AHC crapped out.

[SICARIO]

Came out today and saw a big puddle of AHC fluid under the rear right tire.

AHC now is in low and says off (along with a rougher ride).

I'm planning on taking it to the dealership to find out how much it would cost to repair, but it may be time for a suspension upgrade?

I was thinking of slee remote resevoir shocks and slinky springs, OME torsion bars

Does that sound like a decent plan? I assumed this would happen eventually, just not 3 months after I buy the rig...

 

[flintknapper]

Take it easy. If you live in the 'rust belt' its probably just a line. Possibly a shock. Wait until you get a report.

 

[SICARIO]

Take it easy. If you live in the 'rust belt' its probably just a line. Possibly a shock. Wait until you get a report.

Thanks I'll do that. Don't want to spend my tax refund all at once...

This one came from the east coast, so a rusty line would make sense.

 

[SICARIO]

Well, dealership said it wasn't worth touching, so off to the Local Landcruiser Shop I go. Probably will just go with an OME 2.5" lift and pay to get the entire AHC removed.

 

[DirtDawg]

With the way its dripping its probably just a line man... Why drop $1k+ to remove the system when it can be repaired for $100? Unless your just looking for an excuse to swap in a traditional suspension. Im in the same boat

 

[Kabanstva]

I am curious why dealership said it wasn't worth touching. That is odd and one of the strangest things I've ever heard. Most of the money a dealership makes comes from service. Who did you talk to over there, when they looked at it, what did they say the issue was (assuming they looked at it)? I would most definitely get a second and third opinion.

 

[gpxl]

They would probably charge more than any reasonable person would be willing to pay. That's not to say it couldn't be fixed for a reasonable amount with some elbow grease

 

[MikeFromMT]

I was going to say, Oregon is not a rust belt state, but that underside sure came from one.
Did you buy it back east or was it from a local dealer? I wonder if I looked at it.

 

[flintknapper]

Well, dealership said it wasn't worth touching, so off to the Local Landcruiser Shop I go. Probably will just go with an OME 2.5" lift and pay to get the entire AHC removed.

IF those were the dealerships words 'not worth touching' (and not yours), I would ask for a more detailed explanation.

At this juncture, you'll simply need to decide what you want to do with the vehicle and how you intend to use it.

IF you are interested in lifting the vehicle AND there are actually significant repairs needed (to the stock system) then removing the AHC system and replacing with a traditional suspension might make sense (monetarily).

IF you like the AHC system (I do), AND it is in relatively good shape (besides the obvious leak), then repairing it should not be that big a deal provided your pump is good and your globes do not need replacing.

At such time as the repair costs of maintaining an AHC system approach that of replacing it with a conventional suspension, many folks do the latter and don't look back.

My advice: Consider what AHC offers vs. a conventional suspension, compare the cost of both, consider your wants/needs of the vehicle and then make your decision.

If you need more information about the AHC system, there are several persons here that have a better understanding (and more experience) with it....than just about any dealership. I'm sure they would be happy to answer your questions.

 

[TeCKis300]

I'll also add that the Lexus dealers are in general, very unfamiliar with AHC. So part of the not worth touching, may be their inexperience and not wanting to deal with the liability of repairing an unfamiliar system.

 

[IBWOZ]

"Not worth touching " = We know nothing about this system .

I've attempted to speak with the service tech at my local Toyota stealership regarding the AHC system in my LX . I came to the conclusion that I know much more about it just from reading this forum ( thank you @PADDO and others ) .

Personally I like the AHC system and would like to preserve it as long as possible . If there comes a time where it will be cheaper to instal a conventional suspension rather than fix it . I will go that direction .

This is just my opinion but I would have to say If it was me I would be leaning towards fixing the leak .