slowLC

I have a 2005 gx and the ride is terrible. I have had old lifted land cruisers that rode better so that was a major disappointment. I checked the air ride system and the bags seem to hold air great and there is no obvious signs that it needs new shocks. I was told that there is a problem with the ride height sensors and while I have seen it mentioned on the forum, I couldnt find anything detailed about it. I am hoping this is the cure to my problems because right now my wife doesn't even want to ride in it and I want to have a smooth riding lexus!!! Thanks for any help

slowLC

also would like to know if it would be better to swap the units completely

sxs191

Define terrible. Stiff, bouncy, etc..?

slowLC

Extremely jarring whenever I hit any type of bump. Sitting in the back seat will get just about anyone car sick. My air bags fill fine and the compressor isn’t always running. It feels like it is bottoming out

sxs191

Sounds like I had the same problem. My issue was the ride height sensor bracket. Check under your vehicle by the rear suspension on both sides to see if you have a broken bracket.

sxs191

This is what it looks like new. You can by the bracket separately.

se7enine

The front the rear or both feel rough?

se7enine

You could try adjusting the height control sensors

slowLC

I just installed two washers under the bracket and it appears to have lifted the whole vehicle a little bit. I found a thread on the forum here. Is that essentially the same as adjusting the bracket? Hopefully this helps. Btw, both of my brackets appear intact

slowLC

no it feels like the rear. When I was under here it was obvious that the axle housing was coming into contact with the bump stop. I’m on daddy day care duty right now but as soon as the misses gets home I’m going to go for a test drive!!

sxs191

When I had by problem, it was just the rear, it would bounce.

slowLC

What was your fix for it?

ALAN553

If the axle is hitting the bump stops, usually those air bags are leaking down. 2005, those airbags are past their expected life.

slowLC

good to know. I don’t feel like the compressor runs an excessive amount but I will keep an eye on it and look up some ways to diagnose that for sure

slowLC

Drove it and it does feel a little better. We will take it out tomorrow to see how it feels from the second row because that is where it was the worst. Does anyone know if using the spacers is the same as adjusting the arm on the sensor?