SLUFF

Good morning, everyone!
I'm looking for an advice on my suspension problem. The ride has become very harsh, switching from normal to comfort barely helps. I checked the fluid level in the AHC reservoir, the difference between HI and LO is some 11-12 gradations. I drove my LX for a while and I am now positive that the problem is in the rear part of the suspension. When going over bumps or potholes it feels like there are no shocks in the back. Last weekend I took apart the rear height sensor to dry it out and lube. It was dry and crystal clean on the inside, but I sprayed some contact cleaner on the contacts just to be sure. After that the vehicle rode fine for about an hour. The next morning it was riding harsh again.
Please tell me what else I have to check here.

My LX has some 60K on it and the fluid looks like it was never changed. However rising and lowering works just fine.

Thank you all for your help. This is a great source of knowledge for people like me.

SLUFF

Well, I guess no one else here had problems with AHC. NO replies for 4 days, that sucks

joe42276

Hi Sluff...

Did you ever figure it out? I'm in almost the exact predicament.

Here's me: 2004 LX470. just hit 100k miles.

-AHC height control works fine... rise and lowering heights are fine.
-AHC fluid level is fine (10 ticks from LOW to HI)
-AHC fluid is at normal level when in normal height
-AHC fluid "looks" clean (I still plan to flush out soon)
-Ride control still works (soft to hard)

--ride feels a little sloppy (kind of like a worn/loose bushing, or squirming)
--small bumps (lane reflectors, speed bumps) seem to "hit" harder than usual
--right rear corner seems a little off (on turns, the LX feels like it's rebounding diagonally and right rear seems to be "softer")
--Tires are look fine (285/60-18) 40% tread left, 32psi air press.

When I cycled through up and down heights, the ride felt a tad better,
but the ride is still not as smooth and controlled as it used to be.
How can I get the nice, tight, controlled feel back?

Anyone else have a similar case? How did you resolve it?

vcheng

If the height control works fine, and the sensors are known to be okay, all the AHC system may need is fresh fluid. Try flushing out the system with fresh fluid, not just in the reservoir. If you have the FSM, just follow the procedure. Remember that safety is always first, as the truck drops rathers drastically when the fluid id drained.

PS: When you say the fluid "looks clean" what do you mean? New AHC fluid is pale straw coloured. Over time, there is a progressive blackish tinge that develops. Have you taken out a sample and compared it to new fluid?

pounkham

I have a 1999 LX470 and have the same problem. When you hit a bump the front side is ok but the rear bounces alot. Have any one find out whats wrong yet if so please contact me at pounkham2003@yahoo.com. thanks

justfixit

There are gas chambers for dampening force of active suspension. These chambers leak internally and make vehicle feel as though there is no suspension travel at all. It almosts feels dangerous.
There are two total. They are located about midway of vehicle on both sides.
They just thread onto damper actuator. Fairly simple repair.
Good luck

joe42276

Ok, you caught me on the fluid "looking clean". I didn't really check it thouroghly. I am going to be flushing out the fluid soon, and already have a set of globes from Keith Bowers.

My thought is simply, if a flush will solve the problem... for now... then I can save the new globes for later when it does go bad...

That's why I'd like to know if any of you have had similar symptoms and have a solution. Otherwise, I can just put the new globes in and flush.

As for suspension travel... that doesn't seem to be a problem. I can push down on each corner of the LX (with the engine off/key out) and they all feel the same... (normal?... not stiff like there's no travel)

...Doh!... maybe I should check pushing down on the corners w/ the engine on.. while the suspension is active.

I'll try it tonight.

chip99

hello i did not have the harsh ride but my 06lx would adjust when stopped at a traffice light which i found odd. Had it serviec and lexus said the height sensors were bad; under warranty so all of those were replaced. not usre if you have an extended warranty; these can be expensive. Got the truck today so i did not have much time to drive it around

chip99

hey forgot to telll ya nazdorovia

cvmonk

Did anyone figure this one out? I have about 100,000 miles and have had accumulators, height sensors, and shocks replaced but the ride is not right and Lexus will not admit it.