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Suspension too hard?

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Old Jan 19, 2014 | 11:47 AM
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Default Suspension too hard?

I would appreciate some feedback. I have owned my 2011 CPO rx for a bit over two months now. It has 19 inch rims and Michelin tires. I find the suspension to be much harder than I would have expected on rough surfaces. For example, when I drive over even medium expansion joints the suspension is somewhat jarring. The fact that the suspension doesn't absorb more of the road surprises me. My wife drives a 2011 MDX and that is much better over similar roads. I always thought that Lexus had more of a reputation for a plusher ride. Could it be the shocks already? The car only has 33,000 miles. Any thoughts? Thanks. Regards. Ned.
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Old Jan 19, 2014 | 07:42 PM
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Sounds like you have the Sport Package which comes with the 19" wheels, VDIM, and firmer suspension.
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Old Jan 19, 2014 | 09:16 PM
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Michelins ride hard. Check the tire pressure.

Also, the rear shocks are known to be an issue on some of the early 3rd Gen. Get them checked.
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Old Jan 19, 2014 | 10:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Sandi_k
Michelins ride hard. Check the tire pressure.

Also, the rear shocks are known to be an issue on some of the early 3rd Gen. Get them checked.
Do you have any more info on the shock issue?
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Old Jan 20, 2014 | 06:01 AM
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Originally Posted by corradoMR2
Sounds like you have the Sport Package which comes with the 19" wheels, VDIM, and firmer suspension.
Not the sport suspension. What is VDIM? Thanks. Regards. Ned.
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Old Jan 20, 2014 | 06:05 AM
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Originally Posted by Sandi_k
Michelins ride hard. Check the tire pressure.

Also, the rear shocks are known to be an issue on some of the early 3rd Gen. Get them checked.
I know that the Michelins have pretty stiff sidewalls. What tires do you have? My rx is an October 2010 build I believe, so well past an early build. Do you know if they still had rear shock issues with the 2011's? Thanks. Regards. Ned.
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Old Jan 20, 2014 | 06:45 AM
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its most likely the 19" rims and short stiff sidewall. My 02 RX300 drives like grandpa's old cadillac compared to our 2010 rx350.
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Old Jan 20, 2014 | 08:02 AM
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Ned, I'd suggest taking a look at this thread. Definitely bring it to the dealer if you think you might have a problem with the shocks though it seems the tires tend to be the culprit.
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Old Jan 22, 2014 | 11:48 PM
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Originally Posted by ngerstman
I know that the Michelins have pretty stiff sidewalls. What tires do you have? My rx is an October 2010 build I believe, so well past an early build. Do you know if they still had rear shock issues with the 2011's? Thanks. Regards. Ned.
I just put on Nitto CUV Crossteks. For the 60K miles before that, I ran the Yokohama Parada Spec-X tires in 19" - and both of those tires ride more softly than the Michelins.

You should absolutely check the pressure - many dealers and shops over-inflate them to improve mileage.

Anita gave you the link to the shocks thread; hope that helps!
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Old Jan 23, 2014 | 10:05 AM
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Originally Posted by Sandi_k
I just put on Nitto CUV Crossteks. For the 60K miles before that, I ran the Yokohama Parada Spec-X tires in 19" - and both of those tires ride more softly than the Michelins.

You should absolutely check the pressure - many dealers and shops over-inflate them to improve mileage.

Anita gave you the link to the shocks thread; hope that helps!
I did check out that thread. A lot of good thoughts. The next time I'm in for service I'll have them check the shocks for any problems. I appreciate all of the input from everyone!! Thanks. Regards. Ned.
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Old Jan 23, 2014 | 10:22 AM
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Ned, it doesn't help that the earth is literally opening up around us. I'm talking about potholes of course, LOL! You might want to have the shocks checked sooner rather than later. Ain't gonna get better anytime soon.
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Old Jan 23, 2014 | 02:50 PM
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Originally Posted by kitlz
Ned, it doesn't help that the earth is literally opening up around us. I'm talking about potholes of course, LOL! You might want to have the shocks checked sooner rather than later. Ain't gonna get better anytime soon.
Don't remind me. The roads are horrendous here.
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