air shocks need replacing
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Ca
air shocks need replacing
I've been told my air shock system needs replacing and the parts alone are $5500! Whoa! Anyone know fo an aftermarket source for considerably less than that? I'm aware of the 'conversion" kits that essentially remove the air ride capability but am not interested in that option just yet. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 914
Likes: 70
From: CA
it would be extremely rare that all 4 air shocks needed replacement. Go see another shop. Air shocks only need to be replaced one at a time, not two at a time like with conventional springs. If it really is the case that all 4 are blown then it might make more sense to switch to regular springs...a lot of guys on here have done it - although I prefer the softness of the air ride.
You can get away with just replacing one shock at a time, but usually they all start to leak around the same time. The only other option you have is to get used air shocks or you could even convert to aftermarket air.
The OEM steel spring conversion is a good idea too since it's much cheaper.
The OEM steel spring conversion is a good idea too since it's much cheaper.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 704
Likes: 28
From: KC, MO
I changed my '01 out to steel springs about two years ago. Couldn't even tell the difference. I had five large men in my LS just today and was again amazed that everything felt great. I'd never spend $5K on refitting an air suspension and i wouldn't recommend even spending $900 on a single corner. All new OEM shocks, springs and miscellaneous hardware was around $1250 total. A real no brainer IMHO.
Last edited by Bon; May 9, 2013 at 09:36 PM.
Plus the factory air shocks don't seem to last as long as the steel springs. I've seen a lot of lower mileage LS' in the 40,000 to 80,000 mile range with leaking/blown air shocks. I personally would have loved to keep my factory air suspension, but all four shocks were leaking and one of my height sensors broke by the time I hit 89,000 miles.
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I wasn't referring to racing struts, just the OEM ones from a non-UL LS430 with the OEM springs. I can't comment on the ride quality of the OEM spring setup since I've only driven Ultra Luxury LS's.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 704
Likes: 28
From: KC, MO
I'm struggling here; I replace my air shocks with the Lexus OEM shocks and Lexus OEM springs that come on, oh, I don't know, maybe 95% of all LS models, purchased from a Lexus dealer and you're referring to them as crap because they're not air?
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 823
Likes: 14
From: RU
because you originally bought a car WITH airsus. now you're just gutting it. yup, gutting it. you're not toyota factory engineer to make decisions like that out of cheapness or whatever...
IMHO...
IMHO...
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 704
Likes: 28
From: KC, MO
Well, you're entitled to your opinion. For me, I'm not going to spend 33% of the value of the car on shocks. It's simple math as no car is worth that. IMHO.
I don't know what a factory engineer has to do with it. I suppose I should keep my factory battery, oil and tires as well? Oh, good grief. I'm done.
I don't know what a factory engineer has to do with it. I suppose I should keep my factory battery, oil and tires as well? Oh, good grief. I'm done.
Lead Lap
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 430
Likes: 11
From: CA
I would also recommend going to OEM steel rather than replacing even one single air shock. It just makes too much economic sense to do so. I have a full set of 30K mile OEM steel that I picked up on Craigslist for $200 ready to go when my air sus goes out.