RX - 3rd Gen (2010-2015) Discussion topics related to the 2010 - 2015 RX350 and RX450H models

Lateral performance damper??

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Old 06-20-15, 04:14 PM
  #16  
RealWing
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Originally Posted by MI350_55
Per Lexus website:

"The RX F SPORT is also exclusively equipped with front and rear lateral performance dampers to provide additional rigidity to the chassis while also minimizing vibrations. The result: enhanced handling, a more linear steering feel and a ride that’s as comfortable as it is invigorating."
.
Most of this sounds like marketing hype. For sure, the rear damper only minimizes some vibrations. I'll have to pull the plastic shield at the front end to get a look at the front damper to see what it does.
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Old 06-21-15, 05:56 AM
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charley95
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Originally Posted by RealWing
There are obviously exhaust vibration issues. It costs $$ to add these dampers on each vehicle.

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Don't mean to drift this thread but, I took my 14 RX to the dealer last week for my vibration issue. The tech. said it has a defective muffler so, I'm taking it in tuesday for a replacement. I really hate to have him cut into the factory welded exhaust to clamp on a new muffler. The car only has 10,000 miles on it. Hopefully the new muffler will cure my vibration issue.
Old 06-23-15, 12:17 PM
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charley95
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Originally Posted by charley95
Don't mean to drift this thread but, I took my 14 RX to the dealer last week for my vibration issue. The tech. said it has a defective muffler so, I'm taking it in tuesday for a replacement. I really hate to have him cut into the factory welded exhaust to clamp on a new muffler. The car only has 10,000 miles on it. Hopefully the new muffler will cure my vibration issue.
They replaced the whole exhaust from the cat. back. Vibration issue is solved.
Old 06-23-15, 12:20 PM
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RealWing
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Originally Posted by charley95
They replaced the whole exhaust from the cat. back. Vibration issue is solved.
Can you describe the vibration issue you had? Could you feel it as well as hear it?
Old 06-23-15, 01:21 PM
  #20  
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Originally Posted by RealWing
Can you describe the vibration issue you had? Could you feel it as well as hear it?
Yes on both! It was definitely a minor annoying vibration on acceleration from a stop or turning a corner slowly. If you took off from a stop in a brisk fashion it wouldn't happen. Had the tech. ride with me last week and we agreed it was faulty exhaust. He stated a bad muffler and would replace it. I must have misunderstood him and thought they were going to cut the old one out and clamp in a new one. Instead it was a new welded assembly including the resonator bolted on from the cat. back. I'm happy with the results and the vibration is gone.
Old 11-09-15, 04:47 PM
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Default Front lateral damper

Had the car on the hoist for winter tire install and took of the front plastic shield to have a look at the supposed front "lateral performance damper".
It looks the same as the rear one and has the same high pressure gas damper. This can only dampen some higher frequency vibrations and does nothing for better cornering.
Attached Thumbnails Lateral performance damper??-img_2308-1024x768-m.jpg  
Old 11-10-15, 07:07 AM
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It is supposed to improve steering, apparently by increasing front end stiffness without increasing vibrations like a typical strut tower bar. I think you could use a stiff metal bar with holes drilled to fit and get the same effect and probably would never notice the vibration difference. Lexus wants about $500 to buy one of these things!
Old 11-10-15, 07:54 AM
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Originally Posted by Clutchless
It is supposed to improve steering, apparently by increasing front end stiffness without increasing vibrations like a typical strut tower bar. I think you could use a stiff metal bar with holes drilled to fit and get the same effect and probably would never notice the vibration difference. Lexus wants about $500 to buy one of these things!
From an engineering perspective, there is no way it can improve stiffness (lateral or torsional) because it is basically just a gas charged shock absorber

If the front frame moves at all, this pneumatic strut does essentially nothing to resist that.
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2015 RX350 F Sport, Claret Mica
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1970 Plymouth Superbird , 440-6bbl
1969 Plymouth Barracuda, 340 Formula S Fastback
1969 Barracuda convertible (conversion i/p with a 6.1 L Hemi transplant)
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Old 11-10-15, 01:21 PM
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that looks similar to the stock 05-06 Corolla XRS front upper strut bar, probably reduces and dampens flex. replacing it with a solid bar would probably increase vibrations.
Old 11-11-15, 05:41 AM
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Clutchless
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I had a CT200h F Sport with the same lateral dampers. However on the CT they placed the front one where one would place a strut tower bar. In the engine compartment, between the two strut towers, where it may actually do something. I think I read that it is much stiffer than a shock absorber.
Old 07-29-20, 08:14 PM
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fel0ncod3
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Originally Posted by MI350_55
Per Lexus website:

"The RX F SPORT is also exclusively equipped with front and rear lateral performance dampers to provide additional rigidity to the chassis while also minimizing vibrations. The result: enhanced handling, a more linear steering feel and a ride that’s as comfortable as it is invigorating."

I installed a Curt Tow Hitch last Monday, which still allowed the use of the rear damper with some modifications (cutting plastic under-tray). The hitch comes with a special bracket that re-positions the damper upside down and a few inches toward the front.
digging up an old thread, but do you have a photo of this bracket that re-positions the damper?

I installed a tow hitch today and couldn’t reinstall the damper because the bracket wouldn’t support it.
Old 07-30-20, 07:24 AM
  #27  
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You need the Curt trailer hitch that is designed for the F-Sport and allows for the lateral damper.
https://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2014_...?style=F+Sport

However it appears to me that if you install a hitch you no longer need the lateral damper as the hitch performs the same purpose in making the rear stiffer. I think it will be even stiffer with the hitch alone as the performance damper has a shock absorber in the middle.

Last edited by Clutchless; 07-30-20 at 07:30 AM.
Old 07-31-20, 10:26 PM
  #28  
Jeff Lange
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The first step of the Lexus instructions for installing the hitch on an F-Sport says to remove the damper and throw it in the garbage.

Even when I installed the Curt, I didn't bother putting the damper back in, it seems completely pointless when the hitch is installed.

Jeff

Last edited by Jeff Lange; 08-08-20 at 10:26 PM.
Old 08-08-20, 12:42 PM
  #29  
fel0ncod3
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Originally Posted by Jeff Lange
The first step of the Lexus instructions for installing the hitch on an F-Sport say, remove the damper and throw it in the garbage.

Even when I installed the Curt, I didn't bother putting the damper back in, it seems completely pointless when the hitch is installed.

Jeff
ha- I guess that would make sense on both your points..... stiffer and serves no purpose.

thnx both.
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