Is Toyota and Lexus Air Suspension Reliable? Everything You Need to Know
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- Опубликовано: 16 окт 2024
- A Toyota Specialist shares the truth about Toyota and Lexus air suspension.
I investigate a case with a Lexus GX470 air suspension to share with you real reliability information on Toyota and Lexus air suspension designs from real world experience.
Typically air suspension is a topic that scares owners and buyers but in reality Toyota does make reliable air suspension systems in their trucks. However on their sedans while they are reliable things can get very expensive very quickly.
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AMD, The main reason I would avoid the Toyota/Lexus air suspension relates directly to the fact I can't afford the Toyota/Lexus models that offer it. 😉🤣
Why
@@brucelee5465cause he's a broke boy 😂
Understandable, have a nice day. 🗿👍
Funds aside, I think I'd avoid any car from any manufacturer with air suspension. Looks like a headache.
Actually… this might provide an opportunity. Someone may be selling their GX under valued because of the air suspension problems… and swapping to coil spring isn’t that difficult. Maybe something to watch for.
For a 15 year old truck it is pretty amazing it lasted this long considering the owner neglected to keep up with maintenance.
Love your channel and insights you offer. I also have a 2007 gx-470. Have 305,000 miles. Already replaced rear suspension at 210,000 miles. Bought new, always changed oil every 5000 miles. Engine burns very little oil between oil changes. Original transmission. Considering I never got to 100,000 miles with a domestic vehicle, cannot say enough great things about Lexus. Just wish they had timing chain - I've replaced timing belt and water pump every 100,000 miles. Keep up the great work.
I replaced the rear airbags on our 2008 GX470 with Arnott airbags (made by Continental) at 184,000 miles after a noticeable rear sag on overnight parking. Rock Auto had best price at about $320 for a pair with free shipping plus they carry a lifetime warranty. Best to watch several videos on RUclips to capture little tips on removal of the retaining clip and removal of the air lines at end points. Make sure you take pictures of how the air lines run. If you can change the oil on your GX, you can replace the airbags. It was about a 3 hour job as we took our time which included removal of the spare tire and both rear tires plus jack stands for safety. Back to original condition with height control and smooth/soft ride 😊
I just replaced mine in Moab after they blew on the trail. Possibly because the suspension drooped out too much. Two used bag didn't work, so I put in the Arnotts. I find them to be of better quality, and the fact that the lower cup is retained at the axle, unlike factory bags. I think the ride is a bit firmer than I had before, and much more controlled.
Excelente 🎉
The air bags for the rear suspension are not all that expensive. But four shock absorbers, rear axle seal, parking brake, front right wheel bearing, the looseness in the front suspension, leaky transfer case, and whatever issues, including the possibility of replacing the timing belt and water pump are found in the engine bay are going to make for a hefty repair bill. Oh, and add in the cost of four new tires. Still, if the vehicle is in good condition otherwise, it's worth it when one considers the price of a new one and the cost of the insurance premium.
True. This past summer we dropped $4k on our 2013 Highlander limited w/ 150,000 miles. It needed pads and rotors and struts all the way around.
Thanks to AMD’s videos I was able to discuss the stated repairs intelligently with the technician, not just the service writer. He sent me picks of our issues.
And, yes, I knew it was of our Highlander because I had crawled under it often enough for oil changes to know it was ours. 😊
In this case it didn’t save me money but did provide peace of mind that what needed repair was repaired. 👍
I pick-up more useful maintenance tips from you than all of the other repair channels combined.
As usual, AMD does great job showing issues with vehicles in most honestly way. Love tour of the shop at end of video.
As someone who has been working in suspension development for over ten years and mostly on air springs I have never seen air leaking through the bellow like that and I have basically seen everything. Tells me our products are designed somewhat better with a fully closed gaiter top to bottom. Now you can run air springs without or like here an open gaiter, but sooner or later rocks and debris will be caught in the air spring and pierce the rubber. Seeing some kind of laziness on a Lexus like that looks somewhat strange. Cost for a closed gaiter may have been a dollar or more on parts price for the OEM.
He is a master mechanic with a wealth of knowledge. I have gotten so much bad advice and bad repairs from both dealers and "mechanics" that it is very refreshing to view his videos.
Thank you for taking the time out to do this. Super informative!
Ah,yes. Mercedes-Benz air suspension. Incorporated an alcohol cannister back in the day (70's) to scrub the condensation water out of the compressed air and prevent premature failure. Also, there was a user serviceable relief valve to dump accumulated condensation that most owners ignored completely. The troubles surfaced far sooner than those on your subject car. We sold many conversion kits to retrofit with steel springs. SO, M-B decided that oleo-struts would be more reliable and starting in the late seventies gave us five metal spheres, divided into hemispheres separating oil from nitrogen, one for each wheel and one maintain ride height, plumbed into the rear struts. By the early eighties the separation bladders were failing and usually required replacement of all five. At a $1000 each. And they wonder why Lexus sales took off like a rocket in the next decade.......
And I bet the German engineers were so proud of themselves for coming up with a ridiculously complex system like that.
Please do an advise video on how to find (and screen for) an honest mechanic. What to look for, questions to ask, red flags.
Love the channel, may The Lord bless you and keep you.
I like your tip about hitting the tire to listen for abnormalities in the suspension components. I only wished that I had seen the video about two hours sooner and I could tried it out on my LS430...
Really appreciate all your videos !
Could you do some regular maintenance videos on the GX, such as lubing the propeller shafts etc...
I still have an '06 Range Rover Sport with full air suspension. I had to replace the rears @ 150k miles. But I just learned more about air suspension from your video than anywhere else. LOL. (Our other vehicles are Toyotas.) I wished your shop was in my area.
You're such a great mechanic, your should come up with an academy for young mechanics.
Keep it up boss
Love this GX content. Keep it coming.
Love my 06GX. It had a lot of the issues listed in this video, all rather easy to remedy and quite affordable, especially if you do a lot of the work yourself.
This man oozes honesty. 👍🏽
You can really tell when someone is not just says they are a believer in god but are truly trying to live it’s meaning to the best of there ability and it definitely reflects in his personality and blessings
Keep up the great videos. An honest mechanic is hard to find.
Can you do a video on the LX air suspension as well? I know some older models had a hydro-pneumatic suspension rather than full air suspension. It would be interesting to see and learn about it as well. Especially important maintenance and such.
LX has hydraulic suspension.
I added a set of Firestone Air-Lift bags to the rear of my 2007 Tundra, they are used to firm up the rear suspension and prevent sagging when hauling a heavy load or towing. Leaf springs, air-bags and shocks keep the rear planted to the road.
at 160k miles and 15 years I would replace all suspension rubber parts as a matter of preventative maintenance along with checking/replacing the shocks
My local mechanic thought I was a little OTT until he experienced the before andf after difference in handling
Parts which looked ok on the car such as swaybar mounts showed their wear and how the bar clamping holes enlarged over time when compared to the new parts
I say the same thing especially in Chicago environment with potholes and high temperature changes between winter/summer. Add to that rust
your knowledge always amazes me...wish you were closer
Very helpful. I just got an older LX and this helped answer many of my questions about the air suspension system
Great video and info as usual AMD. Sad to see the amount of rust on this GX. But being from the rust belt I am not all that surprised. I just hoped Toyota would have better undercarriage paint and rust proofing than what they currently offer. I caught the rust on my 2019 GX (second owner) before it progressed and now I spray it annually just to keep it at bay. I wish if the previous owners did the same when they bought it new..
I love you AMD ❤ for many reasons. But probably most importantly for your unbiased professional opinions. Helps us weekend worriors greatly!!!
recently bought a hybrid corolla and was told by the dealer use only the electronic corrosion system offer by the dealer. Told not to use spray rust proof because the battery is a the bottom of the car and wax of any other spray will cause issues with the battery and would void the warranty. Your comment is greatly appreciated
I'm looking to purchase a GX470 and this is really helpful, thank you
I have a 2003 4R with rear air suspension and have never had zero problems period(knock on wood) and I've been driving it for 19 years of it's life.
I installed rear air bags in my 4th gen 2006 4runner in 2008. I Bought the firestone kit that you install one bag inside each coil, run the air lines how and where you want them, put in air gauges. They have worked perfectly all these years. I did not even install auto air pump compressors. Manual or small air pump as needed for the load. Large load never exceeded 28-30 lbs. no load run about 5-8 lbs. lifetime warranty. Love them and recommend them. Cost about 200 bucks for everything.
I appreciate all of the wonderful videos you shared. I'm a do-it-yourselfer who finds mechanical repair to be incredibly enjoyable. I own a 2014 Sienna XLE, with 135K miles on it, in Las Vegas, Nevada. I am having trouble finding the answers to two issues.
1. I have no problems with my sliding doors. Any button on the car or remote can be used to open and close them. When I attempt to open the passenger side, it hesitates for a moment, whereas the driver's side opens instantly.
2. The heater blows far colder air in the winter than it should. I'm not sure if that only applies to the driver's side. To warm up the car's interior, I have to run the heat at maximum. It doesn't happen all the time.
If someone else has the same problem and could help, that would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks.
My 2004 GX with 246k miles still has the original rear airbags. They occasionally bleed down when it sits a few days but they always reinflate 👍🏻
After Lexus quoted me 1200$ each, i went the conversion route. Fj cruiser springs 56$ each. No more sagging.
Thank you for a very compact, informative and concise video on the GX.
Much appreciated from a solid DIYer 🙏
My GX470 rear airbags went out. While on a road trip. Something like $1200 to fix. My next GX 460, I went out of my way to get the rear steel coil springs option.
Thank you for teaching me how to better take care of my cars. I also feel more confident when speaking with my dealership service center. They do try to slide stuff past from time to time. There needs to be a place like yours out here! Thanks again for the great videos.
Love this walk around real time assessment. Obviously so experienced and knowledgeable. 👍👍
Please hope to see more videos on the GX if you get to do all the repairs.
Mr. Amd, would you be willing to review the new Nissan Pathfinder since you did the Pilot. I and I’m sure many people are split between those two. Btw you are hands down the best reviewer on RUclips. Thank you for your hard work and unbeatable knowledge. 💪
Crazy timing with this video. My 470’s air compressor just went out and I am swapping to coils. Plus a bunch of other repairs. Thanks for the tip about the rear axle leak. I noticed a small leak on my driver side
Will have to fix that before it gets bad
Hello AMD. Great video as always. Owned a 2018 GX 460 w/o air suspension and now a 2022. Love it. The KDSS light came on and dealer said the code shows a leak. It makes a clunk sound over bumps on the left side. Is this an expensive repair? I never had an issue with my last GX. Keep up the great work! God bless you and your family.
Another great video and we all learn so much from the Expert. Thanks and keep up the good work.
150,000 miles on my ‘08 GX470. Rear end would sag overnight. Could still drive it because it would refill in 2-3 minutes. I replaced them myself in about 2 1/2 hours. Turned out to be pretty easy. The airbags were around $250 from Rock Auto.
Just had to have my compressor on my 14 LS F-Sport done at an indy shop at a cost of almost $3600. I knew when I bought it last year there was a risk of expensive suspension issues. the shop said overall they don't see too many issues on them (they are a Toyota/Lexus specialty place).
I did some reading while waiting for the part to come in to see if there was any sort of TSB etc and the one thing I read was due to the different grill on the F-Sport it made it a bit more likely that water could get into the compressor and cause it to fail. The new ones have been upgraded to address that issue and hopefully it lasts the rest of its life as I intend to keep it quite a while. Have 131k miles on it now which is just past the break in period on a LS.
Our 2005 Sequoia Ltd has air suspension, which is great for towing an aligning the trailer.
“Finest aftermarket… stuff…. that’s ok” 😂
Great content time and time again. Really enjoy your channel 😎.
Thank you for posting this excellent video. The more I watch this channel. the more I wish I had my own private car lift in my outdoor parking space so I can inspect my vehicle's chassis every week. Perhaps it is just a bit of fantasy on my part...I am not a qualified automotive technician. But I can wish for the lift.
AMD, would love to see more GX460 repair videos!
I love your channel! We have a 2004 GX470 with only 76k miles on it. The best vehicle we have ever owned we bought it new for 52k and it is 20 years old now 😳
We keep up with oil changes etc. We have only had to do brakes, and because we lived in Chicago before moving to SoCal 7 years ago….we had a rusty radiator and water pump. It still rides perfectly and we do mountain driving for skiing. If I was still in Chicago I would definitely go to you…my mother grew up in Park Ridge. I found a pretty good independent mechanic, also worked for Lexus/Toyota for ten years.
It was funny because the first time I brought my SUV in he asked where I was from. Mechanics in SoCal don’t see much rust 🤣
It’s not bad, and always been garage kept…but the salted streets do create surface rust and sometimes difficult bolts!
I had to go to a mechanic to change my license plates when we moved here 7 years ago….they were rusted on….new bolts then no problem. 😊
YOU GOT ALOT DONE! Garage was overwhelming last time! I feel bad for this customer, alot needs done. If I were the owner, I'd ask u to give me a list, PRIORITY WISE, and begin a plan. Thats great u noticed all that. When I had a 97 Camry & my garage did my state inspections or ANY jobs, I said if u see anything, let me know. I may have not got fixed that day, but as soon as I could, I had them do. I'd use coils, w/new shocks all around. Tires would be last until all suspension fixed. Then an alignment.
I love the "hands on" inspection for the suspension. Really helps me understand what's going on. Also..I would love to see you do a video on that Highlander. I have one and like getting in depth with that car. Thanks for the great content!
I love air suspension. serves its purpose, properly maintained ive driven my audi a8l daily and hard for 10 years the air suspension has held up great only had an issue with a rear strut which was reasonable to replace
Can you please do a video on AHC sensors? How and why to adjust the arm up or down? My 04 GX passenger side rear is 1 inch higher than driver side. And no matter what I do, the difference is not going away. I changed the airbags, AHC sensors, still no luck. A video on AHC sensors would be very beneficial to this community. Thank you!
One of my 2008 GS's has air suspension no real problems till now the front left has just started to rattle 115K miles
I've done this on an old GX but wound up going with the $100 chinese units that lasted for a few years without any issues. Took me about 2-3 hours to replace diy. Lexus wanted $800+ for each air bag on a truck with high mileage
Thank you, I learned a lot about suspension, excellent 😮
Like the tours of the shop.
All that great knowledge, but I’m surprised to not hear at least a mention of the lower ball joints.
I was hoping for coverage on the LX470, 570 & 600 AHC suspension system while you're at it, one of these days you could cover that too. Thanks!!
I bought gx470 used, the first thing I did, I installed ironman 4x4 suspension kit
Thank you for very interesting and informative video, as usual 😊
Wow. What a coincidence that I'm just getting home from replacing the complete rear air suspension on a 2009 GX470 and AMD comes out with this video.
What he says is true. It's not a scary job to get into.
How much?
@@golferpro1241 I replaced it for a customer. Unfortunately he decided to go with aftermarket parts. I don't know how much he paid for the parts.
Turbos, superchargers and any adjustable suspensions are worth avoiding if you're looking for reliability, longevity and reasonable maintenance costs.
Mechanical springs provide resistive force proportional to (up-down) wheel movement (F=kX), so large bumps get large resisting forces. Air springs compress an air cavity which reacts with a virtually constant supporting force regardless of wheel position, so it's much softer--but doesn't handle as well.
Another great, informative video Amd! Missed the cool intro music and title graphic!
I don't see any repairs on early GX460s. It would be nice, if you could create some content on camtower leak repair, if you get a chance. Hints for DIYers are very welcome :)
Love the GX content, thank you.
converted my old ls430 to spring and shock. at the time they were 1500 each corner. so it was a no brainer to swap to traditional shock and spring.
Driving class 8 trucks for years with air ride and understanding the system. I rather have air bag over spring any time to me they're just as easy to fix as coils.
Would like to see step by step videos as you tackle each of these repairs.
Driving an almost 19 years old Hilux aggressively, including off-roading once in a while I can vow that Toyota has a very dependable suspensions. Just the necessary shock absorber replacements with one upper ball joint replacemet which I doubt was necessary as I didn't feel any loose suspension. Excuse was, alignment couldn't be done without the replacement. Even the bushes are still original.😮
Thanks a lot Ahmed
Good advise in how to test the air suspension because i have a range rover
Here in dubai we have the same lexus GX with the v8 engine and we have almost the same shape toyota prado and it comes with the 4 cylinder engine (2.7) and the optional v6 petrol engine (4.0)
By the way the lexus you showed has a lot of corrosion and if this car in dubai it will definitely fail the yearly test.
Good info. This looks like the same system on my 2020 Toyota Sequoia Platinum.
I love the air suspension on my 07 MB GL320 for towing, but I have changed out the rear bags and front air springs with Arnott’s.
I will see how the lifetime warranty works because the front passenger side is starting to sag after sitting overnight. I believe I changed that one out 7 years ago.
I have learnt the lesson hard way. Bought my LS 460L when it was 3 years old in 2018. Rarely drove that car because I had a better LS 430. One day during the 2020 pandemic, the front driver strut failed and the car was limped to that side. $1300 fix!! My trip was disrupted because dealer was scrambling to get the part. LS potential buyers beware! There are 4 air struts and one height compressor. If the latter breaks, it is going to be $3000. Don't cheap out from fixing an air strut, because this puts stress on the compressor to pump and pump and pump until one day it is fed up!
Great video. I already know I'm in for a wheel bearing on my v8 4runner, guess ai better check the bushings while I'm in there. So far, so good with rear air suspension...210k miles.
On the other hand, not looking forward to future air suspension issues on my wife's LS 460. I knew it was the most likely big ticket repair when we bought the car, but she fell in love with the dang f-sport version...
How good is your timing on this issue. I have a 2003 4Runner Limited, V8 full time 4WD. It has the air suspension. It was replaced by the previous owner, about 8 years ago. I have no dash light on, but my OBD2 BlueDriver yielded a code that indicates that the Exhaust valve for the Height Control system is not working. I now know something about this system, and I will look in to it.
I learned something new. Thanks
I bought my GX back in 2007. I am the original loaner best car I’ve ever had I keep it in the garage and maybe it got 93,000 miles original nobody but Lexus touches it. I wish that you were closer to where I am on the East Coast Would definitely without a doubt bring my vehicle to you for sure anyway, regarding the air suspension may be a little bit paranoid but every time I bring it in for an oil change, etc. I asked them to please check the air suspension because I’ve heard so many not so great things that I am afraid it’s going to catch up with me someday but I am hoping for the best regarding the rust under that vehicle it does seem like a lot. I guess I don’t have that due to the fact that my car is basically in the garage and if it’s snow, I don’t take it out pretty much if it rains I don’t take it out I’m just in love with it…lol😂😂
Hi~ greetings from Taiwan.
I was messing around with the height sensors on the LC150 and completely messed it up 😂😂. Now the car leans. Can you please do an episode on how to set up the L and R side height sensors. Great appreciated ~~
No frigen air suspension ever in my cars. too many things to fail. A solid metal coil rarely fails.
Thank you AMD and your Team for great content. I really enjoy your informative videos. I was a big fan of the SC400 in the ealty 90's. I don't thinik i have seen one on you channel. Any chance that you could do a review of one if one comes in the shop?
I know ls400 and gs/aristo's that still have the original 1990's air suspension without any service done to them and are riding great. They can be made reliable, and they can also still be cheap by the time they go bad, just don't park in the heat if you can avoid it and dress/coat your rubbers.
Man I wish that that GX470 didn't have those air suspension. Wish the owner consider air bag delete kit with reasonable setup like Ironman FCP front and back. I absolutely love to see standard swaybars, not having to deal with another type of leak especially seeing the amount of rust I see there. Speaking more about GX470, does the 470 have full fuel tank skid standard or an option like the 460?
Its so easy to dump the air bags for springs no biggie.
Great video as always AMD. Im not a big DIY guy but theres something about your videos that I love.
Looking forward to the next one!
Thank you for this informative video... So, this air suspension is not reliable?
Great video and liking the shop updates! What is the TV screen for on the wall?
This guy is the Toyota mechanic goat
Pretty neat stuff to know about thanks. Charles
What’s your opinion on those aftermarket air suspension bags that are installed inside of the coils?
Is this the best of both worlds?
Great videos! Could you do a video about modified suspensions for Tundras? Such as the highest you should lift the truck.
Also, does driving in tow/haul mode all the time ruin the truck? I like the way it drives better in tow/haul mode.
AMD in your opinion having worked on Toyota and now owning a Lexus GX460 for longevity, reliability and overall best long term vehicle would you still choose the GX 460 or do you think the 4 Runner Limited is just as good a vehicle albeit less luxurious?
Excelente video, gracias por los tips, ahora se que buscar en mi lexus cuando este en el taller.
Would love to see you do a run down of AHC on the LX and some Land Cruisers!
I have an 06 Sequoia with 186k miles. I think it still on the original air suspension
Great bearing tip
Great video and info!
Hi, AMD. Thank you for your videos. I have a 2012 Toyota Sequoia Platinum with 130K miles that I love. It has an adjustable rear air suspension (I already had the front suspension replaced) and it's not leaking yet but I don't use or need it to be air. I live in Chicago suburbs...can you change out the air suspension completely and put in a normal Sequoia suspension? Please let me know and I'd be happy to make an appointment with you. Sincerely, Steve in St Charles,IL
can any preservative be sprayed on those air bags to make them less susceptible to cracking ? Just curious