Heard back from the Dealer re: AHC 60K Service

[LFODLX570]

New to the forum here and just purchased a 2013 LX570 with 111K. Love the vehicle and have been digging through the threads here for PM to do before spring/summer camping season. I've found that the AHC system seems to be a system in the truck where some attention is required. I contacted the dealership where the truck had been serviced (Berlin City Lexus - Portland, ME) asking why I hadn't seen the scheduled AHC flush in the service history for the 60K service. Here is their response.

"Good Afternoon,

I just wanted to touch base after our phone call earlier. I spoke with our master technician and he clarified for me that we do not recommend to change it unless you are already having problems with the vehicle where it is a sealed unit.

If you have any further questions please feel free to reach out to me!"

Is this normal?

 

[hankinid]

I'd call it normal Bravo Sierra. It's a "sealed unit"...just like engine oil and ATF fluid.

 

[LFODLX570]

I'd call it normal Bravo Sierra. It's a "sealed unit"...just like engine oil and ATF fluid.

yeah, that was my suspicion too. Cant wait to see what the fluid looks like after 111K

 

[bloc]

yeah, that was my suspicion too. Cant wait to see what the fluid looks like after 111K

Someone recently posted side by side pictures of their old fluid and new, though I don’t remember the miles. The difference was dramatic.

 

[dubyahard]

What's the going rate for new fluid?

 

[tincan45]

Someone recently posted side by side pictures of their old fluid and new, though I don’t remember the miles. The difference was dramatic.

I did mine at 90K (first time as far as I could tell) ...it was dark but it wasn't terrible. Some of the 470 pictures I have seen look like molasses. Will probably do globes around 120K.

Cost per quart for me was $21 at local Lexus.

 

[radman]

For Sale - 08886-01805 AHC Suspension Fluid 2.5L Can

Genuine Toyota 2.5L can AHC suspension fluid 08886-01805 $47 plus $11 ride per can. Let me know if you need more so I can figure out shipping for you. Have plenty on hand.

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[dubyahard]

For Sale - 08886-01805 AHC Suspension Fluid 2.5L Can

Genuine Toyota 2.5L can AHC suspension fluid 08886-01805 $47 plus $11 ride per can. Let me know if you need more so I can figure out shipping for you. Have plenty on hand.

forum.ih8mud.com

How many liters for a flush?

 

[grinchy]

How many liters for a flush?

5

 

[hankinid]

I did mine at 90K (first time as far as I could tell) ...it was dark but it wasn't terrible. Some of the 470 pictures I have seen look like molasses. Will probably do globes around 120K.

Cost per quart for me was $21 at local Lexus.

Same here, as local Toyota store doesn't stock it.

For Sale - 08886-01805 AHC Suspension Fluid 2.5L Can

Genuine Toyota 2.5L can AHC suspension fluid 08886-01805 $47 plus $11 ride per can. Let me know if you need more so I can figure out shipping for you. Have plenty on hand.

forum.ih8mud.com

2.1 L cans, iirc. No shelf life. When those were available via local dealer, it took a little more than 1 can, but NOT on a 200 series. See below..

No idea as to how much you'll need, as my 200 series is a Land Cruiser, drives an '01 LX and does NOT no way want a newer replacement...200K, 0 issues.

How many liters for a flush?

A little searching found this...200 Series AHC Maintenance

 

[radman]

No shelf life.

What do you mean no "shelf life"?

 

[hankinid]

Should have written "no shelf life issues"...and post corrected. Example might be no issues keeping what remains in the can for the next job, unlike brake fluid which absorbs water over time.

 

[ChowChilla]

Manual says 60k if your towing FYI

 

[tacoduck]

Just curious... why not drop it into low, take a turkey baster and drain the AHC fluid, and then top off with fresh fluid?

 

[radman]

Just curious... why not drop it into low, take a turkey baster and drain the AHC fluid, and then top off with fresh fluid?

I'm hoping to do this, but I think there's a screen blocking the fill hole.

 

[nwfl4runner]

the filter comes out and you can do just that.

 

[dubyahard]

Does anyone have or know where to find the FSM procedure for a PM AHC flush?

 

[grinchy]

Does anyone have or know where to find the FSM procedure for a PM AHC flush?

There’s a flush thread around somewhere

 

[dubyahard]

I found it. Thanks.

 

[TTownEP]

There's an Aussie that describes the procedure on YouTube as well.

I bought 5 liters from my local Toyota dealer and didn't have to open the last one. (FYI, they don't sell that 2.5L metal can referenced above anymore.)

Mine had never been done as far as I could tell in the Lexus service records. After doing it, I probably would have saved it until later. The fluid didn't look as bad as some of the LX470s I had seen, and I couldn't tell any functional or ride quality differences.
(edit: I was at 100k miles)

Not a hard at-home job at all though.