Hi, have a 2011 200 series 4.5 V8, having problems with AHC suspension , bracker broke on rear left height level sensor, repaired bracket but the suspension is now on low and impossible to sut in, shocks in rear now leaking, any ideas ? Tempted to install a peddlers kit like i had to do on my last 100 series as the AHC is a pain wen always giving trouble. Any advice welcome. Thx
2011 AHC problem
- Thread starter BJ40dude
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Ahc is awesome and cheap to fix, if you can do it yourself. My recommendation is to test the sensors and the shocks.
The globes on these systems can be replaced quite easily. Often leaking or weeping shocks are a symptom of worn out accumulator globes. How bad are they leaking? Post photos.
The globes on these systems can be replaced quite easily. Often leaking or weeping shocks are a symptom of worn out accumulator globes. How bad are they leaking? Post photos.
- Thread starter
- #3
Hi, thanks for reply, I had the car away on a trip and the rear AHC was on high and had a comfy ride but the car sat for 1 week and on my return it defaulted to low, the pump is running for AHC on startup but throws up a fault on dash, i plugged in diagnostic tool and got code C1763, there is a pool of fluid under both rear shocks, more so left rear side, i assume is the shock leaking on impact when driving, car is very bumpy now and sittin down on rear, any ideas appreciated
C1763 indicates abnormal pump oil pressure. Have you checked your reservoir level? It is under the rear right tire (remove the cover at the back with a 10mm bolt). You'll need a light positioned near the spare tire to see the fluid level. If it's low, you'll probably need to re-bleed the system. It's probably low because of the leaking AHC oil. If you plan to refill it, only use toyota/lexus AHC fluid. Each of the 4 accumulators will need to be bled if you are replacing fluid, possibly multiple times, if air has been introduced to the pump.
If you can clearly determine that it's only leaking from the shocks, then it could be back accumulators. Here's an idea. Put the AHC in "comfort" mode. Turn on the vehicle, and immediately push the AHC switch to the "N" position. Close the doors. Walk to the front drivers side shock. Push down on the fender and see how it responds. Try the same at each corner. If one of the corners doesn't deflect back normally, you probably have a problem with the globe/accumulator on that corner. I've recently replaced mine, and many here will suggest that these should be replaced every 10 years, since they have rubber diaphragms inside. If the diaphragms are compromised, or nitrogen charge insufficient, it can lead to a very bumpy ride. The replacement procedure is well documented on this thread, including part numbers:
LX570 AHC Globe/Accumulator Replacement
forum.ih8mud.com
It's also possible that the seals on the shocks have been compromised, but I'd replace the accumulators before the shocks (or at the same time in any event).
Cheap to fix? No. Not even close.
Cheap to fix, if you can do it yourself.
relative to what? Regular shocks in traditional suspension are far cheaper than those shocks, hydraulic lines, globes, etc.. Nevermind the hours and hours and days of diagnosis and labor.
We need to stop lying to newbies or shoppers....
From Partsouq:
2013 LX570 front shock 4851069355: $160.54 USD
2013 Land Cruiser 200 front shock 4851069405: $166.75 USD
2013 LX570 rear shock 4853069415: $69.81 USD
2013 Land Cruiser 200 rear shock 4853069395: $52.06 USD
Accumulators can be sourced for $81 each USD out of Japan.
A new hydraulic pump can be sourced for $643 out of Japan (if you ever need one).
Notably, I've never replaced a front or rear shock on any of the LX's I've owned. I've replaced globes after 200,000km, but I could have kept them longer.
If you buy parts at your local shop, they will charge you an arm and a leg. If you get most shops to do the labor, they will charge you an arm and a leg. If you can use the internet, and do modest labor by yourself, you can maintain the system for decades at modest cost. Not lying to anyone.
Yeah……and you just prove my point.
That AHC replacement is unlikely, lasts longer than conventional suspension, and costs about the same amount?Yeah……and you just prove my point.
Did you have a bad experience with AHC? I'm curious where your perception is derived from.
My bro had a LX470. I had LC.
AHC sounds good in theory; but in reality, and Toyota is figuring it out…too costly and time consuming of a system to diagnose and fix. Even Lexus dealers are shying away from touching it even at 60k intervals…let it ride until it breaks then they charge you $$$$$ (two here got quoted $30k to gut and replace). The benefits of AHC are limited as well…good for towing and squatting for old people.
Why man? Your one person crusade for coil and spring righteousness isn’t adding to this conversation. You bought what you bought, your envy for the Ahc goodness continues unabated. Just go get an lx570 and end your misery.
You may need to put more fluid in the reservoir so it can pressurize and you can then find the leak.
Is your rig rusty? If so the line that crosses at the rear crossmember is likely rusted thru. If not rusty, it could be a shock body leaking at a seal. Find the leak, fix that one thing, and see if it’ll pressure up and work. Let us know how it goes.
- Thread starter
- #14
Filled up fluid. Thought i set the rear sensor positions correctly, now wen i start car the rear goes sway up higher than iv ever seen and the ride is so much bunnyhoppong, i put the system into N and turn ahc off. Drive 5 mins and the rear rises up again and the car bouncing on the road, maybe the rear level sensors need adjusting? Im at my wits end and no one in Ireland knows anything about these systems. . Maybe its a pedders kit and forget this tormenting myself. Pain n the assC1763 indicates abnormal pump oil pressure. Have you checked your reservoir level? It is under the rear right tire (remove the cover at the back with a 10mm bolt). You'll need a light positioned near the spare tire to see the fluid level. If it's low, you'll probably need to re-bleed the system. It's probably low because of the leaking AHC oil. If you plan to refill it, only use toyota/lexus AHC fluid. Each of the 4 accumulators will need to be bled if you are replacing fluid, possibly multiple times, if air has been introduced to the pump.
If you can clearly determine that it's only leaking from the shocks, then it could be back accumulators. Here's an idea. Put the AHC in "comfort" mode. Turn on the vehicle, and immediately push the AHC switch to the "N" position. Close the doors. Walk to the front drivers side shock. Push down on the fender and see how it responds. Try the same at each corner. If one of the corners doesn't deflect back normally, you probably have a problem with the globe/accumulator on that corner. I've recently replaced mine, and many here will suggest that these should be replaced every 10 about these, i am they have rubber diaphragms inside. If the diaphragms are compromised, or nitrogen charge insufficient, it can lead to a very bumpy ride. The replacement procedure is well documented on this thread, including part numbers:
LX570 AHC Globe/Accumulator Replacement
It's also possible that the seals on the shocks have been compromised, but I'd replace the accumulators before the shocks (or at the same time in any event).
Maybe experiment with putting the rear sensors to the other extreme?
Only takes 5 min
