Quick Question About The Telescopic Steering Wheel Motor

jpjsavage · December 20, 2014

Can I check something with the good folk here. The steering wheel on my LS400 goes up and down but not in and out. What is puzzling me is that there is no noise at all from the motor when you push the lever. So, many of the posts I have found so far show you have to adjust the cog with a washer or two to realign the teeth.

With mine, I'm guessing that there is either no power getting to the motor or the motor itself is dead? Is that right?

Is there a fuse I can check somewhere? I've looked in both the engine bay and door well (drivers side) boxes but can't find a fuse that is for these motors? Is it somewhere else?

Thanks for your help.

ColinBarber · December 20, 2014

Both motors are fed from a single fuse - GAUGE.

jpjsavage · December 20, 2014

Thanks Colin. Please excuse my ignorance, but where is that located?

ColinBarber · December 20, 2014

It is certainly inside, I guess in the drivers side fuse box.

steve2006 · December 21, 2014

IIRC the later LS400 was fitted with the same type of motors as the LS430 which are unrepairable unlike the earlier ones.

The ferrite within the motor breaks up jamming the thing.

Replacements as always are not cheap but are the same as some Landcruiser models.

The-Acre · December 21, 2014

Mine doesn't go in and out either, but for what it costs to replace, and the hassle, it can stay where it is!

alien1974 · December 21, 2014

When i got mine i adjusted all the way in and left it at that

caterus · February 14, 2015

I have a similar problem with the steering column adjustment on my 2005 LS430. The tilt mechanism works fine but the in/out telescopic mechanism produces a faint clicking noise when the switch is operated as if the motor tries to work but the steering wheel doesn't move.

Checking the forum it appears that the tilt mechanism and motor is relatively easy to get at and replacing or moving the plastic gear out slightly often solves the problem.

However I get the impression that access to the telescopic mechanism and motor is far more difficult and I have been unable to find any descriptions of how to go about checking the mechanism or replacing the telescopic motor.

If anybody can offer advice and guidance on this I would be most grateful.

aviator888 · February 16, 2015

I had the same problem on my LS400. Spent half a day taking everything apart, then had to put all together again no success. It is not a simple fix.

Chris Skelton · February 16, 2015

I recall seeing a picture of this here somewhere, which might help.

try searching the site?

cruisermark · February 16, 2015

hi

I agree there does not seem to be a write up about the telescopic motor - the only member that has had that fixed is Nachav who had a replacement steering rack put in including the motor

ls400lpg · February 16, 2015

I have just removed this from my mk3. Hopefully it will be a direct fit onto my mk4.

It is not easy as you have to remove a lot of parts as it is right at the back. When I start it hopefully this weekend I will take photos and give guidance if anyone is interested.

caterus · March 28, 2015

I for one would be very interested in any photos and guidance you are able to provide.

bigjap · March 28, 2015

im sure there was a video on here a while back showing how to check and adjust it, and grease it up,should be able to find it with a search,i would have thought