I have a 2001 LS430 UL with 120k mi, and I have been reading on this forum about priblems with the air suspension. I am pretty good with Car mechanics, how can I tell if I have problems? The car drives like a dream, smooth and straight as an arrow. What symtoms should I look for?

 

Welcome! I'm sure one of the UL owners will chime in. Alas, I "only" have a CL.

 

after i arrived home from the last time i actually 'drove' my LS430 to NYC the following week the rear suspension started feeling really weak and when on my normal 30 mile (highway) each way commute the car started to have a funny wishy washy bounce to it,, sorta reminded me of a big fish tank. this is what led me to replace the air with aftermarket coilovers and i haven't looked back since. total cost of coilovers replacement + install was like $1000.

 

oh you'll know if the air suspension is misbehaving...it makes a thunking noise over bumps and if you're going fast it'll make the car feel off balance. When it's working right though it's the best ride on the market, I think.

 

welcome abord

 

Welcome aboard and congrats on the purchase of one of lexus's best cars IMHO. The air suspension like stated above is the best riding suspension out there when operating properly but when it messes up can be extremely expensive to make repairs to as the struts are crazy expensive per strut.