I am seriously considering buying an '01 470 to replace my previously totaled '99 LC (Thanks for the advice and condolences on this in a previous post.) The only issue we could identify with the LX is that the tele steering column is noisy and seems rough. (and the inevitable pink-pantie and country club jokes) Based on what I have read, eventual failure of the tele mechanism seems likely. My normal Toyota mechanic hasn't replaced one of these before and the local Lexus dealer said probably about $300 bucks but it depends. The rig is at 77k and out of warranty.
I found a previous post on this issue:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=24688&highlight=tele+steering
but I'm still wondering:
1. What experience do people have fixing this, either on your own - big deal? or by the mechanic - expensive?
2. The owners manual states that the automatic telescoping can be shut off but says to ask the dealer. Has anyone figured out how to do this on their own, which theoretically should make the motor last longer?
Thanks
I found a previous post on this issue:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=24688&highlight=tele+steering
but I'm still wondering:
1. What experience do people have fixing this, either on your own - big deal? or by the mechanic - expensive?
2. The owners manual states that the automatic telescoping can be shut off but says to ask the dealer. Has anyone figured out how to do this on their own, which theoretically should make the motor last longer?
Thanks