RE our 2013 LX570, when you stop the vehicle and get out, the height control (when lowering) makes more noise than it used to.
Is there some maintenance I need to perform?
thanks

 

Start with the basics...

When was the AHC fluid level last checked, and when was it last changed?

 

Are you the original owner with all recommended services documented? Or is the vehicle one with some gaps in the service history?. As hankinid suggested, checking the AHC fluid level (and clarity) would be a good starting point, particularly if you have no idea if it has ever been checked. This is an item a service tech could easily just skip over.

Unfortunately, the third gen LX makes regular checking somewhat of a pain in the ***. Unlike 2nd gen models, where the AHC fluid reservoir was under the hood with a fairly convenient dipstick, the 3rd generation AHC fluid reservoir and dipstick is hidden behind an access panel located in the right rear wheel well. Regular AHC fluid checks are not something that I'd think most owners, even those who check oil and coolant levels regularly, will do. You've got to get on your knees with a wrench and a flashight, unbolt a panel, and stick your head into the dirty wheel well.

And, if you find the level is low and want to top it off, be aware that the AHC fluid is hard to find except at Toyota / Lexus dealers. I did buy a can a few years ago on ebay, but it turned out it came from a Toyota dealer anyway. I believe the correct fluid is Toyota SUSPENSION fluid, part number 08886-01805.

If all is in order with the AHC fluid and system, the next thing I'd check is driveshaft lubrication. This may sound strange, but as the vehicle settles to the down position, the driveshaft has to move and inadequate lubrication can be a source of creaking and groaning.

 

You can find AHC fluid at any Lexus or Toyota dealer. It's also available on Amazon. There are NO other Toyota-approved fluids from other sources.

 

Thanks for the good info. I am the second owner, 35k miles on a 2013. Got the free maintenance for the last two years (certified car), but never saw mention to the suspension fluid.
Will pull the rear cover and check it. Noticed two part numbers for the Toyota fluid...maybe one is for the 2.5 liter and the other for a 1 liter bottle? There is a youtube video showing the owner flushing all four corners.
Looks like way too much fun!
Railfan, in a New Mexico forest (yup, it's not all high desert)

 

2.5 liter is old stock and probably not available anymore. Mine makes a "wheezing" noise when it auto lowers as well, has made it since day 1. Not an issue. My fluid has been changed

 

The 2+ L cans are available from a few sources as current JDM fluid. The 1L plastic bottles from your dealer are the same fluid. A complete AHC flush uses a little over 2L.

 

Toyota is not too generous with "free maintenance"...they do cover drive train fluid changes but only within "normal driving" guidelines...zero for "severe driving" guidelines...

I change AHC fluid every two years, regardless of mileage. Fluid is cheap v. premature death of your AHC. The 200 series forum on mud has good info on changing the AHC fluid.

The 4 corners need changing, as well as the accumulator which feeds the corners. New AHC fluid has a very slight pink coloring. If it starts looking like weak coffee, I'm on it.

 

complete flush is around 5l in a 08+, emptying the tank only without bleeding is 2l (just did it today)

 

pizdets17, thank you for the correction. I was thinking of our 2001 LX. My 200 series is a Cruiser, so no AHC.