3rd Gen Lexus RX hard suspension (merged threads)
04-20-16, 09:37 PM
#376
My wife and I cannot tolerate the very rough ride (especailly over minor road bumps) that we get with our 2014 RX 350. Our 2009 Lexus RX350 did not have this problem. Have talked to the dealer with no results so will trade it in for some other make. Does anyone have a suggestion about another brand 2015 or 2016 SUV that gives a smooth ride? No more Lexus for us!!!
05-03-16, 02:54 PM
#377
Driver School Candidate
I test drove a 2013 RX 350 late last year and decided against it due to the relatively bumpy ride/stiffer than expected suspension. 5 months later, I finally bought a 2013 RX 350 because I couldn't find anything better (won't risk any European model due to maintenance / reliability issues, and same goes for US models - so I'm limited in choices).
A day after buying it, I realized the tires were at 45 psi! Dropping that to 34 psi made a big difference. It is still a bit 'bumpy', and I blame that on the 19" rims. I really wish I had the 18" rims.
The car is VERY quiet and smooth at freeway speeds, which is my biggest requirement. It sucks on local streets at 20 mph ... .
A day after buying it, I realized the tires were at 45 psi! Dropping that to 34 psi made a big difference. It is still a bit 'bumpy', and I blame that on the 19" rims. I really wish I had the 18" rims.
The car is VERY quiet and smooth at freeway speeds, which is my biggest requirement. It sucks on local streets at 20 mph ... .
10-26-16, 09:18 PM
#378
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2013 RX-350 FWD - Bouncy ride
Hello folks! I am a first time Lexus buyer. I purchased a Lexus Certified 2013 RX-350 FWD with 37k miles last month (9/2016). It is around 4 yrs old. It is under Lexus warranty.
This is my first SUV. I am experiencing an unusually bouncy ride on concrete roads with dipping curves, roads with patches and small bumps or potholes (not necessarily bad roads). Sometimes I feel this is too much for any SUV. It rides smooth on good road. Initially, it made a "thud" sound when it hit the small potholes or concrete gaps, I reported to the dealer and they replaced the tires with 18" Micheline tires and thud effect went away. Service manager was considerate. But I feel the bounce has increased now. Dealer said they inspected the suspension system (including shocks/springs etc) and they are fine. They also mentioned shocks are not covered under warranty, unless it leaks. It has no leaks. I am kind of unhappy with this situation.
Anyone has any suggestion? Any experiences?
This is my first SUV. I am experiencing an unusually bouncy ride on concrete roads with dipping curves, roads with patches and small bumps or potholes (not necessarily bad roads). Sometimes I feel this is too much for any SUV. It rides smooth on good road. Initially, it made a "thud" sound when it hit the small potholes or concrete gaps, I reported to the dealer and they replaced the tires with 18" Micheline tires and thud effect went away. Service manager was considerate. But I feel the bounce has increased now. Dealer said they inspected the suspension system (including shocks/springs etc) and they are fine. They also mentioned shocks are not covered under warranty, unless it leaks. It has no leaks. I am kind of unhappy with this situation.
Anyone has any suggestion? Any experiences?
10-27-16, 07:11 AM
#379
Moderator
If the shocks are not leaking and no other issues were identified, then it appears you either have to get used to the SUV ride or trade it in for a sedan. You should have test driven other RX350s and competitors models before making your purchase and been able to compare their rides.
I went from having a few Lexus sedans, but also a 1995 Ford Explorer XLT AWD with huge aftermarket anti-sway bars and Bilstein shocks which rode like a covered wagon compared to the RX. However it did steer and handle a lot better. I did not find the RX that much bouncier than our former ES350 and certainly about the same as the HS250h.
I went from having a few Lexus sedans, but also a 1995 Ford Explorer XLT AWD with huge aftermarket anti-sway bars and Bilstein shocks which rode like a covered wagon compared to the RX. However it did steer and handle a lot better. I did not find the RX that much bouncier than our former ES350 and certainly about the same as the HS250h.
10-27-16, 08:06 AM
#380
Welcome to CL!!
I, too, came to our RX450h from having spent the last 10 years driving either a 3/4 ton Ford diesel pickup or a Ford diesel Excursion built on the same 3/4 ton frame and suspension. From that background, I have found the RXh to be a driving dream in comparison. However, my experience doesn't need to match yours and certainly doesn't address your concerns.
As for suggestions, I can only think of five (assuming no mechanical problems which need fixing). Keep in mind that the RXh ride is pretty much what it is, and there are not a lot of suspension modification options out there for it.
- That said, I often find the far left hand lane of the road to be a significantly smoother ride than either center or right-hand lanes, but that really only applies to highway travel.
- Replace the shocks and/or struts even if they are not leaking.
- Alternate road routes may be an option for you.
- Swap over to a sedan.
- Live with what you have and get used to it over time.
I, too, came to our RX450h from having spent the last 10 years driving either a 3/4 ton Ford diesel pickup or a Ford diesel Excursion built on the same 3/4 ton frame and suspension. From that background, I have found the RXh to be a driving dream in comparison. However, my experience doesn't need to match yours and certainly doesn't address your concerns.
As for suggestions, I can only think of five (assuming no mechanical problems which need fixing). Keep in mind that the RXh ride is pretty much what it is, and there are not a lot of suspension modification options out there for it.
- That said, I often find the far left hand lane of the road to be a significantly smoother ride than either center or right-hand lanes, but that really only applies to highway travel.
- Replace the shocks and/or struts even if they are not leaking.
- Alternate road routes may be an option for you.
- Swap over to a sedan.
- Live with what you have and get used to it over time.
10-27-16, 08:18 AM
#381
You might firm-up the ride a little by upping your tire pressure by a few pounds. Try something like 35psi. This won't make a major change but might make you more comfortable.
10-27-16, 09:25 AM
#382
Being that "bouncy" is subjective and this is your first SUV, the only thing I can think of is for you to drive another 13 RX 350 with the same tires and compare the rides.
Compared to the other cars I have my RX could be said to bounce, but it is on par with the other luxury SUVs I've owned and driven.
Compared to the other cars I have my RX could be said to bounce, but it is on par with the other luxury SUVs I've owned and driven.
10-27-16, 08:21 PM
#383
Instructor
My wife and I cannot tolerate the very rough ride (especailly over minor road bumps) that we get with our 2014 RX 350. Our 2009 Lexus RX350 did not have this problem. Have talked to the dealer with no results so will trade it in for some other make. Does anyone have a suggestion about another brand 2015 or 2016 SUV that gives a smooth ride? No more Lexus for us!!!
10-29-16, 11:32 AM
#384
I noticed the bumpy ride too. I remembered when I bought my 10' 350 in 2015, it was less bumpy. I drive my LS and don't drive my wife's rx very often. It is not bumpy enough to get my neck stiff, but if you are sensitive, it make you dislike the car.
I remember I drove some 2010 LS 460 with air suspension and my neck feel stiff from that stiff suspension. I can feel every road imperfections
I remember I drove some 2010 LS 460 with air suspension and my neck feel stiff from that stiff suspension. I can feel every road imperfections
10-31-16, 08:01 AM
#385
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I test drove a 2013 RX 350 late last year and decided against it due to the relatively bumpy ride/stiffer than expected suspension. 5 months later, I finally bought a 2013 RX 350 because I couldn't find anything better (won't risk any European model due to maintenance / reliability issues, and same goes for US models - so I'm limited in choices).
A day after buying it, I realized the tires were at 45 psi! Dropping that to 34 psi made a big difference. It is still a bit 'bumpy', and I blame that on the 19" rims. I really wish I had the 18" rims.
The car is VERY quiet and smooth at freeway speeds, which is my biggest requirement. It sucks on local streets at 20 mph ... .
A day after buying it, I realized the tires were at 45 psi! Dropping that to 34 psi made a big difference. It is still a bit 'bumpy', and I blame that on the 19" rims. I really wish I had the 18" rims.
The car is VERY quiet and smooth at freeway speeds, which is my biggest requirement. It sucks on local streets at 20 mph ... .
Cheers, Guy
10-31-16, 09:23 AM
#386
I have to echo Steerpike's experience with the RX350. I bought the 2011 and find the ride smooth on smooth roads and choppy when on rough roads. I wanted the reliability of the RX and since buying in 2015 have had a leaky shock absorber replaced and a new battery. I tried an Acura RDX and I found it way rougher than the RX. To the person who wants a smoother ride than the RX try the Nissan Rogue. It has a great ride for a small suv but it is smaller than the RX. I have never tried the Nissan Murano(bigger than the Rogue) but if might be smoother than the RX.
Cheers, Guy
Cheers, Guy
10-31-16, 09:33 AM
#387
I too dont really like the ride being a little harsh at times . Tire pressure in touchy 35 psi I dont like at all 32 psi is ok dropping down to 30 psi helps smooth the ride quite a bit .I know its a little low but it helps . I put 100 lb of sand in the back that made the biggest difference to me . Now I need to find a way to add weight with out having 2 bags of sand in the back .lol
10-31-16, 10:31 AM
#388
Moderator
We went on a winery visit with another couple in the back (he is about 240 and his wife close to 200). I agree the RX rode better with the extra weight, and this was with brand new rear shocks.
11-02-16, 12:25 PM
#390
