Mk4 Ls400 Play In Steering

[Parrot of Doom]

There's always been a little bit of play in the steering on this car, not an issue while driving although it does produce some slightly uncomfortable knocks now and again. I've pretty much just ignored it as it hasn't ever gotten worse. I presumed it was on the steering column somewhere, in a place difficult to get to.

However, today I discovered that the play is almost certainly in the universal joint just above the driver's pedals, where the steering column pokes through the carpet. I can put my fingers around it and feel it moving as I twitch the wheel back and forth. So obviously, now I know exactly where it is, I want to fix it. Has anyone else had such an issue?

And while I'm on the subject, I find it strange that there's no bit of plastic covering the top of the pedals. Am I missing a bit of trim?

[Rupert Dubreaux]

Unless both of mine are also missing I guess Lexus just skimped a bit on the trim under there .

[steve2006]

There should be a piece of trim above the pedals it has the footwell light and OBD socket attached to it.

[Rupert Dubreaux]

Steve ,the bit Parrot is on about is below and behind the OBD socket . If you contort yourself and look under where the socket is you can see the steering column UJ just above the pedals .

[Parrot of Doom]

Correct, the socket and light cover has a bit of plastic, but there's nothing above the pedals. The passenger side has a nice bit of plastic covering that area.