I feel dumb asking this question but what is this part in the rear right suspension?. See attached pictures. It is the yellow box with two screws, it also has an arm that attaches to the lower control arm.
I have an RX330 AWD with standard suspension, so no idea as to what it could be.

 

pretty sure thats one of a few height sensors. info would be used to aim the headlights, ill assume you have HID auto headlights

 

It's for your AFS system. When there is weight in the rear of the vehicle/towing it will cause your headlights to aim in the trees. This sensor tells your headlights to aim down to keep the beam on the road.

 

Thank you kiwi and Wht95scort . I have HID and Adaptive headlights that swivel in the direction the vehicle is being turned. That makes sense.

 

Anyone ever take one of these sensors apart? Told mine are shot but heard they are repairable. If someone did pics appreciated.

They are expensive so hope to repair rather than replace.

 

There are brass springs inside that get corroded causing the light to blink. If it's a little bit you would be able to clean it and be ok but more than likely all will be and you will need to replace the sensor.

 

Not really repairable unless you catch them early enough, and not cheap either. They get moisture in through the back plate or down through the seal on shaft. I have tried to take the shafts out of the unit with zero luck. Take the 4 screws off the plate and you will see if it is bad or not, if not too bad then clean it up and diaelectric grease will do the trick. If not then you have to replace.

 

Is it the sensor or the arm that is causing you issues?

I actually had the little threaded arm BREAK off on mine... Welded once, twice and now the arm is seized in place. So I kind of disable the AFS with a simple, non 350$ dealer-only fix. You're right, you can't get the little endlink separately, its the entire assy. they sell!

 

I'm getting the flashing AFS light and understand it's the sensor.

I'm worried about simply disabling it because not sure if that will affect the movement of the lights.

Has anyone just disconnected the sensor? Would this be a problem?

 

If you disconnect the sensor you will get the flashing light but you headlights will not go up and down as designed with weight in the back or over bumps etc, So headlights will still work but not pivot up and down.
If the connecting rod breaks, usually it is because either 1. the sensor inside is seized or 2. the rose joints at each end are seized.

 

The AFS light on my wifes RX just started blinking and the lights are stuck in the high position. Shes getting flashed by other drivers due to the height of the beams. How can I bring the lights back down without having to buy a $400 sensor? I personally dont care if the lights move up,down or sideways as long as they arent blinding to oncoming traffic

 

$400 Dollars ??????
Is that how much that sensor costs?. Unbelievable....