OE Air Suspension Life
06-04-20, 10:51 AM
#76
Lexus Fanatic
The shock of my life, after reading all your messages of how sickening it is that Lexus has dumped on us a hot potato in their air suspension. I bought a 2013 LS460 AWD in Sept 2018 with very low mileage 65+K km. There was no choice for me to get a non-air LS. Lexus Canada does not carry a non-air LS, period. It was and still is in pristine conditions. Except at about six months ago, I started noticing the back end started sinking if I hadn't driven it for about a week, as I have an LS400 that my wife uses to do grocery shopping and I much rather drive hers in winter. So, now I realize the pain of having to replace the struts starts to aggravate me. The car now only has 67+K (42K mi) for crying out loud. The cost for each corner from Lexus is US$1,300 to $1,400 and I am looking at roughly 6 to 7-hour of labour. Besides, there is no Coilover substitute available in the market. Arnott doesn't even have the air-suspension to replace it. I am stuck with close to a $10K expense just for the air ride. Any suggestion other than shooting the horse would be greatly appreciated.
There are absolutely aftermarket solutions for replacing the struts, Arnott makes aftermarket struts, and there are coil conversion options as well. None of those maintain the total quality of the original ride though.
Again though, I bet its not the struts requiring replacement.
06-04-20, 10:57 AM
#77
It's comforting to see someone managed to keep their pride and joy to such level of legevity. I wonder if there is any secret to it. What model years are they?
Maybe, just maybe, Lexus of late has been getting bump air suspension supplier similar to their disastrous period between 07 and 10 for having sticky dash and door panels.
Maybe, just maybe, Lexus of late has been getting bump air suspension supplier similar to their disastrous period between 07 and 10 for having sticky dash and door panels.
06-05-20, 03:24 AM
#78
Instructor
#1 is take it to an independent shop. There may very seriously be an option that doesn't include the replacements the dealer has outlined to you. If the whole back end is sinking, its actually likely not struts, it would be very unlikely for both struts to fail at the same time.
There are absolutely aftermarket solutions for replacing the struts, Arnott makes aftermarket struts, and there are coil conversion options as well. None of those maintain the total quality of the original ride though.
Again though, I bet its not the struts requiring replacement.
There are absolutely aftermarket solutions for replacing the struts, Arnott makes aftermarket struts, and there are coil conversion options as well. None of those maintain the total quality of the original ride though.
Again though, I bet its not the struts requiring replacement.
Thanks!
06-05-20, 03:35 AM
#79
Instructor
Sorry to hear. Very frustrating if there is no aftermarket solutions. I had a air suspension on my suv and it was a PITA to figure it all out. I would definitely try a independent garage. Tough part for your situation is that 2013 is not a very old.
Can you not find none air parts from a 2008-2012 pre refresh model?
Can you not find none air parts from a 2008-2012 pre refresh model?
06-05-20, 07:34 AM
#80
Lexus Fanatic
I go back to though, are you sure that the struts on that 2013 are bad?
06-05-20, 11:23 AM
#81
Instructor
Yes, we tested them on and off the car. Compressor is good, but the rears do not hold air. How do you know for certain the '07-'12s will fit '13-'17s? On the Arnott site struts are listed for "07-'12 but not for '13-'17. You have experience doing this swap yourself?
06-05-20, 11:30 AM
#82
Lexus Fanatic
No, my air suspension is fine but as far as I know the part numbers are the same.
06-05-20, 12:00 PM
#83
Lexus Fanatic
In theory, it should, I was trying to give the OP the idea. My reference was to using non-air components to replace the air components. In other words, the person had an air suspension and would perhaps switch to non-air OEM...(but it may not work)
06-05-20, 12:07 PM
#84
Lexus Fanatic
That is also very doable.
One thing I have found is that sales volume went down so much when you started getting into the 13-17 cars that many parts suppliers never updated their systems to show whether or not their parts work for the 13-17 car. The car is basically the same car mechanically. Can you confirm if you can return the parts to Arnott?
FYI- we have a member here who tried to replace his struts with Arnott and was really disappointed in the ride afterwards. I would try and find OEM parts.
One thing I have found is that sales volume went down so much when you started getting into the 13-17 cars that many parts suppliers never updated their systems to show whether or not their parts work for the 13-17 car. The car is basically the same car mechanically. Can you confirm if you can return the parts to Arnott?
FYI- we have a member here who tried to replace his struts with Arnott and was really disappointed in the ride afterwards. I would try and find OEM parts.
06-05-20, 12:23 PM
#85
Lexus Fanatic
06-05-20, 12:36 PM
#86
Lexus Fanatic
06-05-20, 12:55 PM
#87
Lexus Fanatic
06-05-20, 01:13 PM
#88
Lexus Fanatic
Thats the same issue, manufacturers of these parts just haven't tested them on the 13-17 car and haven't bothered, doesn't mean they wont work.
06-05-20, 01:24 PM
#89
Lexus Fanatic
Googling "LS460 air suspension conversion", this is the first result. As you can see this is for RWD and it says years 2007-2017:
https://www.suncoreindustries.com/pr...SAAEgK43PD_BwE
Several members here have used Suncore too. So, the implication would be that the parts are the same 2007-2017.
Here's another kit from Strutmaster that has AWD and RWD options.
https://www.strutmasters.com/suspens.../lexus/ls-460/
https://www.suncoreindustries.com/pr...SAAEgK43PD_BwE
Several members here have used Suncore too. So, the implication would be that the parts are the same 2007-2017.
Here's another kit from Strutmaster that has AWD and RWD options.
https://www.strutmasters.com/suspens.../lexus/ls-460/
06-05-20, 01:42 PM
#90
Lexus Fanatic
Googling "LS460 air suspension conversion", this is the first result. As you can see this is for RWD and it says years 2007-2017:
https://www.suncoreindustries.com/pr...SAAEgK43PD_BwE
Several members here have used Suncore too. So, the implication would be that the parts are the same 2007-2017.
Here's another kit from Strutmaster that has AWD and RWD options.
https://www.strutmasters.com/suspens.../lexus/ls-460/
https://www.suncoreindustries.com/pr...SAAEgK43PD_BwE
Several members here have used Suncore too. So, the implication would be that the parts are the same 2007-2017.
Here's another kit from Strutmaster that has AWD and RWD options.
https://www.strutmasters.com/suspens.../lexus/ls-460/
EXCLUDES L Series & ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD) MODELS FROM 2009-2012
Anyways, have a nice day SW. My last post to you. I am interested to know if the person I was talking to is able to use NON-AIR 2007-2012 parts on the car he has to replace his OEM AIR parts....I ask this because my Toyota has air as well as a hydraulic suspension, I was shocked to learn that despite almost everything being the same, non-Air OEM rear parts were not compatible to fit on my Toyota. It is of personal interest to me to see how the solution to this unfolds...(like a hobby to watch and learn)...feel free to right about the conversion kits...
Last edited by Toys4RJill; 06-05-20 at 02:15 PM.