Damper Step changing?
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Joined: Apr 2014
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From: Maryland
Damper Step changing?
I have been battling a poor ride for quite a while where the vehicle seems to feel unsteady and rocks side to side while driving on the road. Seems worse when I have passengers. Initially I thought it was related to the air suspension, but I have replaced bags, height control sensors, and ensured height is set properly and no codes stored. I then thought it could be the shocks, but I recently replaced all with OEM and the issue is still there. I brought to the dealer and they could not identify any issues, but I don’t think they tried real hard either. Today I ran an active test with Techstream and I noticed that the Damper Step associated with the shock comfort settings were changing while I drove. I verified that they all read the same value at each setting while sitting still (IE, “6” at the default comfort setting). Shouldn’t the settings remain the same while driving? If not, is it likely the control switch has gone bad? I am thinking I could disconnect the harness at all shocks and see if ride improves. Any help/recommendations would be greatly appreciated! Thanks
Gweber, Do you have KDSS?
I didnt think OEM suspension was dynamic (i could be wrong) but was more static where you set it to where you want it. Dont forget poor ride could be associated to worn bushings as well from suspension components.
I didnt think OEM suspension was dynamic (i could be wrong) but was more static where you set it to where you want it. Dont forget poor ride could be associated to worn bushings as well from suspension components.
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Joined: Apr 2014
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From: Maryland
Thanks for the response. It seemed to change randomly while driving. I did a quick drive with harnesses disconnected and it seems better, but true test will be on longer drive with passengers.
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No, I don’t have KDSS. Thanks for idea about bushings. I have replaced front control arms and upper rear control arms since the bushings looked a little worn, but the condition remained. I also thought comfort setting should be static, so I think I may have found the issue, but I am curious if anyone with OEM shocks can verify.
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Joined: Mar 2017
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From: NJ
Page 4 in the GX470 brochure:
Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) offers four settings—from Comfort to Sport—with which you can direct the GX to automatically sense the character of the terrain, monitor your steering and braking, and adjust the suspension accordingly. A true sign of a serious utility vehicle, TORSEN® Limited-Slip Center Differential (LSCD)3 offers a variety of benefits, the most important being to help enhance the traction. And Rear Adjustable Height Control (RAHC) permits the GX to be raised 1.6 inches or lowered 1.2 inches for better or easier loading.
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From: Maryland
Page 4 in the GX470 brochure:
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2014
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From: Maryland
I bought it in 2014, and it drove great for a few years then I started to notice a “rocking”, unsettled sensation when driving that got worse with passengers and it has been driving me crazy for over a year. Thought for a long time that it was related to the air suspension, then the shocks. I have replaced a bunch of parts and adjusted the height sensors. Nothing seemed to work until yesterday when I unplugged the harnesses at the shocks. I have not driven it much since then, but it definitely has improved the ride and the handling. After doing this, I found a few posts by another member who also unplugged the shocks and cited an improvement in the ride. I guess this is another reason to ditch OEM shocks!
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Joined: Aug 2018
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From: Iowa
Might check your shock perches. Maybe they need re-inforced? Seems like i read something recently about those being weak points. I know some aftermarket off road companies are selling gussets you can weld in, but i dont think they allow you to use the stock UCAs.
I cant seem to find where i read that. Something about how it feels like it falls or roll when cornering.
I cant seem to find where i read that. Something about how it feels like it falls or roll when cornering.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2014
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From: Maryland
Might check your shock perches. Maybe they need re-inforced? Seems like i read something recently about those being weak points. I know some aftermarket off road companies are selling gussets you can weld in, but i dont think they allow you to use the stock UCAs.
I cant seem to find where i read that. Something about how it feels like it falls or roll when cornering.
I cant seem to find where i read that. Something about how it feels like it falls or roll when cornering.
