Add another data point to air suspension longevity...
06-16-18, 09:47 AM
#1
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Add another data point to air suspension longevity...
The LR on my '08 L has had it. It started making thumping noises a few weeks ago, and now the sound is accompanied by the feel of the suspension bottoming out.
This isn't over a hole at 80 MPH, either, it's turning into a parking lot with a small 'lip' in the pavement.
Looks like I get to see if Arnott's rear struts match well with the performance suspension computer's settings. Oh, and so much for $1,700 I didn't have burning a hole in my pocket.
Don't know if the damper is leaking or not, but it's definitely not right on either 'normal' or 'comfort'. The rear magnetorheological dampers on the '05 Cadillac STS I had before Silvia lasted about 106K miles, so at 120K, I'm able to accept they're just worn out.
I do wonder, however, why rear dampers wear out/fail before front ones. Less mass to control, you'd think they'd last longer than the fronts.
Hmmmm, come to think of it, if anyone has Arnott's on an air system, can you tell me if it feels similar to OEM throughout the adjustment range? Thanks!
This isn't over a hole at 80 MPH, either, it's turning into a parking lot with a small 'lip' in the pavement.
Looks like I get to see if Arnott's rear struts match well with the performance suspension computer's settings. Oh, and so much for $1,700 I didn't have burning a hole in my pocket.
Don't know if the damper is leaking or not, but it's definitely not right on either 'normal' or 'comfort'. The rear magnetorheological dampers on the '05 Cadillac STS I had before Silvia lasted about 106K miles, so at 120K, I'm able to accept they're just worn out.
I do wonder, however, why rear dampers wear out/fail before front ones. Less mass to control, you'd think they'd last longer than the fronts.
Hmmmm, come to think of it, if anyone has Arnott's on an air system, can you tell me if it feels similar to OEM throughout the adjustment range? Thanks!
06-16-18, 02:21 PM
#2
Hey mckellyb ! Your right on the rear struts....they do fail first. My right rear had bit the dust around 90k on my 07 L. Now i will say Lexus has used a very high quality air spring in these struts. My strut was leaking oil...thus the annoying thumping noise. I have used arnott products on both my lincoln town car ...and Mbz S500 with airmatic. Very pleased with there build qaulity and top notch service! They just came out with a rear air strut replacement as a new product...for the longest time it was just the front stuts. To answer your question i think the struts will dampen and perform just like OE if not better. If you have any concerns email or call arnott. They are pretty helpful. I have a warranty so my strut was covered at lexus. Keep us posted! Btw =(...i still havent been able to set up my fakestream...after your suspension debacle maybe you could help me ???
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mckellyb (06-16-18)
06-17-18, 03:48 PM
#3
Lexus Test Driver
Dang, I'm 14K away so I guess I should start planning for it in the next year or so. Definitely following this thread 
To get you by... Have you thought about trying to replicate the "rock solid suspension" issue?
06-18-18, 02:10 AM
#4
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Not yet, but I am using 'normal' and 'sport' more.
07-05-18, 05:25 AM
#5
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Aaaaannnd, it's getting worse quickly enough, there's no way I can bide time until it gets cooler.
As a result, I ordered up a pair of rear Arnott struts, yesterday. About $1,300.
Ouch.
Though...there is a possibility of damaging other items by letting this go longer, so...
As a result, I ordered up a pair of rear Arnott struts, yesterday. About $1,300.
Ouch.
Though...there is a possibility of damaging other items by letting this go longer, so...
07-05-18, 07:55 AM
#6
I'm knocking on wood and know my time is coming ... but I'm still going strong on my air suspension on my 07 L with 150k on it. Looking forward to hearing your experience with the Arnott's.
07-05-18, 08:09 AM
#7
Lexus Fanatic
Aaaaannnd, it's getting worse quickly enough, there's no way I can bide time until it gets cooler.
As a result, I ordered up a pair of rear Arnott struts, yesterday. About $1,300.
Ouch.
Though...there is a possibility of damaging other items by letting this go longer, so...
As a result, I ordered up a pair of rear Arnott struts, yesterday. About $1,300.
Ouch.
Though...there is a possibility of damaging other items by letting this go longer, so...
If I had air suspension I would definitely just be switching to decent coil overs even if the ride is not as good.
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07-07-18, 02:12 AM
#8
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
The air ride is magical enough, for me, that I wanted to keep it.
Plus, I do use the 'height high' bit so my crippled self can get in/out more easily. It's not a whole lot of change, no, but it's quite helpful in my case.
Beware of the really fun hobbies...those are the ones which can kill you.
Plus, I do use the 'height high' bit so my crippled self can get in/out more easily. It's not a whole lot of change, no, but it's quite helpful in my case.
Beware of the really fun hobbies...those are the ones which can kill you.
07-07-18, 05:48 AM
#9
Lexus Fanatic
That sucks, I just went on parts geek, $726 for one Arnott air suspension strut vs $104 for 1 KYB non air strut, you could buy all 4 coilover non air for a good deal less then just 1 air suspension strut.
If I had air suspension I would definitely just be switching to decent coil overs even if the ride is not as good.
If I had air suspension I would definitely just be switching to decent coil overs even if the ride is not as good.
Having had both suspensions I will happily pay more to replace the air struts with air struts when/if the time comes.
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mckellyb (08-10-18)
07-07-18, 10:54 AM
#10
i agree having air is a total game changer. I know some dont care for it but i believe you should keep it if the car came with it. Mckellyb i cant wait for diy !! Good luck on the project. 
07-11-18, 04:52 PM
#11
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
I hope so, because I'm on 'sport' all the time, and it's getting old.
08-04-18, 08:03 PM
#12
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
New struts arrived, yesterday, about 2 weeks early.
I'll have them in by Tuesday afternoon. They're almost artwork, with how cleanly they're constructed.
I'll have them in by Tuesday afternoon. They're almost artwork, with how cleanly they're constructed.
08-05-18, 05:50 PM
#14
I have used Arnott's in a MB S500 with pretty good success. They rode the same as the stock air struts.
One of them did fail after about 5 years, and Arnott gladly sent me a replacement at no charge, as they have a lifetime warranty.
Good luck with yours.
One of them did fail after about 5 years, and Arnott gladly sent me a replacement at no charge, as they have a lifetime warranty.
Good luck with yours.
08-05-18, 08:02 PM
#15
Driver School Candidate
Bouncing, now front losing air
Any assistance????