Sketchy replacement steering column install by PO, need advice (1 Viewer)

[smcg3]

Context around my plea for help: I recently purchased an '02 LX470 that has a very clean body/frame, but I'm discovering some iffy-quality installs of replacement parts in the cabin now that I'm opening up the truck to remedy some deferred maintenance. I bought the truck knowing that it had the steering wheel replaced (tan interior but the steering wheel is black). I took a cursory glance under the dash panels and could see that the telescoping motor worked but the drive shaft was broken, so I ordered the $5 part and thought it would be a simple fix. Now things are snowballing.

Having taken off the trim, It seems that not only was the steering wheel replaced, but the entire steering column (I noticed there's a lot of surface rust on some of the column components that are steel, indicating junkyard part). Making things worse, whoever did the work destroyed one of the nuts that holds the telescoping guide in place, and simply lost the other one (see photo below).

It gets worse. After destroying the bolts, they came up with an alternative way of holding the column in a certain telescoped position: shoving washers inside the steering column tube! I was able to remove two but there is still one deeper in there that I can't get out. Making matters worse, the column now has some up/down play in it since I removed those washers (I guess that's why they put them in there in the first place).

Since removing them I can get the telescope to move in/out manually, but it requires a bit of effort. Even if I bolt it all back together, I'm worried about burning up the telescoping motor (plus, that vertical play). I do want to get the telescoping working, and I do want to make it as safe/factory correct as possible in the event of a collision.

Given the demonstrated poor workmanship by the PO, do I just source another steering column in good working condition? Or do I pull this one, disassemble/clean it, and reinstall it correctly? I may be missing a few more small parts that I can buy for cheap, but if the braintrust feels that the condition + poor install are unsalvageable I may skip the attempt at repair and go straight to full column replacement (again).

 

[smcg3]

Picture of those washers wedged in the steering tube, for those that want to cringe

 

[Mike NXP]

That's brutal. I've rigged up my fair share of repairs but nothing like that.

Sorry I can't be more help but my vote is to repair what you are currently working with, IF possible. If it all seems straight but just has some rust, missing hardware, and you seem capable enough to be pulling and repairing stuff..... so maybe just keep on the track you're on

But I am not experienced in that area of the vehicle, just bored at work and commenting

 

[Trunk Monkey]

I'd vote for replace just because you don't know what else might have been rigged up just to get by. Steering's kinda important.

 

[Mike NXP]

^^ probably better advice than mine.

What's the cost of a new column?

 

[smcg3]

Quick search on Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market - https://car-part.com suggests vicinity of $200-250 for a used one + whatever shipping costs. Don't know what it would cost to rebuilt part-by-part from Lexus, almost too afraid to look to know the price. I'd prefer to take the path of repair what I have. I'd rather allocate the money elsewhere, like new front diff bushings. But I'm at the stage of my life where I have little kids, so safety is paramount. Hoping someone who has some past experience working on the steering in these 100's to weigh in on the level of grief/complexity that would come from cracking open the column. At the very least, I need to get that 3rd washer out of there and fix the wobble if I'm going to keep this column.

 

[baltistyle]

If this helps

 

[baltistyle]

The instructions list a telescoping bushing as well as an upper bearing that may be replaceable

 

[saucebox]

This is the best thread on the up/down play: How To: Replace your Upper Steering Column Shaft - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/how-to-replace-your-upper-steering-column-shaft.1063475/. This kind of up and down play isn't all that uncommon, and buying another used one runs the same risk (although hopefully with fewer washers?).

Some combination of looking at yours and looking at that thread should turn up the things that you have to replace. Pulling the column feels crazy, but it isn't hard at all. And you'd have to do it for a full replacement anyway, so maybe it's enough information that you can make a call on repair vs replace.

Amayama seems to have a new column at about half of what you'd find it at a local dealer, ~$830 + shipping. Toyota 45250-6A691 (452506A691) COLUMN, STEERING - https://www.amayama.com/en/part/toyota/452506a691. Verify the part number though!

Edit: if you hunt for some of the information on Techstream to get that set up, I'm relatively sure you can turn off the telescoping function. Even if just temporarily, so you can avoid stressing that motor until the rest is fixed. I'm not 100% on that though, the settings in an '02 will likely be different than the '03 that I have/am more familiar with.

 

[smcg3]

@baltistyle this is hugely helpful, thank you! Step #11 in the reassembly may explain why the PO may have taken the route they did (though I'll never know who they were or why they didn't spend the damn $5 on the sheer bolts).

This convo is leading me in the direction of sourcing a complete unit from a junkyard with the correct color code steering wheel already attached, that way I just bolt it right in and I solve my sketchy column + mismatched steering wheel problem in one go. I appreciate all of the input of the seasoned veterans here. Glad to be a part of this community now!

 

[baltistyle]

@baltistyle this is hugely helpful, thank you! Step #11 in the reassembly may explain why the PO may have taken the route they did (though I'll never know who they were or why they didn't spend the damn $5 on the sheer bolts).

This convo is leading me in the direction of sourcing a complete unit from a junkyard with the correct color code steering wheel already attached, that way I just bolt it right in and I solve my sketchy column + mismatched steering wheel problem in one go. I appreciate all of the input of the seasoned veterans here. Glad to be a part of this community now!

If you need all the steps, lmk, pm is the best.

 

[hoser]

Having taken off the trim, It seems that not only was the steering wheel replaced, but the entire steering column (I noticed there's a lot of surface rust on some of the column components that are steel, indicating junkyard part).

I haven't seen the extent of the rust you are referring to but a lot of vehicles show surface rust in that location plus under the center console, seats etc. I think the parts are just uncoated from the factory and tend to rust... especially in humid environments.

 

[SNLC]

Recovered from theft and half arsed repaired?

I ask because the missing bolt is called a “break away” bolt. It’s a security bolt, very specialized and the head snaps off when you torque it.

Cheers

 

[SNLC]

Never mind, on second glance that just looks ganky. The security bolts are on the ignition assembly that’s mounts to the column.

Cheers

 

[MSLX]

@baltistyle this is hugely helpful, thank you! Step #11 in the reassembly may explain why the PO may have taken the route they did (though I'll never know who they were or why they didn't spend the damn $5 on the sheer bolts).

This convo is leading me in the direction of sourcing a complete unit from a junkyard with the correct color code steering wheel already attached, that way I just bolt it right in and I solve my sketchy column + mismatched steering wheel problem in one go. I appreciate all of the input of the seasoned veterans here. Glad to be a part of this community now!

Bought a drivers seat out of a Black w Ivory interior (ran VIN through Lexus site, Ivory is accurate) '01 470. They are located in Jackson, MS. They'll ship.

Used 2001 Lexus Lx470 Parts | Search Used Car + Truck Parts

Search For And Buy Choose From Over 157 Million High Quality Used Auto Parts. Buy 2001 Lexus Lx470 Online.

okautoms.hollanderstores.com

 

[delz05]

Impex-Japan is another sourced for NEW… about 665.00 plus shipping.

If you are able to source a used one in working condition, keep in mind the ignition cylinder swap to keep all keys alike.

If anyone knows… does the column have to be “coded” or “programmed” if swapped out? Can you use a “non telescopic” column as a workable and perhaps cheaper alternative?