Steering System: Diagnosis Lexus RX II

PROBLEM SYMPTOMS TABLE

HINT

Use the table below to help you find the cause of the problem. The numbered suspect are as indicate the priority of the likely cause of the problem. Check each part in the order shown. If necessary, repair or replace these parts.

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HINT

When the problem occurs in the power tilt and telescopic steering system, refer to the DI section (See «HOW TO PROCEED WITH TROUBLESHOOTING» ).

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1. CHECK STEERING WHEEL FREEPLAY Stop the vehicle and face the tires straight ahead. Turn the steering wheel gently right and left by hand, and check the steering wheel freeplay. Maximum freeplay: 30 mm (1.18 in.)

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1. STEERING OFF CENTER REPAIR PROCEDURE Inspect steering wheel off center. Apply masking tape on the top center of the steering wheel and steering column upper cover. Drive the vehicle in a straight line for 100 meters at a constant speed of 35 mph (56 km/h), and hold the steering wheel to maintain the course. Draw a line on the masking tape as shown in the illustration. Turn the steering wheel to its straight position. HINT: Refer to the upper surface of the steering wheel, steering spoke and SRS airbag line for the straight position. Draw a new line on the masking tape or the steering wheel as shown in the illustration. Measure the distance between the 2 lines on the masking tape of the steering wheel. Convert the measured distance to steering angle. Measured distance 1 mm (0.04 in.) = Steering angle approximately 1 degree. HINT: Make a note of the steering angle. Adjust steering angle. NOTE: The adjustment method for steering angle is different depending on the models. Check whether it is type A or B. Draw a line on the RH and LH tie rod and rack ends where it can easily be seen. Using a paper gauge, measure the distance from RH and LH tie rod ends to the rack end screws. HINT: Measure the RH side and LH side. Make a note of the measured values. Remove the RH and LH boot clips from the rack boots. Loosen the RH and LH lock nuts. Turn the RH and LH rack end by the same amount (but in different directions) according to the steering angle. 1 turn 360° deg. of rack end (1.5 mm (0.059 in.) horizontal movement) - 12° deg. of steering angle. Tighten the RH and LH lock nuts by the specified torque. Torque: 74 N.m (750 kgf.cm, 54 ft.lbf) NOTE: Make sure that the difference in length between RH and LH tie rod ends and rack end screws are within 1.5 mm (0.059 in.). Install the RH and LH boot clips.

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1. PRECAUTION (See «AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS» )
2. SEPARATE BATTERY NEGATIVE TERMINAL (See «AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS» )
3. PLACE FRONT WHEELS FACING STRAIGHT AHEAD
4. REMOVE STEERING WHEEL COVER LOWER NO. 2
5. REMOVE STEERING WHEEL COVER LOWER NO. 3
6. REMOVE HORN BUTTON ASSY Using a torx socket wrench, loosen the 2 torx screws until the groove along the screw circumference is caught on the screw case. Pull out the horn button assy from the steering wheel and disconnect the airbag connector. Disconnect the terminal. NOTE: When removing the horn button assy, take care not to pull the airbag wire harness. CAUTION: When placing the horn button assy down, keep the upper surface of the horn button assy facing upward. Never disassemble the horn button assy.
7. REMOVE STEERING WHEEL ASSY Remove the steering wheel assy set nut. Place matchmarks on the steering wheel assy and main shaft assy. Using SST(s), remove the steering wheel assy. SST 09950-50013 (09951-05010, 09952-05010, 09953-05020, 09954-05021)
8. REMOVE STEERING COLUMN COVER Remove the steering column cover LWR No. 2 Remove the 3 screws and steering column cover UPR and LWR.
9. REMOVE SPIRAL CABLE SUB-ASSY (See «AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS» )
10. REMOVE HEADLAMP DIMMER SWITCH ASSY (See «HEADLAMP DIMMER SWITCH ASSY» )
11. REMOVE WINDSHIELD WIPER SWITCH ASSY (See «WINDSHIELD WIPER SWITCH ASSY»(/lexus/rx/ii-2003-2006/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-washer-system) )
12. REMOVE FRONT DOOR SCUFF PLATE LH (See «INSTRUMENT PANEL/METER» )
13. REMOVE INSTRUMENT PANEL FINISH PANEL SUB-ASSY LOWER (See «INSTRUMENT PANEL/METER» )
14. REMOVE INSTRUMENT PANEL AIR BAG ASSY LOWER NO. 1 (See «AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS» )
15. REMOVE AIR DUCT NO. 1 Remove the bolt. Release the 3 claw fittings and remove the air duct No. 1.
16. SEPARATE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT SUB-ASSY Loosen the bolt A and remove the clamp from the steering column hole shield. Separate the steering column hole cover No. 2 from the steering column hole shield. Loosen the bolt B. Put matchmarks on the steering intermediate shaft sub-assy and steering gear assy. Remove the bolt and separate the steering intermediate shaft sub-assy.
17. REMOVE INSTRUMENT PANEL FINISH PLATE
18. REMOVE STEERING COLUMN ASSY Disconnect the connectors and wire harness clamps. Remove the 2 bolts, 2 nuts and steering column assy from the instrument panel reinforcement assy.
19. REMOVE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT SUB-ASSY Put matchmarks on the steering intermediate shaft sub-assy and steering shaft universal joint assy. Remove the bolt and steering intermediate shaft sub-assy.
20. REMOVE STEERING COLUMN HOLE COVER SUB-ASSY NO. 2
21. REMOVE STEERING SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT ASSY Put matchmarks on the steering shaft universal joint assy and steering main shaft assy. Remove the bolt and steering shaft universal joint assy from the steering main shaft assy.
22. REMOVE TRANSPONDER KEY AMPLIFIER Widen the claw hung on the upper bracket by approx. 1.0 mm (0.039 in.) using a screwdriver. Pull the transponder key amplifier toward the rear of the vehicle with the claw open. NOTE: Do not use excessive force to prevent the case from being damaged.
23. REMOVE STEERING COLUMN UPPER W/SWITCH BRACKET ASSY Using a centering punch, mark the center of the 2 tapered-head bolts. Using a 3 - 4 mm (0.12 - 0.16 in.) drill, drill a hole in the 2 bolt heads. Using a screw extractor, remove the 2 bolts and steering column upper w/switch bracket assy.
24. REMOVE IGNITION SWITCH LOCK CYLINDER ASSY Put the ignition switch lock cylinder assy in the ACC position. Push down the stop pin with a screwdriver, and pull out the cylinder assy.
25. REMOVE UN-LOCK WARNING SWITCH ASSY Separate the un-lock warning switch assy connector from the ignition or starter switch assy. Remove the un-lock warning switch assy by pushing up the center part and disengaging the 2 claws. Disengage the secondary locking device. Using a small screwdriver, disengage the locking lug of the terminals 3 and 4, and pull the terminals out from the un-lock warning switch assy rear side.
26. REMOVE KEY INTER LOCK SOLENOID Remove the 2 screws and solenoid from the steering column bracket assy.
27. REMOVE IGNITION OR STARTER SWITCH ASSY Remove the 2 screws and ignition or starter switch assy from the steering column bracket assy UPR.
28. INSTALL IGNITION OR STARTER SWITCH ASSY Install the ignition or starter switch assy to the steering column bracket assy UPR with the 2 screws.
29. INSTALL KEY INTER LOCK SOLENOID Install the solenoid to the steering column bracket assy with the 2 screws.
30. INSTALL UN-LOCK WARNING SWITCH ASSY Install the un-lock warning switch assy. Connect the terminals 3 and 4 of the un-lock warning switch assy connector. Connect the un-lock warning switch assy connector to the ignition or starter switch assy.
31. INSTALL IGNITION SWITCH LOCK CYLINDER ASSY Make sure the ignition switch lock cylinder assy is in the ACC position. Install the ignition switch lock cylinder assy.
32. INSPECT STEERING LOCK OPERATION Check that the steering lock mechanism is activated when the key is removed. Check that the steering lock mechanism is deactivated when the key is inserted and turned to the ACC position.
33. INSTALL STEERING COLUMN UPPER W/SWITCH BRACKET ASSY Temporarily install the steering column upper w/switch bracket assy and steering column upper clamp with 2 new tapered-head bolts. Tighten the 2 tapered-head bolts until the bolt heads break off.
34. INSTALL TRANSPONDER KEY AMPLIFIER Align the transponder key amplifier with the installation position of the upper bracket with the amplifier inclined. Push the transponder key amplifier up and connect it to the upper bracket. NOTE: Do not to push the amplifier up with excessive force.
35. INSTALL STEERING SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT ASSY Align the matchmarks on the steering universal joint assy and steering main shaft assy. Install the steering universal joint assy with the bolt. Torque: 35 N.m (360 kgf.cm, 26 ft.lbf)
36. INSTALL STEERING COLUMN HOLE COVER SUB-ASSY NO. 2 Install the steering column hole cover sub-assy No. 2 to the steering intermediate shaft sub-assy.
37. TEMPORARILY TIGHTEN STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT SUB-ASSY Align the matchmarks on the steering intermediate shaft sub-assy and steering main shaft assy. Temporarily install the steering intermediate shaft sub-assy with the bolt.
38. INSTALL STEERING COLUMN ASSY Install the steering column assy with the 2 bolts and nuts. Torque: 26 N.m (265 kgf.cm, 19 ft.lbf) Connect the connectors. Connect the wire harness clamps to the steering column tube.
39. CONNECT STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT SUB-ASSY Align the matchmarks on the intermediate shaft sub-assy and steering gear assy. Install the bolt. Torque: 35 N.m (360 kgf.cm, 26 ft.lbf) Tighten the bolt B. Torque: 35 N.m (360 kgf.cm, 26 ft.lbf) Install the steering column hole cover No. 2 to the steering hole shield. Install the clamp to the steering column hole shield and tighten the bolt A.
40. INSTALL AIR DUCT NO. 1 Install the air duct No. 1 with the bolt. Torque: 9.8 N.m (100 kgf.cm, 87 in.lbf)
41. PLACE FRONT WHEELS FACING STRAIGHT AHEAD
42. INSTALL SPIRAL CABLE SUB-ASSY (See «AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS» )
43. INSTALL STEERING COLUMN COVER Install the steering column cover UPR and LWR with the 3 screws. Install the steering column cover LWR No. 2.
44. CENTER SPIRAL CABLE Check that the ignition switch is off. Check that the battery negative terminal is disconnected. NOTE: Wait at least 90 seconds after removing the battery terminal before starting the operation. Turn the cable counterclockwise by hand until it becomes hard to turn. Then rotate the cable clockwise about 2.5 turns to align the marks. HINT: The cable will rotate about 2.5 turns to both the left and right.
45. INSTALL STEERING WHEEL ASSY Align the matchmarks on the steering wheel assy and steering main shaft assy. Install the steering wheel assy set nut. Torque: 50 N.m (510 kgf.cm, 37 ft.lbf)
46. INSPECT STEERING WHEEL CENTER POINT
47. INSPECT HORN BUTTON ASSY (See «AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS» )
48. INSTALL HORN BUTTON ASSY NOTE: Never use airbag parts removed from another vehicle. When replacing parts, replace with new ones. Make sure the wheel pad is installed with the specified torque. If the wheel pad is dropped or there are cracks, dents or other defects in the case or connector, replace the wheel pad with a new one. When installing the wheel pad, take care so that the wiring does not interfere with other parts and that they are not pinched between other parts. Connect the terminal. Connect the airbag connector. Install the steering wheel pad after confirming that the circumference groove of the torx screws is caught on the screw case. Using a torx socket wrench, torque the 2 screws. Torque: 8.8 N.m (90 kgf.cm, 78 in.lbf)
49. INSPECT SRS WARNING LIGHT (See «SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK» )

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1. PRECAUTION (See «AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS» )
2. SEPARATE BATTERY NEGATIVE TERMINAL With the ignition key in the key cylinder and the ignition switch off (LOCK), perform tilt-down and telescolong operation by adjusting the tilt & telescopic switch. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery with the ignition key in the key cylinder. CAUTION: Start the overhaul of the steering column assembly at least 90 seconds after disconnecting the negative terminal of the battery. Be sure to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery properly so that the following procedure can be performed without any problem. Remove the ignition key from the key cylinder.
3. PLACE FRONT WHEELS FACING STRAIGHT AHEAD
4. REMOVE STEERING WHEEL COVER LOWER NO. 2
5. REMOVE STEERING WHEEL COVER LOWER NO. 3
6. REMOVE HORN BUTTON ASSY Using a torx socket wrench, loosen the 2 torx screws until the groove along the screw circumference is caught on the screw case. Pull out the horn button assy from the steering wheel and disconnect the airbag connector. Disconnect the terminal. NOTE: When removing the horn button assy, take care not to pull the airbag wire harness. CAUTION: When placing the horn button assy down, keep the upper surface of the horn button assy facing upward. Never disassemble the horn button assy.
7. REMOVE STEERING WHEEL ASSY Remove the steering wheel assy set nut. Place matchmarks on the steering wheel assy and main shaft assy. Using SST(s), remove the steering wheel assy. SST 09950-50013 (09951-05010, 09952-05010, 09953-05020, 09954-05021)
8. REMOVE FRONT DOOR SCUFF PLATE LH (See «INSTRUMENT PANEL/METER» )
9. REMOVE INSTRUMENT PANEL FINISH PANEL SUB-ASSY LOWER (See «INSTRUMENT PANEL/METER» )
10. REMOVE INSTRUMENT PANEL AIR BAG ASSY LOWER NO. 1 (See «AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS» )
11. REMOVE STEERING COLUMN COVER Remove the 3 screws and steering column cover UPR and LWR.
12. REMOVE TILT & TELESCOPIC SWITCH Disconnect the connectors. Using a screwdriver, disengage the claw and pull out the tilt and telescopic switch. NOTE: Pushing the claw too hard will break the claw. HINT: Tape the screwdriver tip before use.
13. REMOVE SPIRAL CABLE SUB-ASSY (See «AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS» )
14. REMOVE HEADLAMP DIMMER SWITCH ASSY (See «HEADLAMP DIMMER SWITCH ASSY» )
15. REMOVE WINDSHIELD WIPER SWITCH ASSY (See «WINDSHIELD WIPER SWITCH ASSY»(/lexus/rx/ii-2003-2006/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-washer-system) )
16. REMOVE AIR DUCT NO. 1 Remove the bolt, disengage the 3 claw fittings and remove the air duct No. 1.
17. SEPARATE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT SUB-ASSY Loosen the bolt A and remove the clamp from the steering column hole shield. Separate the steering column hole cover No. 2 from the steering column hole shield. Loosen the bolt B. Place matchmarks on the steering intermediate shaft sub-assy and steering gear assy. Remove the bolt and separate the steering intermediate shaft sub-assy.
18. REMOVE INSTRUMENT PANEL FINISH PLATE
19. REMOVE STEERING COLUMN ASSY Disconnect the connectors and wire harness clamps. Remove the 2 bolts, 2 nuts and steering column assy from the instrument panel reinforcement assy.
20. REMOVE MULTIPLEX TILT & TELESCOPIC ECU Disconnect the connectors from the multiplex tilt and telescopic ECU. Using a socket wrench (+), remove the 2 screws and multiplex tilt and telescopic ECU.
21. REMOVE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT SUB-ASSY Put matchmarks on the steering intermediate shaft sub-assy and steering shaft universal joint assy. Remove the bolt and steering intermediate shaft sub-assy.
22. REMOVE STEERING COLUMN HOLE COVER SUB-ASSY NO. 2
23. REMOVE STEERING SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT ASSY Put matchmarks on the steering shaft universal joint assy and steering main shaft assy. Remove the bolt and steering shaft universal joint assy from the steering main shaft assy.
24. REMOVE TRANSPONDER KEY AMPLIFIER Widen the claw hung on the upper bracket by approx. 1.0 mm (0.039 in.) using a screwdriver. Pull the transponder key amplifier toward the rear of the vehicle with the claw open. NOTE: Do not use excessive force.>
25. REMOVE STEERING COLUMN UPPER W/SWITCH BRACKET ASSY Using a centering punch, mark the center of the 2 tapered-head bolts. Using a 3 - 4 mm (0.12 - 0.16 in.) drill, drill a hole in the 2 bolt heads. Using a screw extractor, remove the 2 bolts and steering column upper w/switch bracket assy.
26. REMOVE IGNITION SWITCH LOCK CYLINDER ASSY Put the ignition switch lock cylinder assy in the ACC position. Push down the stop pin with a screwdriver, and pull out the cylinder assy.
27. REMOVE UN-LOCK WARNING SWITCH ASSY Separate the un-lock warning switch assy connector from the ignition or starter switch assy. Remove the un-lock warning switch assy by pushing up the center part and disengaging the 2 claws. Disengage the secondary locking device. Using a small screwdriver, disengage the locking lug of the terminals 3 and 4, and pull the terminals out from the un-lock warning switch assy rear side.
28. REMOVE KEY INTER LOCK SOLENOID Remove the 2 screws and solenoid from the steering column bracket assy.
29. REMOVE IGNITION OR STARTER SWITCH ASSY Remove the 2 screws and ignition or starter switch assy from the steering column bracket assy UPR.
30. INSTALL IGNITION OR STARTER SWITCH ASSY Install the ignition or starter switch assy to the steering column bracket assy UPR with the 2 screws
31. INSTALL KEY INTER LOCK SOLENOID Install the solenoid to the steering column bracket assy with the 2 screws.
32. INSTALL UN-LOCK WARNING SWITCH ASSY Install the un-lock warning switch assy. Connect the terminals 3 and 4 of the un-lock warning switch assy connector. Connect the un-lock warning switch assy connector to the ignition or starter switch assy.
33. INSTALL IGNITION SWITCH LOCK CYLINDER ASSY Make sure the ignition switch lock cylinder assy is the ACC position. Install the ignition switch lock cylinder assy.
34. INSPECT STEERING LOCK OPERATION Check that the steering lock mechanism is activated when the key is removed. Check that the steering lock mechanism is deactivated when the key is inserted and turned to the ACC position.
35. INSTALL STEERING COLUMN UPPER W/SWITCH BRACKET ASSY Temporarily install the steering column upper w/switch bracket assy and steering column upper clamp with 2 new tapered-head bolts. Tighten the 2 tapered-head bolts until the bolt heads break off.
36. INSTALL TRANSPONDER KEY AMPLIFIER Align the transponder key amplifier with the installation position of the upper bracket with the amplifier inclined. Push the transponder key amplifier up and connect it to the upper bracket. NOTE: Do not push the amplifier up with excessive force.
37. INSTALL STEERING SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT ASSY Align the matchmarks on the steering universal joint assy and steering main shaft assy. Install the steering universal joint assy with the bolt. Torque: 35 N.m (360 kgf.cm, 26 ft.lbf)
38. INSTALL STEERING COLUMN HOLE COVER SUB-ASSY NO. 2 Install the steering column hole cover sub-assy No. 2 to the steering intermediate shaft sub-assy.
39. TEMPORARILY TIGHTEN STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT SUB-ASSY Align the matchmarks on the steering intermediate shaft sub-assy and steering main shaft assy. Temporarily install the steering intermediate shaft sub-assy with the bolt.
40. INSTALL MULTIPLEX TILT & TELESCOPIC ECU Using a socket wrench (+), install the 2 screws. Torque: 1.5 N.m (15 kgf.cm, 13 in. .lbf) Connect the connectors to the multiplex tilt and telescopic ECU. NOTE: The wire harness between the telescopic motor and ECU has same shape connectors at both ends. When installing them, connect the connectors with the same color.
41. INSTALL STEERING COLUMN ASSY Install the steering column assy with the 2 bolts and nuts. Torque: 26 N.m (265 kgf.cm, 19 ft.lbf) Connect the connectors. Connect the wire harness clamps to the steering column tube.
42. CONNECT STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT SUB-ASSY Align the matchmarks on the intermediate shaft sub-assy and steering gear assy. Install the bolt. Torque: 35 N.m (360 kgf.cm, 26 ft.lbf) Tighten the bolt B. Torque: 35 N.m (360 kgf.cm, 26 ft.lbf) Install the steering column hole cover No. 2 to the steering hole shield. Install the clamp to the steering column hole shield and tighten the bolt A.
43. INSTALL AIR DUCT NO. 1 Install the air duct No. 1 with the bolt. Torque: 9.8 N.m (100 kgf.cm, 87 in. .lbf)
44. PLACE FRONT WHEELS FACING STRAIGHT AHEAD
45. INSTALL SPIRAL CABLE SUB-ASSY (See «AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS» )
46. INSTALL STEERING COLUMN COVER Install the steering column cover UPR and LWR with the 3 screws.
47. CENTER SPIRAL CABLE Check that the ignition switch is off. Check that the battery negative terminal is separated. NOTE: Wait at least 90 seconds after removing the battery terminal before starting the operation. Turn the cable counterclockwise by hand until it becomes hard to turn. Rotate the cable clockwise about 2.5 turns to align the marks. HINT: The cable will rotate about 2.5 turns to both the left and right.
48. INSTALL STEERING WHEEL ASSY Align the matchmarks on the steering wheel assy and steering main shaft assy. Install the steering wheel assy set nut. Torque: 50 N.m (510 kgf.cm, 37 ft.lbf)
49. INSPECT STEERING WHEEL CENTER POINT
50. INSPECT HORN BUTTON ASSY (See «AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS» )
51. INSTALL HORN BUTTON ASSY NOTE: Never use airbag parts removed from another vehicle. When replacing parts, replace with new ones. Make sure the wheel pad is installed with the specified torque. If the wheel pad is dropped or there are cracks, dents or other defects in the case or connector, replace the wheel pad with a new one. When installing the wheel pad, take care so that the wiring does not interfere with other parts and that they are not pinched between other parts. Connect the terminal. Connect the airbag connector. Install the steering wheel pad after confirming that the circumference groove of the torx screws is caught on the screw case. Using a torx socket wrench, torque the 2 screws. Torque: 8.8 N.m (90 kgf.cm, 78 in.lbf)
52. INSPECT SRS WARNING LIGHT (See «SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK» )

See also:
• WINDSHIELD WIPER SWITCH ASSY