ChrisW

I'm afraid I'm getting out of my depth now. You probably need to completely remove the switch before you can open it up and I don't know how much other stuff needs to be taken apart before you can get to it. From the parts catalogue I can see there is a control unit (part number 89650-50090) behind the dash. On the steering column there is a pair of position sensors, one for tilt and one for telescopic motion. I wouldn't know how to diagnose any of this system other than substituting known-good secondhand parts.

Taking the switch unit apart and spraying the joystick contacts with some electrical switch/contact cleaner from Maplin might be worth a go. What happens in auto retract mode? Does it move back but fail to tilt up, or is it not moving at all?

The tilt function seems to work like the automatic repeat on a PC keyboard, i.e. if you hold it down it makes one small movement - then a pause - then it keeps on moving. Is yours just making that first movement and then nothing more? If so maybe the fault is with the electronic control box (not sure where this is or if it's part of the switch unit). Does the motor run freely if that round plastic gear is removed?

OK here's an update on this in case it helps anyone else. 1. This is what I tried first, which didn't stop the noise. I opened up the gearbox on the left hand side of the steering column which controls the up/down movement (see the photos on the thread that Steve linked to). The fibre washer behind the blue gear had disintegrated so I replaced it with a pair of rubber washers. I cleaned out all the old grease (lots of IPA and an air duster - this was messy!) and replaced it with a generous amount of Tamiya Ceramic Grease - this is designed for radio-controlled car gearboxes so I thought it would be suitable. I also applied white lithium grease to all the other moving parts I could see, including the worm gear which is tucked away beneath/behind the above gearbox. 2. Then I noticed that it got a lot noisier when I put the plastic trim back on the steering column. It turns out that the right hand side of the trim is rubbing against the dash just next to the ignition switch. It looks like the steering column is slightly off-centre as there's a reasonable gap on the left hand side - don't know if this can be adjusted? Anyway I sprayed some silicone lubricant on the parts that were rubbing and the noise went away! I can now keep the auto-retract function turned on without being embarrassed about the noise it makes. B)

Interesting link, thanks. I think I just need to get some decent grease and try to get it into more places than I did last time.

One of my favourite features of the LS is the way the steering wheel moves out to greet you when you put the key in. Mine sometimes makes an awful groaning/squeaking noise though. Does anyone know the correct way to lubricate the mechanism? I tried a while ago - taking off the plastic covers and squirting some WD40 inside - but that obviously hasn't worked.

Best of luck Chris, hope it goes well. Thanks, it passed! It was very close on emissions so I might need new cats for next time. Also got corroded rear brake pipes so they'll need looking at soon.

Well done! Mine's on Friday, wish me luck...

The procedure should be in your owner's manual, but what you said is basically right. Do it with the engine fully warmed up and running (you can do it cold but it's less accurate), and move the shifter into every position from P to L and back again. For the power steering, there's a dipstick built-in to the reservoir lid. On my 1993 that's on the driver's side at the front of the engine, I don't know if it's different on a 98.

Are your anti-squeal shims missing? There should be two shims that sit behind each pad, and two V-shaped springs joining the pads on either side of the disc.

Mine's blowing from the flanges on the cats, which are near the front.

I've been using Mobil 1 0W-40 based on a recommendation on this forum. I couldn't tell you if it's the best choice but the car seems happy enough.

I replaced the bulb in my fog light switch with one from Maplin, order code BT43W.

There's definitely an anti-Lexus bias on Top Gear and I think the LS (and probably anything with a Lexus badge) will always be stuck with the James May / Alan Partridge sort of image. Still, we know they're great cars, I suppose that's all that matters!

Shame about the spoiler and the nasty twin aerials! That inspired me too - plus the episode of Top Gear where James May bought one. :)

I tried a squirt of PlusGas - maybe not enough or I just need bigger muscles!

I tried removing my EGR pipe a while ago. The bolt down the back of the engine wasn't as difficult as I thought but I just couldn't undo the bolts at the bottom end. I could only get a very short spanner onto them and then didn't have enough leverage. I should have another go sometime seeing as I've paid out for the new pipe and gaskets.

Your next job should be to install an extractor fan - bit late now though! I hate painting. I started painting the garage at least 3 years ago and I still haven't finished it.

Doh! So tell us what happened - I've got a vision of you falling off a ladder and landing head-first in a tin of white emulsion...

Ah yes it would be difficult to find without a map, it's a bit tucked away. Perhaps we should exchange mobile numbers next time.

Hope I didn't miss anyone, but I hung around till nearly 4 and there was no sign of another Lexus so I went home. Maybe this would be more successful in the Spring, the weather was pretty crap today.

Last chance for anyone else to join in! See you at 3:00.

OK looks like it might be a small meeting but not to worry. I'll get there for 3 and wait around in the car park for a while, or head indoors if it's raining. Mine's the dark blue LS400 and I'll wear my black IMOC fleece so people can recognise me.

Do you mean Fen Ditton? http://www.theploughfenditton.co.uk/ I've never been there but it looks like a fine choice. What sort of time would suit people - around 2:30/3:00 maybe? I suppose with the clocks going back it's going to start getting dark around 5.

Yeah I suppose we can put up with a few peasants :D