Anfanger

I never had a car with air suspension before. It is somewhat hard for me tell if my front air struts are on its way out. I have no idea how old they are but they still have manufacture stickers. I assume, they were replaced at some point but there is nothing about it in the history of the vehicle.

In between, I can feel difference between comfort, regular and sport. The car keeps the height and doesn't seem to leak any air. Thoughts?

sdls

Does the car bounce over bumps?
That was my clue. My front left air shock also clattered like a jar full of coins over bumps.

Anfanger

It bounces a little at 85 mph, at speeds around 40 mph on bumpy road there is subtle thumping.

sdls

Even after replacing my struts and sway bar end links, my car still thumps like a bunny over the awful roads we have here. But before I got rid of the air shocks, the car bounced violently and gracelessly over road undulations, bumps, expansion joints, everything. Yours sounds a little worn but not too far gone. Might be a good time to contemplate a succession plan for those air shocks.

The only other thing I can suggest is to drive around on Height High for a while and see if it improves the way the car handles bumps and such.

stopdrpnro

I have a brand new set of ceika awd coilovers if you're interested.

Anfanger

Good one! I am going to stick with air ride for now. I need to change front lower control arms though.

sdls

I’ve never heard of cyka before, are they a new company?

Anfanger

It is somewhat funny.

98sscamaro

iTrader: (1)

How many miles do you have on the car? I had a front air strut start leaking fluid and then would bounce/ compress more over speed bumps, potholes, etc. The control arms will cause the car to ride rough and make thumping noises if they are going out as well.

Anfanger

I got 156k on the car. The front struts have no leaks: air or fluid. Upper bushings where replaced not long ago, new lower control arms (OEM) are coming soon. I got brand new front hubs installed, it took out some of vibration but not all of it.

98sscamaro

iTrader: (1)

I just did the upper and lower control arms on mine. They were shot. Doing the lowers should help get it back to normal. Good luck.

Anfanger

I got lower control arms in mail not so long ago. Upper control arms should be shipped any time now. My tie rods are in a bed condition too.

98sscamaro

iTrader: (1)

That should make a significant improvement for you.

Anfanger

I replaced all front arms, sway bar bushing and links, and inner and outer tie rods. The car does not wonder over the road anymore, there is no rattle or clicking but there is some vibration apparently due to defects in tires.

FreddyG

Newbie question, but can you Please tell me what is the best way to check if the control arms are bad or going bad on a 2009 LS460 AWD?

Thanks in advance!