My local independent mechanic installed new AHC shocks on my LX. AMA.

[tbisaacs]

The AHC shocks on my LX started leaking almost a year ago. Functionality was not impacted but I did do a fluid change as well as kept an eye on any change in fluid in the reservoir.

This week I had all four shocks replaced at my local Japanese vehicle garage.

I paid approximately $600 in parts and fluid from lexuspartsnow.com.The garage charged approximately $600 in labor.

The system works perfectly. Ride is noticeably better and height changes are faster.

Im still very bullish on AHC. The original shocks had 115k on them, and even with the leaks functioned normally.

 

[bwell]

How much ahc fluid did they use?

 

[tbisaacs]

How much ahc fluid did they use?

I bought 6 bottles, have 1 left. I haven't peeked at the resevoir but will double check this weekend when it's not raining.

 

[bwell]

I bought 6 bottles, have 1 left. I haven't peeked at the resevoir but will double check this weekend when it's not raining.

Thanks, I was guessing 5 or 6. My fronts have a tiny bit of residue. I was thinking of putting new ones up front and throwing the 10mm factory spacers on to help offset the tjm t13 whenever I get around to it.

 

[TeCKis300]

@tbisaacs, did you take the opportunity, or do you already have factory spacers installed to your fronts? I'm tempted to crack open the line to install spacers, if only for the added front droop travel.

 

[tbisaacs]

@tbisaacs, did you take the opportunity, or do you already have factory spacers installed to your fronts? I'm tempted to crack open the line to install spacers, if only for the added front droop travel.

The only “while you’re in there” I had done was new swaybar end links. I considered adding spacers on both ends but I dragged my feet in sourcing them and only had a narrow window of time to have the truck down for repairs.

In hindsite, I’m an idiot for not doing it. Such a no-brainer.

 

[fro20fow]

What's main culprit for leaking shocks?

 

[LXCruza]

This ^. How did you know you have a leak if it was functioning properly?

 

[NYC570]

I remember someone posted a picture of the service manual showing that a certain amount of leakage is acceptable/normal in an AHC shock. I can't find the picture.

 

[tbisaacs]

This ^. How did you know you have a leak if it was functioning properly?

Visible oil on the shock bodies. Mine went from wet to caked dirt on the springs as the leak got worse.

 

[tbisaacs]

What's main culprit for leaking shocks?

Age. Even conventional shocks will start to lose oil as the seals start to deteriorate.

 

[tbisaacs]

This is what the leak
started out as:

Notice the dark stain. Eventually the spring got wet and caused dirt to cake on.