Lx570 suspension life

[TTO5]

So my father was riding in my lx yesterday and commented that it seems like it is porpoising over bumps almost like a boat over waves. I too have noticed this which is why I started this post in the first place. I don't like doing things halfway so should I replace all 4 shocks and the cylinder devices next to the globes (I think they are accumulators) what symptoms prompt the replacement of the globes. Thank you

 

[NKP Garage]

That sounds like you need new accumulators and then bleed the system. Typical symptom when they have gone bad. The shocks generally don't fail, they can, but its not common. It's typically the accumulator globes. If it were me, I'd leave the shocks alone. Tons of good info in this thread about how to replace them and bleed the system: LX570 AHC Globe/Accumulator Replacement - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/lx570-ahc-globe-accumulator-replacement.1193703/

 

[TTO5]

That sounds like you need new accumulators and then bleed the system. Typical symptom when they have gone bad. The shocks generally don't fail, they can, but its not common. It's typically the accumulator globes. If it were me, I'd leave the shocks alone. Tons of good info in this thread about how to replace them and bleed the system: LX570 AHC Globe/Accumulator Replacement - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/lx570-ahc-globe-accumulator-replacement.1193703/

People have felt a measurable difference after changing these globes?

 

[NKP Garage]

People have felt a measurable difference after changing these globes?

If your old ones are failing or have failed the difference will be night and day.

 

[TTO5]

If your old ones are failing or have failed the difference will be night and day.

Let's hope they failed lol

 

[TTO5]

Any symptoms for the other parts of the system being worn out?

 

[M1911]

Any symptoms for the other parts of the system being worn out?

I assume that if the shocks have failed you would see weeping in the shocks. If the pump is going, wouldn’t it have trouble lifting the truck? Another failure mode is lines rusting through, particularly the cross line above the rear axle — you would likely have a low fluid level and see it leaking under the truck.

 

[TTO5]

I assume that if the shocks have failed you would see weeping in the shocks. If the pump is going, wouldn’t it have trouble lifting the truck? Another failure mode is lines rusting through, particularly the cross line above the rear axle — you would likely have a low fluid level and see it leaking under the truck.

I don't have any of those issues. What about those can looking parts next to the globes? Sorry don't know the name. Do those wear out? Should I be changing those as well as the globes?

 

[LX4x4]

From my understanding how the shocks are distributed in the AHC system,
the globes control the valving (e.g. ride quality), and the struts are similar to the "ram" / hydralic cylinder, function is to extend and retract. So if the struts are dry there is no need to replace them. That's why most people suggest only replacing the globes to restore ride quality.

 

[TTO5]

From my understanding how the shocks are distributed in the AHC system,
the globes control the valving (e.g. ride quality), and the struts are similar to the "ram" / hydralic cylinder, function is to extend and retract. So if the struts are dry there is no need to replace them. That's why most people suggest only replacing the globes to restore ride quality.

Thank you for that explanation I appreciate it.

 

[bloc]

From my understanding how the shocks are distributed in the AHC system,
the globes control the valving (e.g. ride quality), and the struts are similar to the "ram" / hydralic cylinder, function is to extend and retract. So if the struts are dry there is no need to replace them. That's why most people suggest only replacing the globes to restore ride quality.

The globes are more of a progressive rate spring, but this does have a big impact on ride quality.

 

[LX Cruiser]

2009 @ 178k miles. Swapped in new globes and bled the system recently. Didn’t notice much of a difference, so maybe it wasn’t that bad to begin with. Will continue to watch for weeping struts.

If you swap in new globes, PB blaster all around the tops of the old ones. I almost rounded off a nut taking one off on the drivers side. The nuts are very low profile, and if your socket edges are fluted at all, you will have very little purchase on those nuts.

 

[CanadianRockyCruiser]

2009 @ 178k miles. Swapped in new globes and bled the system recently. Didn’t notice much of a difference, so maybe it wasn’t that bad to begin with. Will continue to watch for weeping struts.

If you swap in new globes, PB blaster all around the tops of the old ones. I almost rounded off a nut taking one off on the drivers side. The nuts are very low profile, and if your socket edges are fluted at all, you will have very little purchase on those nuts.

Another strategy to employ, in addition to penetrating fluid in advance, is to use a chain ratchet or a ratchet strap (wrapped around the "globe"/accumulator body to increase leverage when loosening the nut end. I've not used a chain ratchet, but have made this job easier on my 100 series using a ratchet strap (and underlying rubber innertube for increased friction) plus wrench.

 

[TTO5]

Another strategy to employ, in addition to penetrating fluid in advance, is to use a chain ratchet or a ratchet strap (wrapped around the "globe"/accumulator body to increase leverage when loosening the nut end. I've not used a chain ratchet, but have made this job easier on my 100 series using a ratchet strap (and underlying rubber innertube for increased friction) plus wrench.

Why not use an impact gun?

 

[TTO5]

Can someone tell me how many quarts of fluid I might need?

 

[tincan45]

Can someone tell me how many quarts of fluid I might need?

4 Quarts

2 for bleed and concrete resurfacing
2 for fill

 

[TTO5]

I have a 1/2 inch milwaukee impact. Can that be used to remove the globes?

 

[tincan45]

I have a 1/2 inch milwaukee impact. Can that be used to remove the globes?

I wouldn't recommend it. Just get a quality 6 point socket with very little end flare and a breaker bar. Most people strip the globe using an impact socket with lots of end flare and round out the globe almost immediately. That's my observation anyway.

 

[TeCKis300]

I have a 1/2 inch milwaukee impact. Can that be used to remove the globes?

I did. Might depend if the gun is strong enough. It's not turning a bolt so much as it's turning the whole accumulator which is a heavy mass and will absorb energy before it reaches the threads.

What's most important is to use a 6pt socket. Keep it very square. Make sure it engages well with shallow profiles. Grinding the socket taper off may not be a bad strategy if needing more bite.

 

[LX Cruiser]

Why not use an impact gun?

That seems like the quickest way to round off the nut on a siezed globe.

I couldn’t get one of mine to budge, applied PB blaster a couple times over the course of 30-45 min. It broke loose next pull with a cheater bar.