Lexus LS400 - Steering Column Repair

I repaired a steering column on 1997 Lexus LS400. The column would not go down when I put in the key, or when I pushed down on the switch. All I would hear was a sound of a striped gear. Instead of paying Lexus the $600 for the part, I just repaired the gear myself. This is a very simple fix, and will take you only 20 - 30 minutes.
Tools needed:
8mm and 10mm socket and ratchet
Phillips head screw driver
some type of hook or hanger to pull the gear out
standard Zip-Tie to use as a spacer...or a water hose washer.
I hope you enjoy this video and it solves your problem with little cost and effort. If you want to thank me, please look at my photography www.JTpics.com and buy some beautiful pictures.

[@arpez3]

I paid a mechanic $200 to diagnose the same issue on my '90 LS. Told me it needed a new motor. I followed your video and it is working now. Thanks Man!

[@Noises]

Awesome. I have a 92 LS that had the same problem. After looking and not finding a cog to replace the "stripped" one I just figured I'd leave it as it is. It stayed broken for 2 years. 30 minutes after watching this video, my steering column adjuster is working again. You're a champ, glad I found your 7 year old video!

[@aawhite12]

Thank you so very much for posting this vid. I started having this probem 20 minutes ago, and fix it within 15 minutes via your instructional video. Saved me a trip to the dealer, not to mention hundreds of dollars.

[@jinsaitoda]

thank you bro! godamn i love youtube and the internet. my mechanic couldn't fix this and ended up unplugging the motor. just did this myself, put new high temp grease and now smooth like butta.

[@bigoballs672]

Lmao why high temp grease?

[@BPoweredLove]

My mom's box is smooth like butta.

[@_brovak]

Pollo Frito can confirm

[@vipervogel]

Jared I can't thank you enough. I followed your instructions exactly and works perfectly! I'm not very handy but only took me about 20 minutes and was thrilled to be able to do it myself! Can only imagine how the dealer would crush me for that repair!

[@joshuameraz4413]

It’s 5,400 to repair at dealership

[@oddity561]

Saved a bunch a time and money. Thank you. Note: if you have an SC300, there is a 3rd screw behind the steering wheel. You have to turn the wheel a quarter turn to the left to access the 3rd screw head.

[@robbaber8047]

I have a 95 SC400 with the steering wheel stuck in the UP position. Felt like I was driving a bus... This fix worked perfectly. There were a couple more screws on the steering column lower cover with one being hid behind the steering wheel. I even used the "zip-tie" cheap fix. A replacement gear is available on eBay, and I will get one if this fix doesn't last. Thanks for the money saving tips!!!

[@smithraymond09029]

I bought my 91 Ls400 5 years ago, out of necessity, with 287,000 miles for $2,250. Thought to myself "I'll drive it for a year until I can afford something better", lol. I love this car! Since then I've done a pretty thorough restoration. I truly feel like I am driving a newer luxury car, not a 25 year old car with a current odometer reading 331,000 miles.

[@smithraymond09029]

Maintenance! Stay on top of it and it will keep running for a long, long time.

[@cyruskate]

Thank you very much! My tilt steering wouldn‘t go down this morning. Was driving a day like a truck driver, came home from work, watched your video while taking a sh*t. went out and repaired it in no time and without a problem…! This is my hilight this week. Thanks!

[@dexpar]

Superb video!! Fixed my 95 in about 20 min. Used the hose washer method. 95 has 2 screws on top of column cover that can be reached by turning wheel.( thank you 38ph60)

[@kilomonk]

Fantastic, clear, concise - even which specific tools were used - I used bent paper clips to remove the gear. Just fixed my 1998 LS400 in a half an hour including making a spacer from a garden hose washer with a plastic washer cut from a yogurt container top (less friction than the washer). And I'm no mechanic. Works great. Thank you.

[@em61beaver6]

1996 LS - Mine was stuck in the UP position. Was getting ready to investigate. Your video was very helpful. Instead of a tie-wrap, I found the perfect sized, metal washer that fit over that key. It didn't have to be elongated, just big enough to go around. I used the existing grease on it. Everything else was just like you showed it. BTW, those gears are about $20 on e-bay. Thanks for being a trail blazer man.

[@barkingpharmacist]

I was to have my 98 Lexus LS400 in the shop for the tilt not working. At 10:30PM the night before, I found this clip while looking for the cost of the part the Lexus mechanic had said would cost $400+ including labor. I asked my dad for the listed equipment (teeth cleaning hooks work great) and attacked my steering wheel. They were cracking up at their tightwad, nervy daughter. I was beating on their door at 11:00 though telling them it worked!!!! I used the zip tie. Thank you ssssssooooooo muc

[@MrDanny8817]

you are the man! I can't believe I just found this video. every mechanic says I need a new column. I have the same 97 Lexus. I'm so stoked you made this video.

[@fredaydaybae8450]

THANKS a BUNCH!!! Bought this car thinking I was gna need a whole new steering column but 20 minutes later I’m in business. THANK YOU!

[@brandonicus]

Thank you so much for this video! My father is thrilled that I have his motorized steering column working properly in his '96 LS400 again! Perfect father's day gift!

[@rconner96]

I used cut sections of vacuum hose as a spacer and it seem to work very well. Be sure to spread around the grease to maintain proper lubrication. It has proved to be a lasting repair for possibly the life of the car! Thanks for the post. Lex Tech, RC

[@Hennysgarage]

I was honestly laughing when you pulled out the zip tie and I put together what you were going to do with it🤣 what a genius haha

[@Christopherj1225]

I has a heck of a time turning the nut on the gear wheel. I had to wedge a wrench under to stop the whole thing from spinning. I used a small Allen key and kept prying up on all different sides to get the gear wheel out. I then took the circle plastic piece from a gallon of milk (that usually gets pitched) and twisted it so it had 2 loops. I then put that on the spindle and the gear wheel over and it now works great. I did this on a 1994 ls400. The hardest part, for me, was getting the big plastic cover off after I un screwed the 2 screws.

[@bennybop5387]

I was bored...couldnt fall asleep...so i went to go do one thing on my car i ended up screwing with the screws n I honestly wasnt planning on doing it but i had watched this video b4 plus been on forums i remembered how to do it....n screws n panels started coming off....trips to the store for zip ties happening...n the fucking shit worked....lml it hasnt worked since i bought the car crazy...thx dude

[@mistressrainstorm63]

I have 93 ls400 and did this and fixed it, thank you for the video. mine had 3 screws to remove the housing could only reach the two under , the last one was behind the steering wheel so I just gently bend the housing back to give the room I needed to work. thanks again

[@nastym247]

thx 4 this video man just fixed my 95' lexso took 10mins told the wife it coast me 200bucks to fix lol now i geet me a nice dinner and COLD BEER...THX

[@jeffshappard8227]

This also worked for me on my 1994 LS400. Thank you for posting! I'm repairing the lights in the instrument cluster and couldn't get the steering column to go down far enough to remove it. Now, on to replacing capacitors! Cheers.

[@christophercorbett2688]

Thanks! I'm a poor handyman, but I just did this on my 1995 ls400 and it worked like a charm. The only difference was that on the 1995, there are two other screws to get the plastic steering column housing off; they are partially behind the wheel, so you have to turn the car on and turn the wheel to get to them. The gear is tough to get off; I used two curved dental picks and I think you can get them at a drug store. Once I got it off I found the problem was indeed that the original rubber spacer was crumbling so the gear was misaligned and not meshing with the screw. I replaced it with an O ring I got at a car parts store. Thank you for posting this video and saving me a bundle of money and time!

[@GaboCoughee]

Thanks dude, did the trick on my 98 LS400. I actually found the replacement gears on ebay but I tried the zip tie since I had that on hand and it worked great! Yo Da Man!

[@dpolley]

I have a 2000 LS 400 and the bottom cover that has to be removed has two additional screws that have to be removed. They are hidden behind the steering wheel, so you have to turn the wheel to the right to expose the left screw and to the left to expose the right screw. My problem was different....mine worked but groaned when you pulled the key out and the wheel raised up. A little silicone grease on the worm gear on the left side of the wheel put it back to silent movement. GREAT CAR!!!!!

[@dbrooks9398]

Thank you very much for the "Quick & Cheap Fix". I made gear pullers out of two small paper clips. Worked great. Thanks again!!

[@greensocks4507]

Paper clips. Just did the same on my '95

[@abryson34]

excellent tip. my fix was a rubber key identifying ring. perfect fit with little blue plastic gear.

[@bbb129]

This vid was great and perfect fix! I had to move my steering wheel all the way out to get my housing off.

[@williamterry3177]

Let's see, in a shop, $86.50 parts and $165 labor..... I followed your instructions, 17 minutes and one ziptie!!! Thank you so much!!

[@ericsmaldone4360]

WORKED PERFECTLY!!!! Right down to the tie wrap!!! GENIUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@michaelkoester8240]

Great Video! Just fixed wifes 1998 LS 400 with your instructions, used garden hose washer for spacer. thanks again worked like a charm.

[@scratch32602]

Thanks for the vid. I used a 99 cent hose bib washer as a spacer, it was the perfect width. Extend the steering column all the way before remove bottom cover. Push in back sides of panel to release the one piece clip on each side. 15 min repair.

[@SH-iq7tu]

I want to thank you for saving me about $550 that the mecanic wanted I’m not a an expert you make easy I did it just like in the video it work thank again

[@dugoram]

Thank you jaredten! I used a rubber washer from a garden hose after reading tips on ClubLexus. Your video was VERY helpful and inspiring. Literally took me 7 minutes from start to finish. Used a couple of 6 inch steel wire with a bend at the end to pull the Cogwheels cog. Thanks again!

[@dmcquestion]

I'm going to try this fix over the weekend on my '95 LS400. Took mine to the Lexus dealership yesterday and told them the motor is working (you can hear it) and just the gear needs to be replaced. They gave me a quote for $3,700 to replace the telescopic and tilt gear assemblies. If the gear is shot and can't be used, I saw someone on eBay selling the gear for $30. If the motor still works, that is far better than $3,700!!!

[@rudytorres5149]

DUDE I JUST DID MY CAR I HAVE A 1991 LS400 IT WORKS GREAT THANKS MAN

[@sitruck]

This was great out of the box thinking. It worked great thank you for posting this video. I was able to turn on the auto adjust on the steering wheel for the first time it 2 years and adjust it down again!!!

[@loftonadrian]

Excellent video and it was as easy as you made it look. You saved me $700.00. Thanks a million

[@dmcquestion]

The dark trash in housing is the remains of what looked to be a felt washer. Yes, felt. I bought a rubber grommet from Home Depot, cut it in half and slipped it right in there. Fit perfect. I put in the sprocket and it was nice and flush. Sprocket is now dead on. Half of a $1.12 rubber grommet, 20 minutes and a little spilled blood (during cutting grommet) and everything was working great! Lexus wanted $3700. I may circulate fliers for $200. :)

[@axelcubias8457]

BASED JARED. Thanks for the video man, everything was clear and perfect. YOU'RE THE MAN!

[@JodyFletcherTX]

Old video. Still gold. Thanks!

[@mjfmjf111]

Greay video. I actually used it today. I was attempting to change my speedo/tach panel but did not have clearance as my steering wheel could not be adjusted. I, instead of using a draw strap, used a washer, appx. 1/8 ich. It worked like a dream. I then proceeded to relace my speedo/tach panel as originally intended. Found it rather strange, my up/down steering wheel adjustment works now as well as the up/down- perhaps it was on a bind which was relieved after your quick fix. THANKS1111

[@LaMasHermosaRosa]

thank you for providing the washer size.

[@kaibaumgartner7721]

I went to the garden section of Walmart and bought some rubber washers and stuck it behind the gear. Under a dollar for the baggy!

[@nbasit]

Kai Baumgartner can you share a link to the washers you bought? My ‘98 LS just crossed 200K miles and the steering column rack just started making the same noise.

[@jharper34]

Great fix. My 93 lexus ls400 was having the EXACT same problem. Thanks for this vid, saved me a bundle.

[@reggiebaltimore4239]

Thanks for the help and savings from Lexus Lover to another.

[@raymccort6888]

BTW, you can find replacement gears on Ebay. . .But you will still need to use a new washer behind the gear or the ziptie method. . . Good Luck everybody!

[@redalfa164]

why 21 dislikes (has of now) he was thorough and completed the task! Would rather take it to the dealer!!

[@LoveNSugar32]

My car is doing the same thing...it is a hyundai, but hopefully it will work...I'm going to try it tomorrow ...thanks for the tutorial!

[@runners1]

This video was super helpful. I had the exact same problem, fixed it w/ in 45min. Thanks for posting this video.

[@waltbettis4314]

I followed your steps and this resolved my issue. My thank you for this post and your expertise.

[@bobbyclemente21]

Just to follow up on my previous message, I was finally able to get the gear out. Put a water hose rubber gasket before the gear and everything works fine. Was a pain getting the gear out, our harsh environment in Oklahoma (hot summers, sometimes cold winters) made the lubricant a bit gummy which is probably why it was so difficult to get out. I think the water hose rubber gasket would work best simply because it's of uniform thickness rather than using a zip tie plus you don't have to adjust it to get it tight.

[@joeteejoetee]

True: A flat washer is better than a Zip-Tie. Some have suggested using rubber O rings or Copper Crush washers - I'm going to give them both a try tomorrow on my 96 LS-400...

[@greensocks4507]

Just done the same on my '95. Worked perfectly .Thanks

[@POPONG05]

you are the man!!! now I know what to do when that thing fails... thanks for posting that...

[@raymccort6888]

Great video!!! worked great too! A quick note: just like a few of the other youtubers mentioned, there might be ONE of TWO other screws to get the plastic steering column housing off; They are partially behind the wheel, so you have to turn the car on and turn the wheel to get to them. The gear is tough to get off; In my case my 90' LS400 only had (1) additional screw right behind the steering wheel. . .And yes the GEAR is difficult to remove- just be patient. and keep trying. . .

[@bennybop5387]

Ray McCort you got a 1990 dinosaur too...?

[@oldmech619]

It fixed my LS400. Thanks. It really would have been helpful if you had shown how to remove All the screws on the plastic housing

[@NolenNova33]

I’ll use this for a temporary fix till I get the gear. Thx a bunch!!!

[@dgpike]

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You..... Just used your video to repair my 1994 LS400 (had it since new). The only difference is on the 94 one of the bottom cover screws is recessed about 4 inches.

[@ravip292]

Is there a separate motor and gear for the in and out function because on my ls400 the up and down works but it wont go in and out. maybe i could try this on that gear?

[@Newname259]

I used this method and it works perfectly, Thanks!! I have a 1996 Ls 400 by the way!

[@muscletrash78]

I just went on Amazon and bought a new one and put both of them in together sand it works perfectly fine now

[@JoelSDean]

Thanks for the video. I have the same problem with my 94 LS400. I will replace the gear, available on Amazon, and used a nylon washer.

[@Ptalbert]

Thank you man this was everything I have a 98 Lexus sc300 the same process worked on this car

[@lividsorrow]

I think you just fixed my car! The wheel is stuck at the highest position, and it's hard to drive it. Thanks!

[@LSnium]

I was wondering why my steering wheel would do the same, I have a 91, and it was exactly the same to fix, I just put two copper washers behind the gear and pit everything back together, (not to mention) that I ise the excess grease and just greased up the gear and screw thing so there wasn’t just random grease hanging around. Works great now.

[@allabouthim03]

Excellent repair dude. Mine is not stripped. It seems when my car get really not inside the tilt motor just refuses to work. Once it cools off it works like noting was wrong. Haven't found a cheap fix for it yet but i'll keep looking.

[@TheRaptor1967]

A bit late I know, but the motors (and cogs apparently) are available on ebay. Motor number to search for on ebay is: 280SC-20150 After 6 years I'm sure you have it sorted (or you no longer have the vehicle), but others may find it useful. Apparently the same motors also operate the inner door locks. I've got some coming to see if they really do work there as my inner door lock no longer automatically moves from lock to unlock and back.

[@Senorinka]

All models do rhe same but what I did is fully remove that plastic part and got one made in metal it's 💯 working awsome now 💪 got my uncle to do it for me 😅

[@mirksismyname3796]

Wow. Thank you for this Video. Mine just stopped going down.

[@drjd2real]

Where is the gear for the in and out feature? I have same year model as you.

[@StefanKotzeMedia]

You are a fucking legend dude! I just finished this same process on mine. Cable tie did the trick too!

[@youngrican07]

thank you for this man.you used true genius to fix that.I have that problem but the motor doesn't do shit any more...some idiot mechanic messed with it before purchasing the car.He also could not fix the cluster.I will do that myself tom,and with your instructions tackle the steering wheel.It was bitch getting the panel out with the steering locked inward.Hey I don't like getting my hands dirty,I fix mac's and pc's all day,This dealer transformed in to an alley mechanic.l.o.l that s.ob.

[@dangerboy123]

You are the maaaaaan

[@lilinht]

Thank you for this posting. Miy LS400 had the same problem. Fixed!

[@Gorealaracer38]

Thanks 4 the clip,I JUST DID IT 😆.TOOK ALL OF 30MINS.✌

[@mohamedkhairullah5593]

Thanks bro🙏🙏🙏😍😍😍 your awesome 👍👍👍👍

[@russellg7382]

I wish mine was this easy. I have no clue whats going on with it but when its hot or if you take a minute to set it then it stops working for up and down. I'm thinking worn or dirty brushes and motor.

[@Jack-gl1tw]

You life saver. I will no longer drive my car like a damn bus 🤣

[@texan176]

Great vid! Does the LS have a switch that disables the wheel from moving up and away when the key is taken out of the ignition? My 98 SC300 has such a switch labeled (auto) under the adjuster switch. I disabled this feature cause I was worried a gear would break or the motor would burn out.

[@msladyk4081]

Thx u for this Video I have a 95 Lexus sc400 and I tried this and it work

[@bamboo1191]

dude! thats very clever! by any chance does anyone know how to replace the fuel gauge sending unit and the antenna? my antenna wont go up anymore.

[@BallinMafia]

Wow, I just used this same method last week before viewing this. I used two zip ties opposite each other and placed the behind the back washer. I also used LOTS of silicone gease to make it last. Good job! This guy thinks like I do. :0)

[@TheRaptor1967]

BallinMafia - LOL. I just did the same thing (used 2 zip ties so that the cog rested on 2 points opposite each other). Works great!

[@visioneerone]

The washer on my '98 LS just gave out THIS MORNING as I was leaving for work dark thoughts of a $700 repair bill made me into mr grumpy all day until I saw this video f- it imma fix this in the OFFICE PARKING LOT after work also you need gas ;) e : fixed 100%! I did have to reopen the column cover because I forgot to tighten the bottom nut so the column bound up the first couple times I test-cycled it after reassembly.

[@TheCinderDude]

Advice for anyone else doing this that doesn’t have gear pulling tools- paper clips work, but you can also use pliers on the center of the gear if you push hard enough and remove some grease 👍🏼

[@TonyPannell]

Dude, great job on this. I think my motor is dead or something but i had to watch to see how you did. Freaking awesome man! I'm sure this will hello help many poor Lexus drivers with the same problem. Now.. If you'll just break it or something so it matches my problem. I totally trust that you can figure it out.. So when you think you can break it and fix it for me.. Btw mine is a GS300, so you need to go get one of those first.. I've got a couple hours bro, i don't mind waiting... ;-) for real though good job.... I bet that felt great fixing that.

[@i.AmHymn]

Brilliant...got the SAME prob...thx bruh Hymn

[@slipslide10]

@stroock6394 Yes you should telescope it out. I ran into issues removing the column, but once I telescoped it came off pretty easily,

[@donaldjoseph9017]

worked on my 96 just fine THANKS JARED

[@CYCO_THERAPY]

You videos are really helpful

[@TheMusicgirl7777]

Will this work for my 1991 Lexus LS400? same exact thing is happening to me! I heard a strip gear sound and now my steering will only go up and not down!!!!!!!!!!! HELP! please! I cannot afford to take it in to a dealer or shop! HELP! Thanks! for your VIDEO!

[@SkinnedPuppyPhD]

Next level. Thank you.

[@GaboCoughee]

Awe shit you in Austin too???? 78745 All day!

[@ravip292]

I have time this weekend so i might open it up and try to find the problem I will let you know if i fix it. oh and I have a 98-00 gen LS400

[@hellfireboo]

This helped me out tremendously. thanks :D

[@suhailkhan3538]

Jared, my Lexus has the other problem - tilting function works, telescoping doesn't. The motor makes a sound when the joystick is pushed back or pulled, but the steering wheel doesnt move in or out. Is the solution the same?

[@f2000g]

Great diy vid! Does anyone has a solution for my problem: the in and out motion? I have a 1995 ls400.

[@MADISON241000]

thanks for info on the sc.. I have a 1999 that I need to fix

[@NatureAppreciator]

Nice tip, going to try this in my Lexus.

[@slipslide10]

@wildernesswandering2 I just did this and had the exact same problem. It TOTALLY WORKED and saved me around $400.

[@valikkvampire]

Dude you are awesome.... thanks for a great video!!

[@DIYDanCars]

Nice work!