Power Tilt Steering Column Systems: Overhaul Lexus LS III

Disassembly

1. Remove transponder key coil and key cylinder illumination. (Scheme 4) Remove harness connector bracket. Remove 3 bolts securing turn signal bracket and remove bracket. Remove support stopper bolt, stopper spring and stopper No. 1. Remove 2 "E" rings. Remove 2 bolts and remove power tilt motor. Remove 2 support stopper bolt bushings from power tilt motor.
2. Assemble puller, plate washer and bolt on tilt steering shaft. (Scheme 5) Using a sliding hammer on puller and adjusting nut No. 1, remove 2 tilt steering shafts from adjusting nut No. 1. Remove 2 support stopper bolt bushings. Remove adjusting nut No. 1.
3. Remove No. 1 steering lower tube bracket. Remove 2 bolts and remove power telescopic motor. Remove telescopic steering column cable. Remove column tube support bolt. Remove column tube support with tube attachment. Remove tube attachment from tube support. Remove 2 energy absorbing clips. Remove 2 energy absorbing plates and guides.
4. Remove 2 bolts and telescopic steering slider support. Remove telescopic steering bushing, telescopic steering slider and steering column bracket spacer from telescopic steering screw. Remove nut, 4 energy absorber cushions, 2 bearings and telescopic steering screw.
5. Remove column tube stopper. Using a center punch, mark center of 2 tapered head bolts securing column upper clamp. Drill a.12-.16" (3-4 mm) hole in center of 2 tapered head bolts. Using a screw extractor, remove 2 tapered head bolts. Remove 2 telescopic lever lock bolts and telescopic steering lock wedge springs. Remove 2 steering lock wedges, column upper bracket and column upper clamp.
6. Remove first snap ring from main shaft assembly. Remove 2 screws and tilt steering support bond cable. Remove tilt steering bolts from column upper tube sub-assembly. Remove column upper tube sub-assembly with main shaft assembly. Remove column upper tube assembly from column upper tube. Remove 2 support stopper bolt bushings from column upper tube assembly. Remove 3 bushings from column tube.
7. Using Spring Compressor (09958-04011), compress compression spring on main shaft assembly. DO NOT bend main shaft assembly universal joint more than 20 degrees. Remove second snap ring from main shaft assembly. Separate main shaft assembly from column upper tube sub-assembly. Remove compression spring, bearing thrust collar and bearing from main shaft assembly.

Scheme 4

Scheme 5

Reassembly

To assemble, reverse disassembly procedure. Coat bushings, main shaft bearing and steering lock wedges with molybdenum disulfide lithium base grease before reassembly. Install NEW bushings, bearings and snap rings. Replace tube attachment if deformed. Ensure column tube support is facing correct direction. While holding support, tighten column tube support bolt. Tighten all bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS . Using NEW bolts, tighten column upper clamp tapered head bolts until bolt head breaks off.