BlackRX300

Can someone tell me how to remove the steering column cover on a 2001 RX300? The cover is #7 & #8 in this diagram.

cduluk

Very simple, there are just 3 screws you need to remove and the two parts will come apart.

Turn the wheel to the left to see #1, then after it's removed turn the wheel to the right to remove #2, then straighten out and remove #3 from below. Then just pull the two pieces apart.

#1


#2


#3

BlackRX300

Thanks so much..

I saw the one underneath, but missed the 2 behind the wheel.

This is where a noise is coming from when the wheel is turned. Sounds like 2 plastic pieces rubbing together.

Thanks Again

cduluk

Are you sure it's from under there, and not in the clockspring behind the steering wheel? You'll be able to see the sides of the clockspring box, but to gain access to the front of it, you'll need to remove the wheel =/

ToyotaLexus

my steering wheel is also making this noise when turning...
the noise has been there for years and I've learned to ignore
it because it only makes this noise in the winter when the
temps are below 40.

I hope the OP figures out how to get rid of this noise. If so,
please post on which part is the culprit. (the dealer
told me it's the clockspring which had to be replaced)

cduluk

It doesn't need to be replaced, just cleaned and/or oiled.

RX300Gary

How do you do that??
It looks like its a ring shaped box and you'd have to pull the wheel/airbag to get it out and then disassemble it, right? Ours is grinding pretty bad at about 102K miles.

Gary

salimshah

One common cause is one of the two shell pieces [start of this thread].

Before you open anything try squeezing the pieces and note if the noise changes as you turn the wheel.

Salim

tomstep2

Lexus cleaned and lubed mine when I brought it in for an oil change. They didn't charge me anything for it. Just my two cents...