3 Leaking Air Shocks + Cracked Castor Bushings = $9K??
#16
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have a 01 LS with 176K on it. I just had the drivers' side air shock to go bad. I've been quoted $1500 for replacing the single shock, $2000 for replacing all 4 with conventional shocks. J C Whitney sells a pair of compatible replacement air shocks for less than $700. I've not made a decision at this time. The car is still too valuable to not repair it.
#20
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: NC
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've decided to go the steel route.
The costs of replacing the air system is not even within the realm of consideration. My air compressor is making very loud rattling noises when engaged. If you factor in the compressor & dryer I could be looking at $10/12K.
LOL. Not to keep a $15K valued vehicle on the road. If anything, at least I could repair the car with springs & then sell it with a clear conscience.
In the process of deciding which parts to go with. I believe that I'll end up with the Tanabe TNF & KYB Excel-2. That solution looks to be in the $1200 -1500 range complete.
The costs of replacing the air system is not even within the realm of consideration. My air compressor is making very loud rattling noises when engaged. If you factor in the compressor & dryer I could be looking at $10/12K.
LOL. Not to keep a $15K valued vehicle on the road. If anything, at least I could repair the car with springs & then sell it with a clear conscience.
In the process of deciding which parts to go with. I believe that I'll end up with the Tanabe TNF & KYB Excel-2. That solution looks to be in the $1200 -1500 range complete.
#21
Lexus Test Driver
Why these outrageous numbers? Used and working airsus compressor+drier = 200usd max.
There's an old saying - 'only take whatever you can carry without breaking your back'....
There's an old saying - 'only take whatever you can carry without breaking your back'....
#22
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Calif
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I haven't had any problem yet with the air suspension at 116500 miles but have seen conversions like this as an alternative.
http://www.strutmasters.com/Lexus-LS...-p/ls430-4.htm
http://www.strutmasters.com/Lexus-LS...-p/ls430-4.htm
#25
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Calif
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Keeping my fingers crossed. Did you check on any of the conversion kits offered on the internet B4 deciding on the Tanabe TNF & KYB Excel-2. I thought the Strutmaster looked pretty good but haven't done too much research since it isn't on my A list yet.
#26
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: NC
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have read about many, many different options - most just a variation on a theme of steel springs or coil overs. The reason I'm selecting the tanabe/kyb combo is that the combo is the closest to factory ride that I can find without resorting to Lexus parts. The tanabe's have a very similar spring rate, the kyb struts are oem to the car (kyb is clearly marked on the air shocks too), and the total outlay ($) on parts is around $800 delivered. This should provide another 150,000 miles or so, without issue. And replacement struts are available for $100 whenever needed.
Coilovers seem to come with more issues, and less useable life. Though this is just my reading - no actual experience in the implementation.
Just my $0.02...
Coilovers seem to come with more issues, and less useable life. Though this is just my reading - no actual experience in the implementation.
Just my $0.02...
#27
I've decided to go the steel route.
The costs of replacing the air system is not even within the realm of consideration. My air compressor is making very loud rattling noises when engaged. If you factor in the compressor & dryer I could be looking at $10/12K.
LOL. Not to keep a $15K valued vehicle on the road. If anything, at least I could repair the car with springs & then sell it with a clear conscience.
In the process of deciding which parts to go with. I believe that I'll end up with the Tanabe TNF & KYB Excel-2. That solution looks to be in the $1200 -1500 range complete.
The costs of replacing the air system is not even within the realm of consideration. My air compressor is making very loud rattling noises when engaged. If you factor in the compressor & dryer I could be looking at $10/12K.
LOL. Not to keep a $15K valued vehicle on the road. If anything, at least I could repair the car with springs & then sell it with a clear conscience.
In the process of deciding which parts to go with. I believe that I'll end up with the Tanabe TNF & KYB Excel-2. That solution looks to be in the $1200 -1500 range complete.
Personally, I would probably go with the Lexus OEM steel coils, because it's not that much more money (about $100) and I like my ride to be on the soft side, but your alternative looks like a pretty solid pick.
Let us know how it works out and if you're happy with it.
#28
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
Tanabe is not so close to OEM. I'm definitely going OEM coils eventually when I need to do the conversation. Probably sport springs. There are 3 options. Sport, normal, and rough road package which adds about an inch in height. By the way, the cheapest OEM new is $1026.00 per bag. Not worth it.
Last edited by Lavrishevo; 11-16-13 at 07:54 PM.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Jonx
LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006)
10
05-06-20 07:12 PM
Din
LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006)
3
09-25-12 10:28 AM
Din
LS - 4th Gen (2007-2017)
2
09-20-12 05:17 PM