The last 20k miles in the GS have been great since we bought it. This is the first major issue since we've had it.

Drivers side shock bottoms out on bumps and dips.

So before I tear too deep into the suspension components on the front drivers side, I will be gladhear take any words of advice from anyone.

 

How many miles in the car. I just had all for replaced at 45k on my 08 460. My car rode like a log wagon and bounced like crazy. Thw car is awsome now. Lexus picked up half the tab. If you have a good dealer they will more and likey do the same. Good luck

 

70k so far. It rides great in both modes but I think a major bump might have blew the front driver side gas strut. Actuator checks out fine, will know more in a few when I take the strut out.

 

Sounds like the shock is done for. Be sure to replace them in pairs!

 

Yeah it's toast. New OEM pair on order.

 

To add, the struts for the GS460 are very specific (and expensive) depending on the configuration listed in the VIN number. It all comes with Strut, mounts and spring, regardless. The tube in the strut itself was specific to KYB brand (G33L, G33R) for that vehicle and you can't just order the strut component from KYB or from any other manufacturer (because specific configuration, with AVS). The GS350 struts are compatible, but you will lose the AVS function altogether. So OEM Lexus struts it is (plus new strut rods)

- at least I will have an extra set of springs if I ever need them Thank you Lexus.


write up and how to with pics to follow.

 

Interesting. When I bought rear shocks for my GS460, I walked up to the parts counter and all they gave me were two shocks. No new spring or top hat. My mechanic replaced them and they function as designed, AVS included.

 

May be the case for the rear shocks I hope, because those are next on the list for the GS.

 

Are you sure it's not a broken spring, I don't see how a good spring would allow the shock to bottom out... it is not the shocks that take the load of the car, it's the springs. The shocks just damp the spring motion.

 

It's all apart right now. Boot, spring and shock are separate. Spring seems very good, I had to compress it to get it all out. Strut does have a visible leak when compressed, very slow to rebound and it's too easy to compress.


It may be a combination of bad spring/strut perhaps, It is a very audible "Thud" when going over bumps, you have to drive very slow over bumps so you don't hear it.

 

It will still clunk and bottom-out even if the spring is fine.