hoser
SILVER Star
Metal case looks substantial. Anybody tempted to thread it for a schrader valve?
replacing AHC globes/accumulators
- Thread starter pete100
- Start date
This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.
So I took my newly smooth-riding truck out for a quick romp down a dirt road last night to test things out, and I noticed that I can no longer change between height modes while in gear. It will move a little, but the lights next to the height will just blink, never turning solid. As soon as I put it in park, it works fine. Any ideas why this is happening after a globe change?
the system is designed such that it wont go into low above 3 mph and high above 19 mph is my understanding. the lights will blink but it will revert to neutral.
If you do go into low or high while at a stop, it will revert back to neutral once you exceed the above mph's. Someone feel free to chime in if my figures are incorrect.
If you do go into low or high while at a stop, it will revert back to neutral once you exceed the above mph's. Someone feel free to chime in if my figures are incorrect.
I should have clarified to say even at a stop light in gear but not moving, if I try to raise the truck into High, the high light will blink but it won’t engage.
Brake depressed for 5+ seconds inhibits AHC.
From my understanding (and experience, though I haven't tested otherwise) the AHC will only allow height adjustments while the vehicle is parked and all doors (including the hatch) are closed.
I'm happy to see some recent info about globe replacement. I just finished a 10 hour road trip in my '99 and noticed that after a while, the suspension was feeling worn out. Height adjustment is good, but I'm not feeling much difference between comfort and sport modes. On top of that, tar snakes and little bumps are coming in very noticeably through the car when they should easily be absorbed. My car has 235k on it and as far as I know the globes are original; if they are original, then that would still speak volumes about the system's durability. After reading, it seems like my globes are ready to go. Looks like the guy in the UK is the best bet for value and performance.
I'm happy to see some recent info about globe replacement. I just finished a 10 hour road trip in my '99 and noticed that after a while, the suspension was feeling worn out. Height adjustment is good, but I'm not feeling much difference between comfort and sport modes. On top of that, tar snakes and little bumps are coming in very noticeably through the car when they should easily be absorbed. My car has 235k on it and as far as I know the globes are original; if they are original, then that would still speak volumes about the system's durability. After reading, it seems like my globes are ready to go. Looks like the guy in the UK is the best bet for value and performance.
You can raise to H whilst moving, as long as you’re still under the 19mph transition H>N speed - try crawling along and push H, it’ll raise as long as speed and the other “AHC inhibit” conditions aren’t in play.
Can drop to low too if you can stay under 3mph without your foot on the brake.
10 hours of driving can really heat up the system which will raise internal pressures. At each fuel stop drop down to L, or raise to H, and let the system relieve itself. You might be pleasantly surprised.
Can drop to low too if you can stay under 3mph without your foot on the brake.
10 hours of driving can really heat up the system which will raise internal pressures. At each fuel stop drop down to L, or raise to H, and let the system relieve itself. You might be pleasantly surprised.
Took the leap and just ordered Pleiades Spheres from Phil. Shipping is about 3-4 days.
I've already replaced rear springs with new OEM and 30mm spacers. Ride improved but showing about 7 graduations change in the reservoir.
I'll follow up once installed.
I've already replaced rear springs with new OEM and 30mm spacers. Ride improved but showing about 7 graduations change in the reservoir.
I'll follow up once installed.
^^^^^^ Please do. I am very interested in doing the same thing using the 'Pleiades Globes' instead of the Toyota OEM.
The more information and feedback we can get on the installation and resulting performance of the Pleiades, the better for our members here with AHC systems.
Thanks in advance for your time and effort.
Flint.
No problem. Happy to help when so many others have helped me.
I just purchased a set of the "Plus" kit from this vendor:
WTV-UK = Manufacture & Official Agent/Distributor
Ended up $8xx shipped from Europe. Comes with the appropriate wrench for the install as well. Will try to get pictures of the process, I don't think I've seen these here yet.
I'm excited to get these things swapped in. I've got road trips coming up!
WTV-UK = Manufacture & Official Agent/Distributor
Ended up $8xx shipped from Europe. Comes with the appropriate wrench for the install as well. Will try to get pictures of the process, I don't think I've seen these here yet.
I'm excited to get these things swapped in. I've got road trips coming up!
Hey all,
I just installed the above ^ spheres on my '99 LX (235k miles).
The install was super easy on my rig. I feel for the guys spending hours and hours fighting with rusted parts- I went from changing into my garage clothes to clean up and shower within 2 hours. Followed Paddo's instructions to a 'T' with the exception of sucking old fluid from the reservoir. I plan to flush the system over the weekend so I'll cover it then.
I replaced them for a few reasons: a- I had the same issue with the car floating over wide bumps and shuttering over small ones and cracks. Tar snakes were pretty noticeable. I was only counting 7/8 grads between L-H modes. After a long trip, the suspension would feel worn out- noticeably different than starting off in a cold truck. Generally though, the ride quality was very sufficient and mostly comfortable. Much better than some others I've read about.
The verdict with the new spheres:
Disappointing
My ride is only slightly improved as of this point. I notice slightly more disparity between the different comfort settings than before but I do still have some jarring (that's aggressive for the application, but you get it right?) when going over small cracks, road reflectors etc. Reservoir gradient count is much better than the 7/8 I had been getting but I'll have a more accurate reading later.
Knowing that these spheres are only one part of a multi-faceted system, here's my plan (thoughts?):
1- Flush fluid completely with fresh fluid. I didn't run the tank dry but it was pretty low when I first brought the truck up to N height. It may be possible some air got in there, but I don't think it did. Regardless, I'd planned on a flush anyway.
2- Sensor height leveling. My DS sits 1/2-3/4" lower than the PS. I hadn't really noticed this prior to the install but I may not have been looking either. I realize the DS is likely to sag with age and a ton of miles. Any possibility that swapping the spheres would have any impact on this?
3- Techstream analysis and adjustments as needed. I've been thinking about a set of King Springs and air bags in the back, so they should be helpful.
4- BUSHINGS!! I try to replace all consumables in my older cars. Just finished every piece of rubber under my '85 300D, so I've got time for the 100 now. On my short list thus far are front diff bushings and control arm bushings. Ultimately I'd like to do every bit of rubber as I can't stand suspension squeaks, rattles, vibrations, etc. Drives me nuts. I guess from there I'd be looking at sways, body mounts, shock mounts, what else?
Any other thoughts as to why I may not be floating on a magic carpet after just a sphere replacement yet?
I just installed the above ^ spheres on my '99 LX (235k miles).
The install was super easy on my rig. I feel for the guys spending hours and hours fighting with rusted parts- I went from changing into my garage clothes to clean up and shower within 2 hours. Followed Paddo's instructions to a 'T' with the exception of sucking old fluid from the reservoir. I plan to flush the system over the weekend so I'll cover it then.
I replaced them for a few reasons: a- I had the same issue with the car floating over wide bumps and shuttering over small ones and cracks. Tar snakes were pretty noticeable. I was only counting 7/8 grads between L-H modes. After a long trip, the suspension would feel worn out- noticeably different than starting off in a cold truck. Generally though, the ride quality was very sufficient and mostly comfortable. Much better than some others I've read about.
The verdict with the new spheres:
Disappointing
My ride is only slightly improved as of this point. I notice slightly more disparity between the different comfort settings than before but I do still have some jarring (that's aggressive for the application, but you get it right?) when going over small cracks, road reflectors etc. Reservoir gradient count is much better than the 7/8 I had been getting but I'll have a more accurate reading later.
Knowing that these spheres are only one part of a multi-faceted system, here's my plan (thoughts?):
1- Flush fluid completely with fresh fluid. I didn't run the tank dry but it was pretty low when I first brought the truck up to N height. It may be possible some air got in there, but I don't think it did. Regardless, I'd planned on a flush anyway.
2- Sensor height leveling. My DS sits 1/2-3/4" lower than the PS. I hadn't really noticed this prior to the install but I may not have been looking either. I realize the DS is likely to sag with age and a ton of miles. Any possibility that swapping the spheres would have any impact on this?
3- Techstream analysis and adjustments as needed. I've been thinking about a set of King Springs and air bags in the back, so they should be helpful.
4- BUSHINGS!! I try to replace all consumables in my older cars. Just finished every piece of rubber under my '85 300D, so I've got time for the 100 now. On my short list thus far are front diff bushings and control arm bushings. Ultimately I'd like to do every bit of rubber as I can't stand suspension squeaks, rattles, vibrations, etc. Drives me nuts. I guess from there I'd be looking at sways, body mounts, shock mounts, what else?
Any other thoughts as to why I may not be floating on a magic carpet after just a sphere replacement yet?
Last edited:
Any other thoughts? what are your neutral pressures? These are fundamental to the system working properly.
That'll be on my list with the Techstream analysis (on order). I don't know the specs at this point.
OMG. Search. FFS.
Mhmm..
I'd pointed out that reading the system was on the to-do list. I guess the idea was to see if there was anything I was missing while I go through the whole system comprehensively beyond what I've learned of already.
My post was probably premature as I was fresh off the truck and sharing my initial thoughts as others have. I've been searching all night since. (Down the rabbit hole...)
I'm in Canton, right on the Milton border with working techstream/cable. Message me if you want to meet up.
Replacing my 2006 LX470s @ 84K miles, B&B Spheres (didn't last long, previous owner) with Pleiades Spheres from Phil in the UK (shipped in 3 days to the midwest).
Got the front passenger side on with no issues. However the front driver side B&B sphere interferes with the pressure item.
Can either the sphere mount or the KYB pressure thing be moved, which one would be better?
Got the front passenger side on with no issues. However the front driver side B&B sphere interferes with the pressure item.
Can either the sphere mount or the KYB pressure thing be moved, which one would be better?
Shouldn’t be any need to try and move either the damper assembly (what you’ve called a sphere mount) or the height accumulator (KYB pressure thingy).Got the front passenger side on with no issues. However the front driver side B&B sphere interferes with the pressure item.
Can either the sphere mount or the KYB pressure thing be moved, which one would be better?
If you need more wiggle room you can temporarily remove the rubber boot protecting the height accumulator’s solenoid. Be sure to replace it and cable tie tightly.
With the OE damper sphere early life failures? and the subsequent failure of aftermarket units (how did you determine they needed replacement?) you’d really want to establish if there is a chemical contamination issue and take appropriate steps if necessary.
I've had the rig a year and 20k miles with no issues. Last month the ahc fluid was a quart low and the ride got really bouncy in the front. I have flushed the fluid with toyota ahc. But that b&b sphere will not come out without unmounting the accumulator or the mount. It is much taller than a stock.
