Steering Column Replace ...... And A Long Story Behind It

[JPI]

One of our good client have problem with his steering column. It makes a grinding noise when turning left and right. We had this issue in the past and a little shim was in place to fix it temporary. After modified the shim and tested the clearance on the column. The inner shaft was way out of clearance, A new steering need to be in place to fix this problem. We called lexus and they wanted $1500 just for the column ouch. BTW, This vehicle is a 94 Ls400. After a couple of sleepless night, we decided to look into swapping the donor steering column. It's a Ls400 92 with 93k miles, I wasn't sure if it's going to fit or will work. According to Lexus they have the same part number.... This part get more interesting. So I spent the entire weekend measuring all the brackets and steering column shaft. They do fit... they wiring is a little different though..... Great !!!!!!

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q159/jp...pg?t=1180722646

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q159/jp...pg?t=1180723511

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Steering column is out of the vehicle.

[JPI]

Both steering column side by side. The 92 and 94 column does look a little bit different but they do share the same measurement and tilt motors.

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q159/jp...pg?t=1180723567

Both ignition plugs are the same.

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q159/jp...pg?t=1180723734

The retracting module wiring is a little bit different. All we had to do is swap them out.

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q159/jp...pg?t=1180723797

Swapping out the ignition lock. They are quite simple to do.

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q159/jp...pg?t=1180723906

I had to double check the lower input column shaft. They have the same measurement :woot:

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q159/jp...pg?t=1180724148

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q159/jp...pg?t=1180724223

After the installation. The steering wheel steering feel much better. There aren't any feedback or resistance when making turns. Mr. Van English was very happy with the outcome and save him a lot of money. Since he is our long time client, I didn't charge the labor on this job. It's quite a learning experience though.

JPI