lexus1789

So my GX with 180k miles got both air springs replaced and now the ride seems off? On smooth roads it seems better, but any car rides good on smooth roads. It's on slightly bumpy roads and moderate potholes/bumps where the car seems to jostle you around a lot more and on highway bumps especially. Before I got them replaced I could notice a distinct difference between the modes for the suspension but today I tried to notice a difference and could not besides slight difference that I considered to be placebo. Now it feels like it's permanently stuck on sport mode. I don't know if the system was not calibrated or if it's an electrical problem. Any tips are much appreciated.

se7enine

You replaced the rear air bags or the adjustable shock absorbers?

Davenlei

iTrader: (1)

Yep, I experienced the same when I replaced the air bags with regular springs. My wife hated it so I put new air bags in and it is back to being smoother.

se7enine

If you haven't touched the adjustable shocks then it could be time to replace those. They help to absorb bumps and make it a much smoother bounce.

IanB2

It sounds like he's replaced his old airbags with new airbags, not the same situation.

lexus1789

Yes, it was the air springs. that’ that’s why I’m so confused. I don’t know if I was driving with leaking air for so long that I got used to it but this doesn’t seem like a ride Lexus would approve of.

MDSteamer

Have someone take the shocks off and see if they are shot. Bad shocks will cause you to loose traction on rough areas. That's not safe.

Remember shocks control springs so we don't bounce off the road.

chiph9

If the shocks are bad enough, long enough, you'll see stripes on the tire tread from where it wore from bouncing against the pavement.

Chip H.

lexus1789

After looking under the car I noticed that they didnt use OEM air springs but rather Arnott air springs. Could this be the reason its lost the Lexus ride?

IanB2

In my experience, if you remove 15 year old factory shocks to test them...they aren't going back in. I've always had to cut the top shafts as the hardware has rusted to it.

ALAN553

Agreed…I was never able to loosen bolts….just cut them out…if there is no sign of leakage….they may not be great…but most likely operational…

Davenlei

iTrader: (1)

Arnott are fine for replacement air springs. Is the car riding lower than normal in the back? If so, wonder if the lines have a leak in them or if the compressor is shot.

Davenlei

iTrader: (1)

Yep, you are right..,. No the same as my situation.

Hog300

I replaced air springs with factory lexus, replaced rear shock absorbers with LUFT MEISTER, and replaced the compressor with a Docas brand. After researching those replacement brands the reviews looked positive. I spend the whole day replacing all these parts. Compressor has one bolt that is hard to reach being blocked by the dryer unit --- that job SUCKED. Then I moved to the shocks which are rusted on like they are wielded to the frame. Finally torqued the bolt until it broke at the top -- again that job SUCKED! Replacing the air springs was not that bad of a job but getting the lines disconnected can slow you down. After all the time and effort the damn thing rides like a log truck! The back end is bouncing like a basketball. I got mad and just let it sit the night. I'm pretty sure the compressor did not engage on my test drive. The ride height switch will not move out of the "N" setting but the "off" will switch back and forth like normal. Is there any tricks like you have to perform when you replace the battery to make the power window switches sync up to reset the compressor? I'm gonna climb back under and make sure all the electrical power connections are tight and plugged together properly at the compressor. Any suggestions? The fuses under the dash and under the hood all look to be good. I was so excited to get it back and running with new parts and then deflated when it was not fixed. I appreciate any insight or suggestions!

Davenlei

iTrader: (1)

Were you able to confirm your compressor turned on and pressurized the air springs to proper ride height and then maintain the height (no air leaks in the lines/connectors)? When I had an air leak (at the bag), my car bounced around like crazy also.