No AHC Flush Needed?

[spammer]

I called the closest Lexus dealer with good reviews (Concord, CA) and asked them to price out an AHC suspension flush. MY LX470 has 230k miles. I was told that they don't do the flush unless components break. I thought that was a bit strange.

Then I asked about greasing up the front bearings and they told me they normally only do that if they are doing the front brakes.

Do I have a bad dealer? This LX is new to me so I may just head up to Mudtrak for a day and let them go through everything.

 

[CurbsEnthusiasm]

All fluids break down over time. I did an AHC flush with two cans of the fluid after purchasing my LX. The front globes were replaced two years ago but the fluid was not in great shape. Whether the dealer did a flush or not I don't know.

I'm not sure their doing you a favor, if anything they have done flushes to AHC systems in not so great condition and it has caused them to fail, in turn causing the owners to blame the dealership.

 

[TXLX100]

AHC and bearing repack are due every 30k per the maintenance book. They aren't recommending based upon Toyota standards. It does make sense to do the front bearings everytime with the brakes though.

 

[Sligex]

I think most dealers will be like that. In all honesty, it's going to be much easier and cheaper just to order the fluid from your local Toyota dealer and do it yourself, you don't need a lift or anything special to get to the bleeder valves, just a piece of vinyl hose and a container to hold the old fluid.

I believe Advance Auto will take your "hydraulic" fluid as well for recycling, but don't quote me on that.

 

[bozncsurf]

Not just your dealer. My lexus dealer declined to change my AHC fluid as well .. But after reading the well written step by step guide other members have shared - It doesn't seem too difficult.

They also declined to checked my AHC pressures - I was willing to pay but it seemed they declined because they had little to no knowledge of preventative maint for the system.

 

[Wilsil]

And the AHC fluid is even mentioned in the scheduled maintenance.

 

[uHu]

Not just your dealer. My lexus dealer declined to change my AHC fluid as well .. But after reading the well written step by step guide other members have shared - It doesn't seem too difficult.

They also declined to checked my AHC pressures - I was willing to pay but it seemed they declined because they had little to no knowledge of preventative maint for the system.

... and, keeping ahc pressures in check is crucial to the longevity of ahc parts, and to your comfort.

 

[bhicks]

And the AHC fluid is even mentioned in the scheduled maintenance.

Not in the early years. My 03 manual has zero reference to any maintenance of the AHC. When I called my local Lexus dealer they told me they never replace the fluid and had never had the request to do it. At first they couldn't even give me a quote and when they finally did they wanted $600 for the flush. Hell No!!!! I ordered 2 can for $70 delivered to my front door. I will be doing the flush as soon as I get back from vacation.

 

[TXLX100]

"Flush" should be no more than one hour of tech labor plus fluid.

I'll have to check my maintenance book again, but I'm nearly certain it's due every 30k from 1998 on.

 

[ylexot]

@bhicks where you getting ahc fluid delivered for 35/can. I paid 50+ tax at my local toyota stealer ship on my last. (It was 45 and no sales tax in portland, but I couldn't justify the time, gas, and traffic headache.

To OP, +1 on diy flush. It isn't difficult and very good thing to do. It isn't really a proper flush. If it has been 200+k miles on original fluid, you may need to do a few flushes spread out by a hundred miles. The PO of my rig had just done a "flush" a few months before I bought it. The fluid was G-ross. Ive cycled through 4 cans, a flush and swapping out globes, I'm probable going to drain and run fresh fluid again soon. My theory on this is that I'm diluting sludge and broke down fluid that doesnt get drained from the shocks, accumulator and plumbing.

 

[LX5708]

Not just your dealer. My lexus dealer declined to change my AHC fluid as well .. But after reading the well written step by step guide other members have shared - It doesn't seem too difficult.

They also declined to checked my AHC pressures - I was willing to pay but it seemed they declined because they had little to no knowledge of preventative maint for the system.

Took mine in for the 90k service today. Complete opposite. service person told me they would be happy to replace the fluids in the AHC... And test globes.... Even told me that they will check them due to having my sliders(extra weight).
Also told me once I get my armor on(bumpers, 285's and winch); I can bring it back in and they will redo and check all the levels to keep it all in spec...

 

[bozncsurf]

Looks like I'm gonna have to ride out to Cali for a flush !

J/k just did it in my driveway - super easy, great results (pink rose throughout), 45 mins, $ in my pocket.

Your build sounds awesome, would love to see pics, also would love to know how they test the globes, etc.

Just out of curiosity was it a Lexus or Toyota dealership?

Keep us updated.

 

[Kigiin]

"Flush" should be no more than one hour of tech labor plus fluid.

Yet, the dealer charges something like $350.

 

[LX5708]

Looks like I'm gonna have to ride out to Cali for a flush !

J/k just did it in my driveway - super easy, great results (pink rose throughout), 45 mins, $ in my pocket.

Your build sounds awesome, would love to see pics, also would love to know how they test the globes, etc.

Just out of curiosity was it a Lexus or Toyota dealership?

Keep us updated.

Lexus of Sacramento. Didn't ask how they test the Globes.. I know they have to road test maybe before and after the fluid change.. My LX has been service there it's whole life... the shop foreman knows my LX really well...
They have outstanding service there and would recommend them to anyone... Gave me a free coffee, donuts and an ES350 while the LX is in service

 

[LX5708]

And for the people that want to know... This is what my book reads...

And to show the care the previous owner took...

 

[bozncsurf]

And for the people that want to know... This is what my book reads...
View attachment 1107696
View attachment 1107690View attachment 1107691



And to show the care the previous owner took...
View attachment 1107698
View attachment 1107695

Would you mind snapping a pic of the 60k mile service page?

 

[LX5708]

Sure... Any others?!?! Let me know. One for every 5k up too 150k

Here is what the book recommends and how to follow the schedule. Pretty cool how detailed it gets..

 

[bozncsurf]

Sure... Any others?!?! Let me know. One for every 5k up too 150k
View attachment 1107742



Here is what the book recommends and how to follow the schedule. Pretty cool how detailed it gets..
View attachment 1107744
View attachment 1107745

You're the man. Thanks for the info

 

[Wilsil]

What if your car has done 256,000 km?
Do you divide by 10,000 km for its service?

 

[bhicks]

@bhicks where you getting ahc fluid delivered for 35/can. I paid 50+ tax at my local toyota stealer ship on my last. (It was 45 and no sales tax in portland, but I couldn't justify the time, gas, and traffic headache.

To OP, +1 on diy flush. It isn't difficult and very good thing to do. It isn't really a proper flush. If it has been 200+k miles on original fluid, you may need to do a few flushes spread out by a hundred miles. The PO of my rig had just done a "flush" a few months before I bought it. The fluid was G-ross. Ive cycled through 4 cans, a flush and swapping out globes, I'm probable going to drain and run fresh fluid again soon. My theory on this is that I'm diluting sludge and broke down fluid that doesnt get drained from the shocks, accumulator and plumbing.

I got it at www.toyotapartsdeal.com for $34 a can. They were offering free shipping at the time. Not sure if they are still doing that.