2004 Lexus LS 430FACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Steering System: Repair

  1. STEERING OFF CENTER REPAIR PROCEDURE 
    1. Inspect steering wheel off center.
      1. Apply masking tape on the top center of the steering wheel and steering column upper cover.
      2. Drive the vehicle in a straight line for 100 meters at a constant speed of 35 mph (56 km/h), and hold the steering wheel to maintain the course.
        Fig 1: Applying Masking Tape On Top Center Of Steering Wheel And Steering Column Upper Cover
        G01052200Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
      3. Draw a line on the masking tape as shown in the illustration.
        Fig 2: Drawing Line On Masking Tape
        G01052201Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
      4. Turn the steering wheel to the center position.

        HINT:

        Lock at to the upper surface of the steering wheel, steering spoke and SRS airbag line for the center position.

      5. Draw a new line on the masking tape on the steering wheel as shown in the illustration.
      6. Measure the distance between the 2 lines on the masking tape on the steering wheel.
        Fig 3: Measuring Distance Between Lines On Masking Tape On Steering Wheel
        G01052202Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
      7. Convert the measured distance to steering angle.

        Measured distance 1 mm (0.04 in.) = Steering angle of approximately 1 degree. 

        HINT:

        Make a note of the steering angle.

    2. Adjust steering angle.
      1. Draw a line on the RH and LH tie rod ends and rack respectively ends where it can be easily seen.
      2. Using a paper gauge, measure the distance from the RH and LH tie rod ends to the rack end screws.

        HINT:

        • Measure both the RH and LH side
        • Make a note of the measured values.
          Fig 4: Adjusting Steering Angle
          G01052203Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
      3. Remove the RH and LH boot clips from the rack boots.
      4. Loosen the RH and LH lock nuts.
      5. Turn the RH and LH rack ends by the same amount but in different directions according to the steering angle.

        One 360 degree turn of rack end (1.5 mm (0.059 in.) horizontal movement) equals to 12 degree of steering angle. 

      6. Tighten the RH and LH lock nuts by the specified torque.

        Torque: 74 N.m (750 kgf.cm, 54 ft.lbf) 

        Fig 5: Removing RH And LH Boot Clips From Rack Boots
        G01052204Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
Factory Service Tools

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.

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