Belated check of LX700 suspention.

[MH_Stevens]

Just earlier today I signed a contract with a dealer to buy on a 1999 LX470. When I looked at the vehicle I did not check the complex computer controlled suspention as the car came with a months warranty and I thought I would have plenty of time to check it out during the first month. Now just before picking up the car I find the warranty is for drive chain only! I know to fix the suspention is horribly expensive ($8K I was told) so I ask for a quick reply as to how I check the suspention is working before I take delivery.

Thanks,

Mike H Stevens

 

[Thai]

Take a ride in it to make sure that it's smooth and not bouncy. Use the center console switch to raise and lower your LX. If it does it, then you should be OK.

 

[ace10]

if functioning properly, it'll raise when parked (with the doors closed) and also while on the move under 20mph. it'll go down while parked (with the doors closed) and while travelling up to 10 mph. the motion will be a fore and aft lift/lower, not all four corners at the same time.

 

[MH_Stevens]

As the AHC system is so expensive to service or replace i ask what is the average life expectancy of this system? And if it breaks, say in deeped baja, can one still have a reasonable ride home without it?

 

[Thai]

AHC is centered on the shocks. LX has normal springs...they are not like the newer Range Rovers or Touareg with "air springs." So, if AHC goes out, then it would be like driving with busted shocks. The good thing is that you probably just need to replace the defective electronic shock, instead of the whole spring/strut combo (like in other SUVs with air suspension).