GX poor ride quality - rears bottom out - Problem solved
12-10-13, 09:21 AM
#1
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GX poor ride quality - rears bottom out - Problem solved
I hope my findings and solution helps those out there with the same complaint I had.
I had the same frustration other had. Over time, the GX did not ride as smooth and hit hard on dips and bumps like a speed bump.
Air bags fill properly. Shock are damp around pistons, but definitely not blown out.
My vehicle has 188,000 miles on it.
Dealer looked at and drove with me two times: Report: All working proper.
The recommendation to put the air level control to high and then back to normal did improve the condition but not like when new.
Vehicle rode better with a load in the back, and or people in back seats.
So I read where someone had a theory that the height sensors might degrade over time, and the normal position might have drifted out of range.
Fix: I adjusted the height sensors to ride a little higher (as I could see on the rear axle the rubber bump stops had been making contact a lot- it was all clean and shiny).
Raised the rear about 1/2" on each side. Did a lot of measurements from ground to bottom of wheel opening (not the best reference point, but at least I had one).
Result: Raising the ride height, thus increasing the travel to the bump stops totally brought back the good ride it had when newer. I also believe the increased height means the air bags have more pressure, thus more spring rate. So it takes more force to compress and travel to the bump stops.
Hope this solution helps others, as I was dealing with the aggravation for 3 years.
I had the same frustration other had. Over time, the GX did not ride as smooth and hit hard on dips and bumps like a speed bump.
Air bags fill properly. Shock are damp around pistons, but definitely not blown out.
My vehicle has 188,000 miles on it.
Dealer looked at and drove with me two times: Report: All working proper.
The recommendation to put the air level control to high and then back to normal did improve the condition but not like when new.
Vehicle rode better with a load in the back, and or people in back seats.
So I read where someone had a theory that the height sensors might degrade over time, and the normal position might have drifted out of range.
Fix: I adjusted the height sensors to ride a little higher (as I could see on the rear axle the rubber bump stops had been making contact a lot- it was all clean and shiny).
Raised the rear about 1/2" on each side. Did a lot of measurements from ground to bottom of wheel opening (not the best reference point, but at least I had one).
Result: Raising the ride height, thus increasing the travel to the bump stops totally brought back the good ride it had when newer. I also believe the increased height means the air bags have more pressure, thus more spring rate. So it takes more force to compress and travel to the bump stops.
Hope this solution helps others, as I was dealing with the aggravation for 3 years.
12-10-13, 11:21 AM
#3
Lexus Champion
Boooo I was hoping to see a new fix. This has been discussed many times throughout the years.
https://www.google.com/search?q=gx47...ient=firefox-a
https://www.google.com/search?q=gx47...ient=firefox-a
12-10-13, 02:31 PM
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This actually seem like a completely legit fix. It is kind of nice for someone to post a fix that a little of our own wrenching can fix with little to no cost.
Nice work AVnGX!
Nice work AVnGX!
12-10-13, 03:13 PM
#6
Lexus Champion
EDIT:
Yesterday I added washers to the ride height sensor bracket and raised the back 1/2".
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/8278477-post13.html
Last edited by RCsGX; 12-13-13 at 08:05 AM.
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12-10-13, 05:15 PM
#8
Lexus Champion
12-10-13, 05:23 PM
#10
12-10-13, 05:24 PM
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For what its worth, the ride did not get firmer with more air in the air bags. It still rides very smooth.
And I probably even adjusted them incorrectly. I saw the threaded link between the bracket and sensor and loosened the lock not, and turned the bolt out to lengthen the overall length.
After I did that I realized the whole sensor bracket had slots that could have accomplished the same thing.
So maybe my mistake by raising it by lengthening the rod is the magic that worked?
Maybe someone on here can explain why the adjust can be done by the mounting bracket and the rod length?
And I probably even adjusted them incorrectly. I saw the threaded link between the bracket and sensor and loosened the lock not, and turned the bolt out to lengthen the overall length.
After I did that I realized the whole sensor bracket had slots that could have accomplished the same thing.
So maybe my mistake by raising it by lengthening the rod is the magic that worked?
Maybe someone on here can explain why the adjust can be done by the mounting bracket and the rod length?
12-10-13, 05:25 PM
#12
Was considering replacing sensors myself, does anyone know if they are plug and play or do they need to be adjusted after installation. Looks like and easy job. Couple of bolts and the connector.
12-10-13, 05:50 PM
#13
Lexus Champion
Last edited by RCsGX; 12-10-13 at 06:06 PM.
12-10-13, 06:15 PM
#14
I have a normal ride height, ie N, but lately I hear the compressor adjusting the height more frequently, when I come to a stop at a light, especially after coming off the highway...pull in the driveway, if I don't shut the car off right away I hear the compressor going. So the sensors know where the correct height is, just does not seem to be maintainiing it. I don't believe the airbags are leaking, if I leave the suspension on H at night, it is still there in the am
12-10-13, 06:20 PM
#15
Lexus Champion
I have a normal ride height, ie N, but lately I hear the compressor adjusting the height more frequently, when I come to a stop at a light, especially after coming off the highway...pull in the driveway, if I don't shut the car off right away I hear the compressor going. So the sensors know where the correct height is, just does not seem to be maintainiing it. I don't believe the airbags are leaking, if I leave the suspension on H at night, it is still there in the am
Our suspensions are finicky to say the least!