Buying 2011 GX 460 w/ around 90k...anything I should be concerned about?
#16
We need a writeup on the airbag swap :-)
I saw this tool recommended on GXOR so picked one up for releasing the air lines during bag swaps. What did you use?
#17
You probably need that tool to release the connection of the airline on the original bags. They have a weird lock that holds the air line in place. Since i was switching to arnott bags, which have quick connect fittings like the pic attached, i just cut the hose as close to the original fitting as possible with a very sharp knife to avoid deforming the hose. The diameter of the hose fits perfectly in the quick connect fitting.
I have looked everywhere for a decent DIY writeup but havent been able to find one. It is in theory quite straightforward though. One small nut at the bottom, and a clip at the top is all that holds the bags in place. What is a real PITA is getting to the connector which is right on top. You have to get under the car and need real thin dexterous fingers, first, to cut the air line, but more importantly, to reconnect it to the new arnotts. To make it more fun, the quick connect fittings on the arnotts swivel 360 degrees! (See pics in the arnott link below)
Now that i think about it, what you can probably do is release the air line from the other end and unmount the bag with the airline still attached. I am sure that will be easier. Other than that, it's no secret. You just have to have the ***** to cut the airline as that is the point of no return.
Also, before you start, make sure the car is supended by the chasis and remove the air suspenson fuse.
This is the link to Arnott site, and the link to where i bought them from (i.e the cheapest i could find them). Note there is a left and a right. The Arnotts are probably on the highest side of the aftermarket ones, but the only one made in the USA (not in Asia), and the only one that states what brand of rubber bags they use - Contitech - everything they do is great quality - from engine belts to tires. Plus limited lifetime warranty! (Better than OEM)
https://www.arnottindustries.com/a-3...0-4runner-n280
https://www.shockwarehouse.com/site/...cfm?id=3018249
Hope this helps. Lemme know if you have more questions. Glad to help...
Last edited by Eliris; 09-09-19 at 08:06 PM.
#18
I use to own a 2012 one owner with full lexus service history had leaking shocks, leak in the radiator and the famous secondary air pump this all started ones it crossed 100k miles mark and the last issue I had that one of the front axle was leaking grease from the rubber boots.
#19
I have a 2011 GX 460 Base I bought with about 57,000 miles and love it! No problems. At 122,000 and still running great!
Daughter is buying it.
I just upgraded my wife's 2011 to a 2016 GX 460 Premium w/ 63,000 miles on it. Love the ride. Love the GX. Love the bells and whistles.
Anything else and you'll regret not buying a GX IMHO.
Daughter is buying it.
I just upgraded my wife's 2011 to a 2016 GX 460 Premium w/ 63,000 miles on it. Love the ride. Love the GX. Love the bells and whistles.
Anything else and you'll regret not buying a GX IMHO.
#20
For whatever it's worth for any new buyers.... I bought a 2010 with air suspension and adjustable shocks with 100K last year (2018) in May. It has now (Sep 2019) 135K miles on it and is running as new. Great cars!! Only downside... low gas mileage!
Earlier this year (at ~120K miles) I preventively DIY replaced the shocks with non-adjustable OEM struts in the front and non-adjustable Bilsteins 4600 (for 4-runner) in the back, and also replaced the airbags with Arnotts (w/ lifetime warranty). Everything I replaced was in perfect working order, but I thought it was about time. Better do this on your (planned) terms, than having to over-pay whenever they crap out. Job was relatively easy.
Car drives as good as a new one (I test-drove at the dealer).
Just speak up if you need pointers if you want to do the same.
Earlier this year (at ~120K miles) I preventively DIY replaced the shocks with non-adjustable OEM struts in the front and non-adjustable Bilsteins 4600 (for 4-runner) in the back, and also replaced the airbags with Arnotts (w/ lifetime warranty). Everything I replaced was in perfect working order, but I thought it was about time. Better do this on your (planned) terms, than having to over-pay whenever they crap out. Job was relatively easy.
Car drives as good as a new one (I test-drove at the dealer).
Just speak up if you need pointers if you want to do the same.
#21
Hi all,
I'm in the market for a GX 460.. I found a nice 2011 white base model with around 90k miles on it. Is there anything I should be concerned about? I've been doing some research and read about the bypass valve but doesn't seem to affect a large group of owners. Other than that was there anything else?
I also saw a 2013 premium for a bit more $$$ with 60k, I would like to get you guy's opinion on that as well.
Thanks all! hope to be an owner and an active user in this forum soon!
I'm in the market for a GX 460.. I found a nice 2011 white base model with around 90k miles on it. Is there anything I should be concerned about? I've been doing some research and read about the bypass valve but doesn't seem to affect a large group of owners. Other than that was there anything else?
I also saw a 2013 premium for a bit more $$$ with 60k, I would like to get you guy's opinion on that as well.
Thanks all! hope to be an owner and an active user in this forum soon!
I have a 2014 with 95+k on it. See service records to know who it was treated. I've replaced belts, tires (BFG T/A KO2 stock size), and brakes (she is heavy and eats them). Also just look at the head unit. Mine has an A/V function and will mirror my iPhone with about $60 worth of cables) so that may help you picking up one or the other. Only real issue I have had (under CPO warranty) is the timing cover leak. Its $3K to have done so worth taking the skid plate down to see if there is any signs of leaking. Other then that bullet proof.
#22
We need a writeup on the airbag swap :-)
I saw this tool recommended on GXOR so picked one up for releasing the air lines during bag swaps. What did you use?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
We found this YouTube video extremely helpful:
Love the way he shows the failure mechanism, and ours looked exactly the same.
One of the YouTube comments mentioned a Harbor Freight line disconnect tool set, item number 96834. This tool set worked perfect for us. but Acrad's tool is cheaper. https://harborfreight.com/4-piece-fu...set-96834.html
Hope this helps the next person. In California, my Sequoia air bags lasted 13 years, and my son is still driving that truck at 265k. I'm assuming my 2016 GX air bags will last another 10 years, easy. Don't be afraid of the air suspension!
Last edited by SteveInCal; 09-11-19 at 10:25 PM.
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Acrad (09-12-19)
#23
did you replace them with OEM or some aftermarket ones? When did you do the job?
Good video! I knew the japanese were not dumb! they usually make it easy, and indeed it is! I wished i had seen that before i cut my air lines be left with shortened hoses, which made my life miserable... But indeed, you are supposed to disconnect the hose AFTER you unmount the whole bag and you don't need to cut the hose anymore!! Duh!
It's a learning curve! By the time i learn all the ins and outs of this vehicle I'll probably will have moved on to my next car... haha
Good video! I knew the japanese were not dumb! they usually make it easy, and indeed it is! I wished i had seen that before i cut my air lines be left with shortened hoses, which made my life miserable... But indeed, you are supposed to disconnect the hose AFTER you unmount the whole bag and you don't need to cut the hose anymore!! Duh!
It's a learning curve! By the time i learn all the ins and outs of this vehicle I'll probably will have moved on to my next car... haha
Last edited by Eliris; 09-12-19 at 01:39 PM.
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