Rear Steering Rack failure - rebuilt/second hand parts? GS 450h F-sport 2014

[stripester]

I have uploaded a video to YouTube showing the extent of travel for those who havent see this in action -

 

DRS in Action using Techstream to force actuator movement

[WSandME]

I have a '14 F-Sport with DRS. I just watched your video (Thanks!) and I'm dismayed that it appears my steeing is not working - there is no rear-wheel movement when exercising the steering wheel in park, engine running. There are no error codes listed. I checked the 80A link on the Battery and it appears OK. Am I missing something? I'm assuming it needs Techstream to force the movement? How can I check if the DRS on my car is actually working, without techstream? 

[stripester]

If there are no error codes, its probably working, you will see it moving when driving slowly, it doesnt move when stopped....

[WSandME]

Thanks, Paul.

I 3D printed a Go-Pro camera mount to stick to the wheel arch...

... It Verks!

 

 

 

[stripester]

Thats some great footage, thanks for sharing.  Unfortunately my fault is back, in at lexus next week so will bring up the issue, after reviewing all the data logs I've made and Freeze Frame Data it was pointing to the "Stroke" sensor in the Rack, but today the rack started making strage noises and completely stopped working 😞 I am thinking this is going to be expensive 😞 

[stripester]

Okay, Back for the dealer....£10k for Rack plus fittng, looks like I am getting my hands dirty...

[HensTeeth]

Gulp. You're thinking that stripping the rack down to its constituent components should identify the root cause, with a replacement from Amayama as a backup plan?

I'm very interested in how you get on...

[stripester]

That's the idea, I've managed to source one from Japan second hand, so thought I'd try that'd option first... I'll let you know how I get on, totally gutted.... An otherwise ultra dependable car could be written off for a steering rack is just unbelievable... 

[HensTeeth]

Probably wouldn't be your first choice, but is a conversion to a non-rear steer arrangement feasible, with a rack removal and replacement with tie rods? Mechanically likely to be easier than persuading the computer to let go of its amputated rack, I suspect

[stripester]

Hi HensTeeth,  

That was actually my second thought!!, Sppke to Lexus and a Specialist about "Coding it out" they both said no, as its a "Saftey" system (not sure why) they would be liable if the car killed anyone.  I tested all the connectors to the rack this weekend and are all within the "Ohm" specifications, I guess I just need to wait for the second hand rack to turn up and plan the next move from there, as it happens looks pretty easy to take off and reinstall (fingers crossed)!

 

Another options is to buy a second hand rack for an LC500 or LS500 (availible in the US) and adapt them to fit the GS, IE take off mounting backets and inner track rods and swap over from my GS, the connectors and wiring seems to to be identical.

[stripester]

As a side note, and not to scare anyone, but these rear ARS AISIN racks seem to fail....alot....

Lexus Stockport had to replace one under wartnetty for another GS 450h owner, also the specialist(s) I spoke to had two customers with the identical fault to me, they both got rid of the cars due to the costs, this to me means it's not IF it goes wrong, its WHEN.