lasearcy1

I recently replaced the rear air shocks on my 1990 california LS400 and found that all shocks have this adapter between the air shock itself and the air line. I unfortunately over-torqued the adapter and broke it.

So I looked online at the diagrams to find the part number but it doesn't seem to exist. So I called the local Lexus dealer and talked to the shop foreman and some of the mechanics and showed them pictures. They had never seen it before. I'm in the process of contacting Lexus but thought someone here might know about it.



The air line screws into this adapter which screws into the air shock. The air shocks were original. I can't believe anyone would make an aftermarket part for this and put them on all 4 original air shocks.

You can tell if you have them on the shock because there is a large nut right up against the shock and then the small nut on the air line. Temporarily, I simply attached the air line to the air shock directly. But it makes me wonder why the adapter is there. Is it something Lexus thought was important to add to the vehicle after the fact? It seems like it prevents the air line nut from contacting the air line itself.




Does anyone know anything about the adapters that might help me find a new one?

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Interesting.

Can you post a pic of the center part of the fitting that is screwed into the shock? Forget the auto parts or dealer, this is not going to be a dealer item. To me it looks like a plumbing fixture or the tool section where they have the pneumatic couplers, etc. Someone was creative. Check the local Lowes or Home Depot for those fittings. If it is what I suspect, those parts will be $10 or less.

lasearcy1

here is another picture. You can see a broken fitting. The fitting is definitely dealer unique. Essentially, the air line fitting which normally screws directly into the air shock, screws instead into this adapter. Then the adapter screws into the air shock. The adapter has the exact same inner diameter so that the 2 o-rings on the air line seal in the adapter.




the only thing I can think of is that mechanics were overtightening the original air line which can destroy the air line when it went directly into the air shock. This adapter seems to make sure that when the nut screws in, it can't damage the air line by screwing in too far. Or it simply provides support to the tip of the air line, I can't tell. Perhaps these old air lines extended into new air shocks too far.

I will try to see how the adapter is different from the seat on the inside of the air shock. This will most likely tell me why it was done. But gets me no closer to getting a replacement.

I would have thought that this adapter would come out with a service bulletin but I can't find anything related to it.

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

it looks as if this is a compression type fitting where one needs to be fitted first before the other. take it to a hose supplier and they should be able to explain the tightening process, how it works, and get replacement parts.

if you're in socal i like using:
http://www.hose-man.com/

lasearcy1

Here is the response from Lexus

Thank you for contacting Lexus Customer Satisfaction. We are dedicated in providing superior service.

Upon further research, there is no service bulletin or part number we can find in regards to the adapter you are concerned with. At this time, we can only refer to you to the Parts Department at a local Lexus dealership as they would be most capable in providing you with assistance in finding the adapter part. We apologize for any inconvenience.

If you require further assistance, please respond to this e-mail, or contact Lexus Customer Satisfaction at 1-800-255-3987, Monday through Friday, 5:00 am to 6:00 pm, or Saturday, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, Pacific Time.