I have a 2003 GX470 with 175k miles that we got just a few months ago.

Today, the brake light came on and we noticed a rattling coming from the right rear. After getting under to investigate, we discovered a part that appeared to be rusted and broken, hanging off. I have no idea what this part is. The wheel well was also coated in what I am pretty sure is brake fluid.

We were planning to change out the front brakes today, but now with this issue in the rear I am thinking it may be better to have a mechanic inspect and do the work. I’m going to try and attach a couple of photos of the part, I apologize for the bad angles and lighting. I’d appreciate any help identifying the part. I’m holding out hope this won’t be too tough or expensive to repair... ugh.

 

Isn’t that the rear air strut compressor bracket? Do you have coil springs where the air springs were?

the pics are hard to tell. The second pic is so dark.

 

no, I actually found this forum doing research on converting from air to coils, though. I apologize for the bad pictures - we live in an apartment complex and can’t do any work on cars so we can’t take the wheels off for better access.

Would that part breaking off cause a brake fluid leak?

 

Looks like the rear height adjuster.
There's one on each side.
There is no fluid in them.

 

after looking again... Kodak is right. That is a height sensor and bracket.

Looks like Ike you will need that conversion. If it’s just an old beater that you are gonna drive to work and back.
Put the $169 amazon conversion kit for rear coils. It’ll hold it at the standard “normal” height.

 

With or won’t shocks...