2010 Lexus LX570 AHC Failure Fluid Leak

[Stgeo]

expand...

Hello all,
I just joined the forum looking for advice. I searched as many thread as I could find.
I purchased a 2010 lx570 with 219k kms. 1 month ago.
I live in Toronto Canada.
Was planning to do ahc fluid flush as I believe It has not been done. Called Lexus and told me they do not know about flush.
My problem:
I have been seeing drips of fluid coming from my rear drivers side from the plastic ahc lines for about a month after parking it. I did not know what it was until recently.
I took the truck offroad which was great. I raised the suspension and lowered it to N.
A little while later I got the Check 4 wheel ahc and truck drooped forward.
I drove 100kms home in the Low position and then parked it.
Started it up and put it on 4Low to see if it would raise. I heard the pump and little movement then nothing. Went underneath the driver side in front of rear wheel and saw considerable fluid leaking.

What problem am I looking at?

HELP!!!

 

[Stgeo]

Hello all,
I just joined the forum looking for advice. I searched as many thread as I could find.
I purchased a 2010 lx570 with 219k kms. 1 month ago.
I live in Toronto Canada.
Was planning to do ahc fluid flush as I believe It has not been done. Called Lexus and told me they do not know about flush.
My problem:
I have been seeing drips of fluid coming from my rear drivers side from the plastic ahc lines for about a month after parking it. I did not know what it was until recently.
I took the truck offroad which was great. I raised the suspension and lowered it to N.
A little while later I got the Check 4 wheel ahc and truck drooped forward.
I drove 100kms home in the Low position and then parked it.
Started it up and put it on 4Low to see if it would raise. I heard the pump and little movement then nothing. Went underneath the driver side in front of rear wheel and saw considerable fluid leaking.

What problem am I looking at?

HELP!!!

View attachment 3025958

View attachment 3025959

The fluid was leaking from that steel cover. Does anyone know what is inside there?

 

[Stgeo]

Hello all,
I just joined the forum looking for advice. I searched as many thread as I could find.
I purchased a 2010 lx570 with 219k kms. 1 month ago.
I live in Toronto Canada.
Was planning to do ahc fluid flush as I believe It has not been done. Called Lexus and told me they do not know about flush.
My problem:
I have been seeing drips of fluid coming from my rear drivers side from the plastic ahc lines for about a month after parking it. I did not know what it was until recently.
I took the truck offroad which was great. I raised the suspension and lowered it to N.
A little while later I got the Check 4 wheel ahc and truck drooped forward.
I drove 100kms home in the Low position and then parked it.
Started it up and put it on 4Low to see if it would raise. I heard the pump and little movement then nothing. Went underneath the driver side in front of rear wheel and saw considerable fluid leaking.

What problem am I looking at?

HELP!!!

View attachment 3025958

View attachment 3025959

Thank you fir the very quick reply.

The fluid was leaking from inside that steel cover.
Do you know what is housed inside there?

 

[Stgeo]

Another question: can I drive it in this L position? Short distances? Or is it prohibited?

 

[doru]

You can drive it. The springs are taking the weight of the truck.

 

[slowgreen]

While waiting for help, maybe check the ahc fluid level in the resevoir. It would be bad to try and raise the vehicle and instead suck air into the system.

 

[Stgeo]

Update from my personal mechanic:
- The line running across the left framerail was ruptured.
Cause: Corrosion.
Even though the truck was undercoated/rustproofed, the spray could not reach that area, because of the shield. So both the line, and globe/accumulator needs replacing.
I am going to my mechanic today to see closer and figure out parts I need to purchase.

Consistent with other posters' horror stories, Lexus dealership is a No No, as they are outrageously expensive.

I will be looking on ebay for parts.

While I have the truck in the shop, what other items would you suggest I perform? I will purchase the AHC fluid for sure.
I am checking all lines, and will be replacing another couple, I know the one in the rear left just after/above the rear wheelwell.

I will have the mechanic check the sensors as well, as I have heard they also may seize up.

Thank you for all the Help - this forum has been great.

 

[Stgeo]

I am trying to locate the correct part numbers and this is what I found - can anyone confirm those are correct?
- Suspension Control Pump Accumulator Assembly - 49130-60020
- Active Height Control Center Unit - 49081-60020
- Height Control Valve Assembly - 48940-60020

 

[Stgeo]

Does anyone have/sell these parts? This is what I am trying to locate. Driver's side.

 

[grinchy]

Does anyone have/sell these parts? This is what I am trying to locate. Driver's side.
View attachment 3029158

I think I have a takeoff one of these from a member that moved to normal suspension. I’ll take a pic and you can see if it is what you need.

 

[Stgeo]

I think I have a takeoff one of these from a member that moved to normal suspension. I’ll take a pic and you can see if it is what you need.

Thank you.

 

[lx200inAR]

Why is he suggesting replacing all these parts for a ruptured line? Or is it because they are rusty? If the line that is rusted is the typical feed line over the cross member, most people replace the line and move on. The feed line is many parts removed (in the system) from any of the globe/accumulators. The three parts in your list are the core of the system, and don’t include the line that normally ruptures.
Obviously no one here has seen your truck, so maybe that’s what you are looking at. But the typical failure is of the hydraulic line that feeds the group of parts in your picture, usually they don’t need replacing.

 

[Stgeo]

I think I have a takeoff one of these from a member that moved to normal suspension. I’ll take a pic and you can see if it is what you need.

Thank you.

Why is he suggesting replacing all these parts for a ruptured line? Or is it because they are rusty? If the line that is rusted is the typical feed line over the cross member, most people replace the line and move on. The feed line is many parts removed (in the system) from any of the globe/accumulators. The three parts in your list are the core of the system, and don’t include the line that normally ruptures.
Obviously no one here has seen your truck, so maybe that’s what you are looking at. But the typical failure is of the hydraulic line that feeds the group of parts in your picture, usually they don’t need replacing.

You are correct. It is only the line and said he can fabricate the line.
The components don't need replacing but are corroded.
We removed the shield and saw that the undercoating did not reach these components.
Preventative maintenance we said.
Here are pictures of the condition of components on the truck.

The accumulator (the big cylinder) is the priority but since I am at it thinking of the other two parts as well.

Why is he suggesting replacing all these parts for a ruptured line? Or is it because they are rusty? If the line that is rusted is the typical feed line over the cross member, most people replace the line and move on. The feed line is many parts removed (in the system) from any of the globe/accumulators. The three parts in your list are the core of the system, and don’t include the line that normally ruptures.
Obviously no one here has seen your truck, so maybe that’s what you are looking at. But the typical failure is of the hydraulic line that feeds the group of parts in your picture, usually they don’t need replacing.

 

[lx200inAR]

Thank you.

You are correct. It is only the line and said he can fabricate the line.
The components don't need replacing but are corroded.
We removed the shield and saw that the undercoating did not reach these components.
Preventative maintenance we said.
Here are pictures of the condition of components on the truck.

The accumulator (the big cylinder) is the priority but since I am at it thinking of the other two parts as well.

View attachment 3029317View attachment 3029320View attachment 3029319


View attachment 3029321

That does look pretty rough. I'll add, up above in your ask, you mentioned "driver's side". This is the core of the system, there isn't a driver/passenger side. There is only one of this unit on the truck. Hopefully you can find a fully assembled part to replace all those rusted fittings.

Don't rule out eBay, there are plenty of used parts breakers who have "overpriced" clean used parts, but maybe you can work out a deal...and their overpriced is less than OEM new Lexus parts. Also check PartSouq (UAE) and Japanese parts sites. Probably considerably cheaper new parts from other markets where the 200 series is more popular.

 

[Stgeo]

That does look pretty rough. I'll add, up above in your ask, you mentioned "driver's side". This is the core of the system, there isn't a driver/passenger side. There is only one of this unit on the truck. Hopefully you can find a fully assembled part to replace all those rusted fittings.

Don't rule out eBay, there are plenty of used parts breakers who have "overpriced" clean used parts, but maybe you can work out a deal...and their overpriced is less than OEM new Lexus parts. Also check PartSouq (UAE) and Japanese parts sites. Probably considerably cheaper new parts from other markets where the 200 series is more popular.

Thank you for clarifying that it is one part.
I have started searching ebay.
Hope to find these soon.

 

[grinchy]

Does anyone have/sell these parts? This is what I am trying to locate. Driver's side.
View attachment 3029158

Here’s what I have, looks similar:

Drop me a pm if you want it

 

[Stgeo]

Hello everyone, I want to provide an update on my rig:

First off - thank you Grinchy for the components.

My search:
I searched to replace all 3 parts.
- Suspension Control Pump Accumulator Assembly - 49130-60020
- Active Height Control Center Unit - 49081-60020
- Height Control Valve Assembly - 48940-60020
New parts from Lexus were outrageously expensive.
I searched on ebay, this Forum, and through ebay salvage yards.
The good thing, is that these parts are universal, and did not change year over year.
I ordered the accumulator through ebay.
I also ordered the OEM Toyota AHC Fluid.

At my mechanic, I was told that the main line is fine - and did not need replacing.
The Accumulator was shot, and what was loosing fluid.
I replaced all 3 components.
I removed the Height Control Valve and AHC Center Unit with the backing plate as one, and will keep these as reserve.

We bled the system and now everything works just fine.
Based on the maintenance records, this was the first time the AHC fluid was replaced. The rig does feel indeed, much firmer and taught. Body roll is reduced, and I have the suspension setting on Comfort.

Thank you to everyone on this Forum for all your Help.

Now onto figuring out a new wheel / tire combo.

 

[Firebird28]

Hello everyone, I want to provide an update on my rig:

First off - thank you Grinchy for the components.

My search:
I searched to replace all 3 parts.
- Suspension Control Pump Accumulator Assembly - 49130-60020
- Active Height Control Center Unit - 49081-60020
- Height Control Valve Assembly - 48940-60020
New parts from Lexus were outrageously expensive.
I searched on ebay, this Forum, and through ebay salvage yards.
The good thing, is that these parts are universal, and did not change year over year.
I ordered the accumulator through ebay.
I also ordered the OEM Toyota AHC Fluid.

At my mechanic, I was told that the main line is fine - and did not need replacing.
The Accumulator was shot, and what was loosing fluid.
I replaced all 3 components.
I removed the Height Control Valve and AHC Center Unit with the backing plate as one, and will keep these as reserve.

We bled the system and now everything works just fine.
Based on the maintenance records, this was the first time the AHC fluid was replaced. The rig does feel indeed, much firmer and taught. Body roll is reduced, and I have the suspension setting on Comfort.

Thank you to everyone on this Forum for all your Help.

Now onto figuring out a new wheel / tire combo.

Hi there,
I've recently joined this forum looking for help with issues with my AHC system. I am also in Toronto and I am looking for a mechanic who knows how to replace the lines on my 2010 LX570. If you could give me contact info of your mechanic would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Stgeo]

Hi there,
I've recently joined this forum looking for help with issues with my AHC system. I am also in Toronto and I am looking for a mechanic who knows how to replace the lines on my 2010 LX570. If you could give me contact info of your mechanic would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

Hi @Firebird28 welcome to the Forum. Sorry to hear you are having the same issue.
I will email you separately my mechanic's details.

 

[Firebird28]

Thank you SO much. I 've been riding in Low for the last six months and no one seems to want to work with it including the dealers.