Guys

I am (was?) on the market looking for my next vehicle when I learned about the leaning issue with some GXs.

I've been trying for the past hour to find an article or post that explains the issue with no success.

Is this something that affected an specific year model? What about brand new cars, do they still have the problem?

I'd appreciate any input. This leaning problems freaked me out, I have to admit.

 

2010 and newer GX's have as standard a feature that was previously an option.
The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System "KDSS" links the front and rear suspensions
hydraulically. No dash lights, no switches or buttons, it is active all the time. Works
very well by transferring cornering forces to other wheels to minimize leaning in turns.
What appears to go wrong is while parked one side will settle more than the other.
Usually limited to an inch or so but does manifest itself as a bit of body lean.

 

Thread on it

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gx-...not-level.html

Updated TSB which involved replacing the front right coil

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gx-...l#post10379265

 

Thank you!

 

So after reading all the material (thank you!) it seems even brand new vehicles can be affected by the problem.

Considering the incredible engineering talent of both Lexus and Toyota and how reliability seems to be one of their key values, this is quite a surprise. Hard to understand how/why they let this linger.

 

My 2015/Lux is not affected by this issue, but I read the long, existing thread with interest. It seems like there were various "lean modes:"

--Leans the same when parked or driving.
--Leans only when parked.
--Intermittently leans.
--Leans for awhile, and then stops leaning permanently.

There never seemed to be consensus as to the exact reason for it, whether it could be adjusted out, what the dealer was willing to do about it. I find it hard to believe that Lexus would allow cars to go out of the factory leaning, so I assume they all began life level. It looks like Lexus settled on "R & R Front LH Coil Spring" if lean >20 mm is measured. Yet the right hand spring appeared to be the fix for one or two of the vehicles in the thread. So this is very confusing--especially since air suspensions have been affected as well.

 

Actually TSB was updated in September to include up to '18. I haven't notice in mine and it seems like many examples when it occurs are cured by just driving or spirited driving in opposite direction of lean. Perhaps KDSS is locked in for whatever reason at some angle when parked. Not sure.

[Updated TSB]
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gx-...l#post10379265

 

What I'm trying to do now - not easy - is to determine what percentage of vehicles is affected.

If this is something like 5%, then it is one thing. Now if 40% of GXs have this problem, then it becomes a show stopper.

It does not help the fact that today I saw one on the road. Right in front of me on a red light. Kinda rare as these vehicles are not common. And guess what? It was clearly leaning to the right. Easy to see. What were the odds?

I'm really in the market for a new truck - the GX was on my shortlist but I guess I need to find other options.

 

One more thing. I'm also searching for 4Runners with KDSS that are showing this problem. Ah yes, the internet is full of examples.

So I guess for me it will be a 4Runner without KDSS.

 

Have you guys tried this?

 

hey pprj, A need to buy now or can you wait for 2020 GX hopeful redesign?

 

I can certainly wait. A few more months won't make much of a difference.

 

I dont think its a big deal if you did get the lean. If opening the valves to flow the fluid as in the video didnt permanently work, a short spacer kit like he said would be an easy cheap fix.

 

 

^^^That
and if you're not able to handle a few issues at the end of a gen, are you sure you want to get something from the beginning of one?