DIY: Telescoping Column Motor Removal/Repair (1 Viewer)

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

DomSmith

SILVER Star
Joined
Nov 16, 2004
Threads
299
Messages
3,763
Location
Oceanside, CA (Fire Mountain)
The telescoping feature of my tilt column starting slowing down and making lots of noise soon after I purchased a 2004 Land Cruiser. I initially thought it was the tilt but soon after investigation I pinpointed it to the telescoping part. It has super low miles and was well cared for but I was sure small things would pop up here and there as it's 8 years old. I'm used to working on the 40 series but figured I'd try to tackle as much as possible on my own with this one too. I read a few threads around here and looked at the FSM but could not find clear instructions. I also swapped PM's with RoderickGI and he made me feel like it was doable so I gave it a shot...

***I did NOT disconnect the battery initially as I wanted to be able to test the functions as I went. You may choose to.

First I put the key in and adjusted the tilt all the way down and the telescope all the way out. Then I removed the column covers.

Unscrew the bottom cover screw:

http://www.dominicsmith.com/2004_Steering_Column_files/Media/IMG_1722/IMG_1722.jpg


Turn the wheel to the side and remove each of the 2 top screws that are located behind the steering wheel:

http://www.dominicsmith.com/2004_Steering_Column_files/Media/IMG_1724/IMG_1724.jpg


Now I just pulled on the top cover to separate the two pieces and slid them off. This exposed the column:

http://www.dominicsmith.com/2004_Steering_Column_files/Media/IMG_1751/IMG_1751.jpg


Next I removed the screw holding this connector onto the column as it made access a little easier:

http://www.dominicsmith.com/2004_Steering_Column_files/Media/IMG_1750 copy/IMG_1750 copy.jpg


http://www.dominicsmith.com/2004_Steering_Column_files/Media/IMG_1748/IMG_1748.jpg



I tested the telescoping feature and and tried to figure out why it's was so slow and loud. I began by removing the nut that is secured to the column that the telescoping rod connects too thus moving the column in and out. This is what it looks like attached to the column (retained by a plate and two screws):

http://www.dominicsmith.com/2004_Steering_Column_files/Media/IMG_1726 copy/IMG_1726 copy.jpg


This is the screw covered by the rubber collar. I just unscrewed this as one piece and took it all apart:


http://www.dominicsmith.com/2004_Steering_Column_files/Media/IMG_1728/IMG_1728.jpg


Here are all the parts disassembled:

http://www.dominicsmith.com/2004_Steering_Column_files/Media/IMG_1731/IMG_1731.jpg

This freed up the column so I tried moving it in and out manually. It took quite a bit of force so I thought the grease might be hardening and causing too much friction for the motor to overcome. So I pulled the column as far out as I could and used some synthetic brake caliper grease and smeared it all around the shaft. I then pushed and pulled the column in and out and re-greased 5 or 6 times. It seemed to help a little but not much. Here's where the column slides:




All the threads on the nut and the rubber bushing looked OK so I lubed it up and re-attached it. I made sure that the key was on and the telescoping adjustment was all the way out so that I could line up the nut and bushing to the end of the rod. I read about the motor binding when not properly aligned so I wanted to avoid that.

http://www.dominicsmith.com/2004_Steering_Column_files/Media/IMG_1732/IMG_1732.jpg


Once I had it all re-assembled I tried the telescoping feature again and it worked a little better but was still making noise and moving slower than it should.

I decided to look for the telescoping motor to see if it was accessible and how difficult it would be to replace. I had already looked up the part and I was sure I could get one for about $220 if I had to. I followed the screw shaft down and saw the motor at the bottom of the column just above the pedals. It was held on by two bolts and had one electrical connector. The photo here shows where the two bolts are (red arrows, top one already removed) and the electrical connector (green arrow). This was taken from the floorboard near the pedals looking back towards the steering wheel:

http://www.dominicsmith.com/2004_Steering_Column_files/Media/IMG_1739_1/IMG_1739_1.jpg



After removing the motor (but leaving it plugged in) I used the switch to see how well it worked. No problem turning but it was a bit noisy. I realized at this point I could just leave it unplugged (or removed until I ordered a new one) and just use the tilt feature if required.

http://www.dominicsmith.com/2004_Steering_Column_files/Media/IMG_1744/IMG_1744.jpg

The motor also had a miniature drive-shaft and boot:


http://www.dominicsmith.com/2004_Steering_Column_files/Media/IMG_1745/IMG_1745.jpg



I decided to break open the motor since I figured I couldn't do any more harm as I was planning on replacing it anyway. I first removed the electrical connector bolt (allen head):

http://www.dominicsmith.com/2004_Steering_Column_files/Media/IMG_1744/IMG_1744.jpg


I then bent the four tabs back and opened the motor to take the cover off. Inside I found a bunch of loose crap.

http://www.dominicsmith.com/2004_Steering_Column_files/Media/IMG_1740/IMG_1740.jpg



http://www.dominicsmith.com/2004_Steering_Column_files/Media/IMG_1741/IMG_1741.jpg


Obviously this motor is probably on it's last leg but I figured I'd clean it out with some low psi compressed air put it back together to see how it performed...

http://www.dominicsmith.com/2004_Steering_Column_files/Media/IMG_1742/IMG_1742.jpg


Here it is all put back together. I pushed the boot down just to show the parts. The boot actually rides on the shaft...



http://www.dominicsmith.com/2004_Steering_Column_files/Media/IMG_1746/IMG_1746.jpg


http://www.dominicsmith.com/2004_Steering_Column_files/Media/IMG_1747/IMG_1747.jpg
 
Last edited:
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:

IMG_1754%20copy.jpg



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...

IMG_1755.jpg



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.


:beer::beer:
 
Last edited:
Very nice writeup. Great pics too. Excellent job.
In the FAQ it goes!
thanks
 
Thanks for the great writeup and pics!
What was the loose stuff? Plastic gears on the motor that chewed up?
 
What was the loose stuff? Plastic gears on the motor that chewed up?

I'm not familiar enough with these to know what it was for sure. I expected to see the old style plastic gears I find when I pull the 40 stuff apart but this is not like that at all. It seemed to resemble a bearing race or some sort of collar remnants? This motor is much more of an electric motor than the old clunky gear style I'm used to.
 
Outstanding write-up...

very nice work.

IF you leave the key in to supply power to the tilt/telescope system, make VERY sure you know where your fingers are at all times;).

Steve
 
Great write-up.

When I bought my '02 LX 470 (used) the Lexus dealership told me both tilt and telescope functions worked. Stupidly I took their word for it (17 time Elite of Lexus award winner). Sure enough the tilt worked but not the telescope function.

I took it to a Toyota Dealership in SLC and they said there was a Technical Service Bulletin about the telescope system and complying with that bulletin would fix the problem. I agreed to their recommendation and they ordered the parts. I brought it in to have the parts installed and the motor was bad as well (which of course they didn't have in stock).

With your detailed and informative write-up I likely would have saved about $700.
 
Mine is the same: tilt works, telescope doesn't.
I don't mind, as long as thetilt works. So much easier to climb in and out now with the steering wheel out of the way.
 
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...


IMG_1818.jpg



IMG_1817.jpg



IMG_1816.jpg



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.

:beer:
 
WOW! Great write up. Just in time for my rig.

The telescoping feature on my '99 LX 470 just stopped working. No slowing down, no noise...just stopped and it's all the way in...bummer! Is there a fuse or common connection point failure to check before jumping in? If not, how do I get in touch with CDan to order a replacement motor?
 
DomSmith;

Explain about getting this auto tilt/telescope feature shut off.

Thanks,

Rigger
 
Great write up! My wife's 2003 LC tilt works but the telescoping doesn't. Thanks for the helpful pics.
 
Last edited:
DomSmith, the disabling of the auto tilt/telescope, did you have the dealer do this? Is it expensive to get this done? It sounds like it must be a little technical, or else they'd just tell the owner how to do it in the manual.
 
DomSmith, the disabling of the auto tilt/telescope, did you have the dealer do this? Is it expensive to get this done? It sounds like it must be a little technical, or else they'd just tell the owner how to do it in the manual.

They plug in their special OBD tool/laptop and press a couple buttons and it's done. You can't do it without their dealer tool. As for costs, depends on how cool your local dealer is.
 
http://www.uobd2.com/wholesale/mini-vci-for-toyota-tis-techstream-v500028-single-cable-2442.html
for $35.00 you can get yourself the cable and the techstream software that allows you to control that setting and many others.

personally, in addition to many other settings, i've used it to disable my steering wheel from moving when turning off and exiting the vehicle.

also, perhaps you can borrow it from another mudder in your area - a number of folks on the board have gotten it for their ahc suspension. see this thread:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/604577-definitive-list-ahc-maintenance-items.html

Sent from my iPhone using IH8MUD
 
Last edited:

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top Bottom