Great write ups, just changed out my telescoping motor. Part came from eBay motors, via the UAE for $180. Do yourself a favor, one poster said to take the steering column cover first off for better access, wish I had done so the first time! Seems like you can Jimmy the shaft together from below, but the viewing and access from above made it a breeze!
DIY: Telescoping Column Motor Removal/Repair
- Thread starter DomSmith
- Start date
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Good write up. My 2000 LX is doing the same thing, sounds like it's just the junk in the motor housing then.
Really found this thread useful. About to tackle my non-working telescoping (on a 2006 LC). Any updates on sources for the part?
Regarding the grease: I'm going to try a method I've had decent results with for dealing with old grease that has hardened.
1:1 blend of Kano Kroil and very light (0W-10) racing motor oil
Put it in a big syringe with a blunt metal tip and drip the oil liberally onto the old grease. Then work the assembly. The idea is to re-liquefy the grease by replacing the oil component that has evaporated. Its not a perfect solution but avoids the labor of taking an entire assembly apart for disassembly and degreasing.
Regarding the grease: I'm going to try a method I've had decent results with for dealing with old grease that has hardened.
1:1 blend of Kano Kroil and very light (0W-10) racing motor oil
Put it in a big syringe with a blunt metal tip and drip the oil liberally onto the old grease. Then work the assembly. The idea is to re-liquefy the grease by replacing the oil component that has evaporated. Its not a perfect solution but avoids the labor of taking an entire assembly apart for disassembly and degreasing.
Update: Took the covers off my steering column. It turned out that my telescopic motor still works. The rubber bushing that holds the D-shaped nut had come apart. The nut was just spinning inside the bushing. It is also possible that the column telescope coupling was too stiff. No way to know for sure since I'd have to feel the resistance on one that was properly lubricated.
I ordered a new rubber bushing 45768-60011. While I was in there I applied penetrating oil to the steering column telescope to help loosen it up. I was in a rush and just used straight Kroil from a syringe (didn't bother mixing with light motor oil). I got the column to the point that I can manually move it front-back.
I do NOT recommend you use a bunch of Kroil like I did.... My interior smelled like Kroil hte next day. I'm sure the smell will go away but it wasn't the brightest idea on my part. I think the super light racing oil 0W-10 is a better option. Maybe you can get yours for half price like I did from a PepBoys that realizes they have no idea how to sell racing supplies...
I noticed that the column telescope coupling has some kind of special grease that looks like anti-sieze compound. Does anyone know what the correct grease is?
I ordered a new rubber bushing 45768-60011. While I was in there I applied penetrating oil to the steering column telescope to help loosen it up. I was in a rush and just used straight Kroil from a syringe (didn't bother mixing with light motor oil). I got the column to the point that I can manually move it front-back.
I do NOT recommend you use a bunch of Kroil like I did.... My interior smelled like Kroil hte next day. I'm sure the smell will go away but it wasn't the brightest idea on my part. I think the super light racing oil 0W-10 is a better option. Maybe you can get yours for half price like I did from a PepBoys that realizes they have no idea how to sell racing supplies...
I noticed that the column telescope coupling has some kind of special grease that looks like anti-sieze compound. Does anyone know what the correct grease is?
Update 2
I lubricated the steering column telescope tube and the leadscrew for the motor, installed the new bushing and...
It won't move. Just a little sound for a fraction of a second and no movement.
I think the steering column has too much resistance for the motor.
I lubricated the steering column telescope tube and the leadscrew for the motor, installed the new bushing and...
It won't move. Just a little sound for a fraction of a second and no movement.
I think the steering column has too much resistance for the motor.
Did you ever get the shaft it self loosened up?Well my "repair" lasted about 3 days. So a quick PM to CDan and he confirmed that I needed #89232-60022 for my 2004 Land Cruiser. Lists for $295, sold through American Toyota for $221 plus shipping (no CA sales tax). Sweeeet.
New motor...
It took all of 20 minutes to replace... second time around is much easier. The biggest issue was assuring that the motor and column were lined up adjustment wise before sliding the drive line on. I manually adjusted the column telescope all the way out, plugged in the new motor and used the switch to make the motor rotate to full telescope before putting it in place.... bolted it on and viola! Good as new.
Now I need to take it in and get the auto tilt/telescope feature shut off.
I'm guessing it is neccessary to dissasemble the shaft and clean out all the old grease. That's probably why it rarely gets done.
I have mine apart right now. There is so much resistance in the steering column, it is hard to pull it back and forth. So same problem for me
Sounds like a BIG job. Not something I can take on at the moment. I'm going to put the covers on and leave it as manual telescoping.
I have to add a new ground as my attempts to free up the old grease by adding oil made it less conductive. So somtimes when I hit my horn it does not sound untill I push the steering coulmn all the way forward.
Funny you mentioned that. I had to do the same thing done last summer. Perhaps the geese becomes less conductive as it ages.
How did you accomplish this...tech stream or?
I think I will do that once I have this together again
Thanks!
Now to get tech stream.
Now to get tech stream.
when you put the new motor in, did you have to clock it such that the motor position agreed with the steering shaft location (say, motor maxed at extended mode, steering column in most extended position)?The hardest part of this entire process was laying down on the floor and trying to put the motor/shaft back in. It's an awkward location and getting the bolts threaded back in while holding the motor in place without the shaft falling out of place is a serious task.
Once re-installed I tested the telescoping feature and it was much improved. The noise is gone and the wheel telescopes in and out as before with no issues.
I re-installed the electrical connector at the column, and put the column covers back in place. I found it easier to fit the top piece first to assure that the prong fits into a hole on the top of the column:
Once the top piece was on I put the bottom piece on and lined them up and snapped them in. You have to bend the left edge out to pass it over the tilt switch and then line it up. You can put either one on first (whichever works best for you) This shows the bottom piece installed first...
Next insert the three screws that hold it all together and you're done! I'm not sure how long it will last but at least for tonight I'm satisfied. I plan on taking it to my buddy at Toyota to have the auto tilt/telescope feature disabled to save the motor.
- Thread starter
- #178
My apologies but I don’t recall, it’s been so long. It makes sense that you would need to but I’m not sure.
Maybe someone that’s done this more recently can chime in?
Just noticed the clocking method earlier up in this thread.
Hello from Colorado. I have a 2005 LC with 285K on the clock. The telescope function doesn't operate but the tilt does. I also have play in the steering wheel, not side to side but top to bottom if you push and pull the top and bottom. I am going to replace the telescoping motor but also want to address the slop in the steering wheel. Any ideas what is causing this? The dealer suggested I replace the steering shaft. I recall reading in the 9 pages of this thread about some slop if you didn't include some washers. Wondering if mine are worn, cracked or gone altogether. Net-net, I need help in ordering all the correct parts so I can resolve the issues at one time. Thanks in advance.
