Steering Column: Removal & Installation Lexus GS I

Removal

1. Disconnect negative battery cable terminal. Place front wheels in straight-ahead position. Using a T30 Torx wrench, loosen retaining screws until groove along screw circumference engages screw case. (Scheme 1) Pull wheel pad out from steering wheel. Unplug air bag connector. (Scheme 2) CAUTION: When removing wheel pad, take care not to pull air bag wiring harness. When storing wheel pad, keep upper surface of pad facing upward.
2. Mark steering wheel and steering shaft for reassembly reference. Remove steering wheel retaining nut. Using Steering Wheel Puller (09213-31021 ), remove steering wheel.

Installation

1. Ensure front wheels are pointing straight ahead. Center cable reel. See «CABLE REEL»(ref-53893-S30283020952001011600000) under ADJUSTMENTS. Align reference marks. Install steering wheel. Tighten steering wheel retaining nut to 26 ft. lbs. (35 N.m). Connect air bag wiring.
2. Install steering wheel pad after ensuring circumference groove of Torx screws engages screw case. Tighten screws to 78 INCH lbs. (8.8 N.m).

Note. If steering wheel pad has been dropped, or there is evidence of cracks, dents, or other defects in case or connector, replace steering wheel pad. When installing steering wheel pad, ensure wiring does not become pinched or interferes with other components.

Scheme 1

Scheme 2

Remove undercover, lower pad, key cylinder pad, finish panel mounting bracket, and heater register duct. Rotate steering wheel to straight-ahead position. Turn ignition off. Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove steering wheel. See STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD . Remove steering column covers. Remove combination switch retaining screws. Unplug connectors. Remove combination switch.

To install combination switch, reverse removal procedure. Center cable reel. See CABLE REEL under ADJUSTMENTS.

Removal & Installation

Remove any interfering trim panels or heater ducts. Unplug connector. Remove retaining screws and ignition switch. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten mounting screws until screw heads break off.

1. Remove air bag (horn pad) and steering wheel. See «STEERING WHEEL & HORN PAD»(ref-53893-S41460489612001011600000) . Remove upper and lower column covers. Remove instrument cluster finish panel. Remove lower knee panel. Disconnect courtesy light harness connector. Remove finish plate and end pad.
2. Remove outside rear view mirror switch assembly. Remove lower pad. Remove No. 2 register duct. Disconnect combination switch harness connectors. Remove combination switch with cable reel. Ensure front wheels are in straight-ahead position.
3. Place matching reference marks on No. 2 intermediate shaft and sliding yoke. Remove bolt. Remove brake pedal return spring. Loosen clamp on floor hole cover.
4. Unbolt steering column from mounts and remove column. To install, reverse removal procedure. Ensure matching marks are aligned. Tighten bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(ref-53893-S10371628292001011600000) .