campisi

toddmorr and heathervb's problems are examples of two different things going bad on those assemblies.

todd's issue was a blown shock but the air spring was still fine. Result: replace the entire unit.
heather's problem is that the shock is fine but the air spring is leaking (sounds like the shock itself isn't far behind with that leaking fluid). The air leak is currently not bad enough that the compressor can't keep up with it while driving. Result: replace the entire unit.
It's possible her compressor COULD go out from having to run all the time to keep that air spring inflated. Who knows?!

It's too bad Lexus didn't make these two components independently replaceable.

toddmorr

looks like the air compressor within the auto leveling system goes for 1477$ discounted. I wonder if that is commonly replaced when one converts to some kind of VIP style setup.

the other thing to consider is whether there is damage caused to other components in the suspension when the air bag is deflated for more than a minute or two.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

I have never heard of the compressor going out. I asked a Lexus master tech and he said he has never once replaced one. Not that they can't go. There are actually some bushings at the compressor behind the passenger side wheel well. I have thought about pulling it off and checking them out sometime. VIP setups are usually located in the trunk with a tank.

toddmorr

interesting tidbit I'll pass along, only somewhat related. I mentioned earlier I got a set of shocks that appear to be from an 01-03 car, at least that is what the part numbers clearly indicate. I contacted the owner, who sold them to me as coming from an 05 car. He was adamant, he took them off his car which was built in aug 05 and sold to him in april 06 as an 05 new. I guess I believe him, but what this means is that Toyota had extra air shocks laying around for more than 2 yrs, still using up the 01-03 supply. Really skeptical but like I said, I do believe my seller's story.

Dalex20000

Hello everyone,

I'm new here, but I was interested in the subject. I found the tool 09730-00010 EBAY sold in less than half the price, and I have already bought one, if anyone needs it : Woot:: Woot:: Woohoo:

https://www.ebay.es/itm/113726778947

toddmorr

about a year ago I noticed a slight, light oil film on a front air shock. Car rode fine, but I had a decent stash of used spares acquired at a good price, so why not use one of them.

Pretty easy work to install it....couple points to make:
a. shop manual says to remove the height sensor assembly. I didn't.
b. the air tube attaches to the front shock body around the back of the shock. You can't get to it from the wheel well, as you can with the rear shocks. You have to go through the engine bay, and there is a rubber grommet thing that must be removed, even then its so tight, I had to also remove a plastic black box of sorts mounted on the engine and attached to the air intake tube heading to the throttle body, in order to get access to the grommet. That took maybe 5 minutes but needed to be done.
c. I did use that fancy special tool...the white thingee that attaches around the air tube, allowing you to withdraw and re-insert the air tube. The clearances are so tight here I think it would be tough to use any tool other than this one to get to it.

anyway, did the shock, and while I was at it, the stabilizer bar links and bushings. Easy job and oh so worth it, even on my car a 77k miler. Instantly a tighter, more level feel, which I attribute to the stabilizer bar job rather than the shock.