GX - 1st Gen (2004-2009) Discussion topics related to the 2003 -2009 GX470 models

Rear shock leaking newbie owner

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Old 07-11-18, 04:59 PM
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Jreask
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Default Rear shock leaking newbie owner

I noticed on my new used 2007 GX that the right rear shock is leaking. I notice a line running to the top of the shock. Can the rears be replaced with good aftermarket shocks and disconnect whatever this line is ?
Old 07-12-18, 02:35 AM
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ALAN553
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Yes, that line is your your connector for adjustable suspension...that switch on your console... comfort-sport. Plenty of posts, many recent for using non adjustable shocks
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Old 07-12-18, 07:35 PM
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So I installed 2 new rear shocks today. Took about 2 hours, not a bad job at all. But, the truck is still bouncy and bottom in out even over small bumps. I put the height up tonight when I put it in the garage. I’ll check in the morning and see if it falls back down. If it does I guess this means that the air bags are leaking ? When I go over a bump is it forcing the air out of the bags thus causing the bottoming out ? Am I on the right track ? TIA
JR
Old 07-12-18, 09:28 PM
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werewolf
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Originally Posted by Jreask
So I installed 2 new rear shocks today. Took about 2 hours, not a bad job at all. But, the truck is still bouncy and bottom in out even over small bumps. I put the height up tonight when I put it in the garage. I’ll check in the morning and see if it falls back down. If it does I guess this means that the air bags are leaking ? When I go over a bump is it forcing the air out of the bags thus causing the bottoming out ? Am I on the right track ? TIA
JR
There was another post on this -- can be micro-cracks in the airbag which aren't visible unless the bag is deflating -- this cause very slow leaks

Go underneath and visually inspect the bags?
Old 07-13-18, 06:50 AM
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ALAN553
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It’s always the bags
Old 07-13-18, 06:54 AM
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soap and water test
Old 07-13-18, 06:56 AM
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Replace both bags
Old 07-13-18, 08:00 AM
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Jreask
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Originally Posted by ALAN553
It’s always the bags
It's been sitting for almost 14 hours and the truck is still at the same height on both sides of the rear. I will check it tonight, it'll be 24 hours. If it doesn't leak down can I assume that it is the height adjustment ? I am leaning towards replacing the whole schmear with springs.
Does the weight of the truck compress the bag and knock the air out of it, thus the bottoming out ?
There is so much that can be wrong, you could spend a fortune finding the root cause.

Thanks for all the help.

JR
Old 07-13-18, 09:16 AM
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ALAN553
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It may not leak down until you are driving and the height control is inflating and deflating, opening up the holes...it’s always the bags...it’s always the bags........
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Old 07-13-18, 10:36 AM
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Just don't raise or lower the vehicle until you replace them. One bag might tear, or loose air and not re-inflate.
THEN YOU WILL BE STUCK.
Old 07-13-18, 10:49 AM
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Jreask
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Can you guys recommend which aftermarket bags are good ?
Old 07-13-18, 07:23 PM
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So I did some more investigating tonight. I tried to calibrate the system by putting it in low, n then H. Then back to neutral. Still had very bouncy ride. I looked the the sensors and they were pretty much corrosion free. Then I saw that the right side linkage had come apart. The “ball and socket” had come apart. I was able to remove the linkage and get the knuckle back together. Took the truck for a test drive and it was 1000% better. The joint fell apart again right before I got back home. I’ll try to post a pic. Anybody know if I can buy just the linkage ?
edit—I found the part number. $65.00 for that little linkage ! LOL

Last edited by Jreask; 07-14-18 at 03:43 AM.
Old 07-13-18, 07:27 PM
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Old 07-17-18, 07:28 PM
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So I replaced the right side sensor linkage that was broken and thought this would fix the problem. I raised the rear to high and it just kept going up for about 30 seconds and finally stopped when I hit the lower button. The truck will not lower now. I tried pulling the big 50 amp fuse to no avail. I also tried disconnecting the battery. Now the compressor won’t run. The truck won’t go up or down and the “OFF” light just flashes all of the time. Can anyone lead me in the right direction? Is the compressor shot ? Is there a way to “reset” the entire system? Thanks for your help in advance.

JR
Old 07-18-18, 05:55 AM
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compressor goes quickly when the system is not working correctly and it is constantly cycling up and down....


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