.

D. Disconnect the connectors.

'04 LS 430
w/Knee Airbag
Trim Removal

In cases of '04 LS 430 with Knee Airbag:





7. Remove Instrument Panel Air Bag Assembly Lower No. 1.

A. Disconnect the connector from the instrument panel airbag assembly lower No. 1.

NOTE:
When handling the airbag connector, take care not to damage the airbag wire harness.

B. Remove the 4 bolts and the instrument panel airbag assembly lower No. 1.





8. Remove Steering Column Cover.

A. Remove the 3 screws and the steering column cover.





NOTE:
The illustration has the steering wheel removed to show the screw location. It is NOT necessary to remove the steering wheel for this repair.

All
LS 400/430
Repair Procedure





9. Remove Power Telescopic Motor.

A. Remove the 2 bolts and the power telescopic motor.





10. Replace Telescopic Steering

Support and Support

Stopper Bolts.

A. Check the VIN.

B. If necessary, replace the telescopic steering support and the support stopper bolts.

Torque: 11 N.m (112 kgf.cm, 8 ft.lbf)





11. Remove Telescopic Steering Column Cable Assembly.

A. Remove the telescopic steering column cable.





12. Install Steering Shaft Universal Joint Assembly.

A. Install the steering shaft universal joint assembly.

B. Tighten the power telescopic motor with the 2 bolts.

Torque: 9 N.m (92 kgf.cm, 80 in.lbf)

13. Install Interior Trim in Reverse Order.