LX570 AHC/suspension repair

[cfarrrell]

I have a 2013 LX570. One of the hydraulic lines on the AHC system burst with just 86,500 miles on the odometer. The dealer says this was due to rust and corrosion. To replace the line I was told that the body must come off the frame. Additionally they can not say if other parts need to be replaced due to the corrosion. Because they can not pin down a price for the repair, they quoted me a maximum $36,545. This is the cost to replace the entire AHC system, if necessary. I believe the entire vehicle only has a value of about $40,000. Do I OK the repair and hope the bill is nowhere near that high, or do I write off the truck? Is there an aftermarket conventional suspension system that can be installed? Other than the suspension issues the truck is in excellent shape. Thank you in advance for any advice.

 

[cfarrrell]

I can't even imagine the look on a Service Advisors face when he's quoting a repair bill of $36k to replace a hydraulic lHe said it very matter-of-factly. e on the ph

I can't even imagine the look on a Service Advisors face when he's quoting a repair bill of $36k to replace a hydraulic line.

He said it as if he tells people number like this all the time.

 

[cfarrrell]

View attachment 2834849To help ease the shock. Here is a picture of all the hydraulic lines. I think it’s usually the one I marked in blue that leaks. Possibly the red one. A few people here have had to replace it and will know better. I’m sure whichever is the common one, the truck doesn’t need to be removed from the frame to replace.
Just hoping to demystify it a bit. Nothing a good brake repair shop probably couldn’t repair, plus I’m pretty sure all the replacement tubes are still available from Lexus/Toyota. All of the parts in the system that aren’t hydraulic lines are readily replaceable as well in case it’s leaking from something else.

That is a very helpful diagram! I think it's the red line that burst. I'll see if I can determine the part number.

 

[cfarrrell]

Pics of underside?

Unfortunately I do not have pictures.

 

[Big Timber]

Sounds like he wants you to sell it to the dealer for cheap, then they fix it for $1000 and put it on the lot for $45K.

 

[cfarrrell]

Can they send you a picture of the rusted line? Most of us have had a specific line fail from rust. The rest of failed lines have been one-offs.

Thank you for the tip, I will ask. I am also going to ask if I can see the underside once it's on a lift, and have them point out to me all the parts they think need to be replaced. Then I'll ask for a cost breakdown sheet.

 

[cfarrrell]

Seems unconscionable that they'd not try a more responsible and economical repair. That quote is ridiculous. Sounds like they're playing games. Are they also trying to sell you a new vehicle and are "willing to take this on trade, despite the issues"

I agree completely. It does sound like they are playing games. After this, I wont' be buying another Lexus. They have not brought the issue of a new vehicle.... yet.

 

[cfarrrell]

I forgot to add, as others have said, walk away from that dealer. They aren't treating you fairly.

If you can locate an independent Toyota shop or even 4x4 shop, they might be willing to think more creatively. The challenge is finding someone who is knowledgable enough about AHC to be sensible about repairing or replacing. I'd skip right past any dealer and go to the independent small shops.

If it is more work than you want to tackle or deal with, find an enthusiast to buy it - I bet there are a bunch of people here that might consider this as a project. I'd speculate that the 'mud LX470/LX570 crowd has as much or more AHC knowledge than any US shop you're going to find (except maybe outside of a few big name cruiser specialty shops). People here can probably help a skilled DIYer through the repairs.

Finding a shop in my area to work on it will be difficult (NY, Albany area). I've already received a couple of offers, but I need to weigh my options.

 

[cfarrrell]

Sounds like he wants you to sell it to the dealer for cheap, then they fix it for $1000 and put it on the lot for $45K.

My thoughts exactly.

 

[LXCruza]

FWIW, two out of four AHC lines started to leak on my 2010 LX (120k miles) due to rust. Dealer replaced entire both lines and flushed the AHC fluid. All in all including labor cost me $1000 CAD. I bet if you do it yourself it will be less than half the cost.

 

[kwelhand]

I forgot to add, as others have said, walk away from that dealer. They aren't treating you fairly.

If you can locate an independent Toyota shop or even 4x4 shop, they might be willing to think more creatively. The challenge is finding someone who is knowledgable enough about AHC to be sensible about repairing or replacing. I'd skip right past any dealer and go to the independent small shops.

If it is more work than you want to tackle or deal with, find an enthusiast to buy it - I bet there are a bunch of people here that might consider this as a project. I'd speculate that the 'mud LX470/LX570 crowd has as much or more AHC knowledge than any US shop you're going to find (except maybe outside of a few big name cruiser specialty shops). People here can probably help a skilled DIYer through the repairs.

FWIW, two out of four AHC lines started to leak on my 2010 LX (120k miles) due to rust. Dealer replaced entire both lines and flushed the AHC fluid. All in all including labor cost me $1000 CAD. I bet if you do it yourself it will be less than half the cost.

Dang… I need to take it to Canada.
Looks like they know what they’re doing up there.

 

[cfarrrell]

FWIW, two out of four AHC lines started to leak on my 2010 LX (120k miles) due to rust. Dealer replaced entire both lines and flushed the AHC fluid. All in all including labor cost me $1000 CAD. I bet if you do it yourself it will be less than half the cost.

Holy crap! It would be cheaper to ship it off to Canada for the repair.

 

[pvchaitanya]

call reputable lexus dealerships across the country for quote on fixing AHC or replacing them with regular shocks/struts.
Pohanka lexus in chantilly VA is advertising this conversion in their service area when I was there last time. Give them a call and you can ship your car for 500-600$ anywhere in US if you can find a reputable and reliable shop.

 

[Mixelplix]

That's insanity.

I have two mechanics in NEPA I would trust with this work.

Hell, if you're remotely mechanically inclined you can literally bring it to the garage at my house. I don't have time to do the repair, but I'll help as much as time allows. (100% serious. I have every tool except a lift)

 

[mertorama]

I had the same problem (burst suspension line due to corrosion) on my 2009 LX @ 114K miles. A good local mechanic shop replaced it with oem Lexus part and added new fluid. The whole thing cost me less than a $1K

 

[MrInternational]

So just to revive an old thread, I just had the same thing happen to my rig. 2013 w/108k. Ruptured line 2/2 to corrosion as it was a NY truck before arriving here in IL and now my DD in winter and partly throughout the year as well. Took it to my trusted indy, who is a master Toyota tech, and addressed everything for approx $875.

 

[Stickgunner]

Holy cow, I know this is a resurrected thread, but if and when mine goes out, I’ll replace it with an upgraded suspension and also make it lifted. The “up and down on command” is a nice trick on the 570, but it’s not anything that I can’t live without.

 

[warus]

I know this is an old thread, but does anyone have the part # of the blue line? Asking for a friend.. I wish

 

[lx200inAR]

I know this is an old thread, but does anyone have the part # of the blue line? Asking for a friend.. I wish

Here’s a better thread. There are a few.

Thread 'My AHC failed'
My AHC failed - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/my-ahc-failed.1214024/

 

[warus]

View attachment 2834849To help ease the shock. Here is a picture of all the hydraulic lines. I think it’s usually the one I marked in blue that leaks. Possibly the red one. A few people here have had to replace it and will know better. I’m sure whichever is the common one, the truck doesn’t need to be removed from the frame to replace.
Just hoping to demystify it a bit. Nothing a good brake repair shop probably couldn’t repair, plus I’m pretty sure all the replacement tubes are still available from Lexus/Toyota. All of the parts in the system that aren’t hydraulic lines are readily replaceable as well in case it’s leaking from something else.

Does anyone have a part number on the blue line?