Sources for AHC Accumulator Globes (3 Viewers)

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guess im late to the party, im pricing them at 278 per corner at impex, or $1100. am i doing something wrong or did the exchange rates just come up so much in the last few weeks?
Nothing’s changed in the listed price, 15,300 Japanese Yen a globe.
 
Maybe this is answered already

the same part number 49141-60010 and 49151-60010 has different prices
Lexus is more expensive by $20 each

any idea if they are interchangeable?
 
Maybe this is answered already

the same part number 49141-60010 and 49151-60010 has different prices
Lexus is more expensive by $20 each

any idea if they are interchangeable?

Interchangeable. I bought the Toyota part number for my 1999 LX470.


IMG_7250.jpeg
 
Maybe this is answered already

the same part number 49141-60010 and 49151-60010 has different prices
Lexus is more expensive by $20 each

any idea if they are interchangeable?

Many of us had the same question when we started learning about how the Active Height Control (AHC) and Toyota Electronic Modulated Suspension (TEMS) systems work, and, what Parts are common between LX470 and LC100 (where AHC/TEMS is fitted).

The Parts Numbering system used by Toyota/Lexus is consistent throughout the Toyota/Lexus range and gives a unique number to each Part.

Some Parts are common across the “100 series” range. Some are not and there can be various different versions of Parts with different Part Numbers across different model years and model types. In the case of LC100 (and LC105 – although no AHC/TEMS on LC105), there also are differences in some Parts (and therefore Part Numbers) depending on the chassis, 4WD system and driveline, engine fitted, transmission fitted, etc. There can be differences between Left Hand Drive and Right Hand Drive vehicles.

For example, there are differences across the "100 series" IFS range in front torsion bars and rear coil springs, and there are differences in some (but not many) AHC components such as the Suspension Electronic Control Unit.

This is why on any parts inquiry it is best to start with the unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for the individual vehicle -- or second-best, start with the Part Number and cross-check back to the vehicle type for which the Part is meant to be suitable.

In the case of ‘globes’ a.k.a. ‘spheres’ a.k.a. ‘accumulators’ a.k.a. ‘gas chambers’, there are only two types -- Front and Rear -- and these are common across all “100 series” -- Toyota and Lexus -- where AHC/TEMS is fitted:

49141-60010 Front (FR) – same on Left Hand Side and Right Hand Side
49151-60010 Rear (RR) – same on Left Hand Side and Right Hand Side


These OEM Replacement Parts can be obtained from the relevant Toyota and Lexus Dealers at great expense, usually with even higher pricing from Lexus Dealers versus Toyota Dealers for the exact same Part and Part Number, in the same packaging marked Toyota/Lexus!!

Genuine Toyota/Lexus OEM Replacement Parts also can be imported from reputable major worldwide Parts Suppliers, such as

Each of these businesses is a consolidater and trader in the global spare parts markets. They buy stock where they can find it around the world, including from the original suppliers to Toyota and Lexus factories. Naturally, they add a margin on their buying costs and trade at a profit.

There are other similar suppliers, including some on eBay. Some are reputable. Some are not reputable. IH8MUD is a good check-point for reliability of supply.

The four traders listed above have good reputations on this forum and elsewhere for reliability.

To gain confidence, it is worth checking whether the chosen supplier reveals an actual physical business location with contact details.

It is ALWAYS worth checking the “Terms and Conditions” page (or similar page) on the supplier’s website to see what strings are attached to the deal -- warranties and guarantees (if any), conditions for refunds and returns, freight arrangements including timings and costs, import duties and taxes for the buyer, what happens if the full order cannot be met, etc, etc, etc. This avoids unpleasant surprises later.

As buyers, we want the “reward” of lower pricing. To obtain more "rewards" it means as buyers we must take more “risks” -- the risks being that we may not actually receive items for which we have paid -- and then there really is no practical recourse beyond loud complaints.

Personally, I have dealt with all four of the outfits at the links above and have had no disappointments. I only use them when buying locally is just too expensive and I am prepared to accept the import risks.

Also, suggest be wary of the fakes and substitutes in the world of replacement auto parts!!

Latest example:

Amazon product ASIN B0BXKFG8ZM
FLYNSU Trademark of Chengdu xinchuangtongda Trade Co., Ltd - Registration Number 6221246 - Serial Number 88928556 :: Justia Trademarks - https://trademarks.justia.com/889/28/flynsu-88928556.html

Great price!! Are these Chinese Flynsu products any good?? Who knows?? I am very conservative and will stay with proven Toyota/Lexus OEM for critical parts, at least until there is some proof.
 
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Many of us had the same question when we started learning about how the Active Height Control (AHC) and Toyota Electronic Modulated Suspension (TEMS) systems work, and, what Parts are common between LX470 and LC100 (where AHC/TEMS is fitted).

The Parts Numbering system used by Toyota/Lexus is consistent throughout the Toyota/Lexus range and gives a unique number to each Part.

Some Parts are common across the “100 series” range. Some are not and there can be various different versions of Parts with different Part Numbers across different model years and model types. In the case of LC100 (and LC105 – although no AHC/TEMS on LC105), there also are differences in some Parts (and therefore Part Numbers) depending on the chassis, 4WD system and driveline, engine fitted, transmission fitted, etc. There can be differences between Left Hand Drive and Right Hand Drive vehicles.

For example, there are differences across the range in front torsion bars and rear coil springs, and there are differences in some (but not many) AHC components such as the Suspension Electronic Control Unit.

This is why on any parts inquiry it is best to start with the unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for the individual vehicle -- or second-best, start with the Part Number and cross-check back to the vehicle type for which the Part is meant to be suitable.

In the case of ‘globes’ a.k.a. ‘spheres’ a.k.a. ‘accumulators’ a.k.a. ‘gas chambers’, there are only two types -- Front and Rear -- and these are common across all “100 series” -- Toyota and Lexus -- where AHC/TEMS is fitted:

49141-60010 Front (FR) – same on Left Hand Side and Right Hand Side
49151-60010 Rear (RR) – same on Left Hand Side and Right Hand Side


These OEM Replacement Parts can be obtained from the relevant Toyota and Lexus Dealers at great expense, usually with even higher pricing for the exact same Part and Part Number, in the same packaging marked Toyota/Lexus, from Lexus Dealers versus Toyota Dealers!!

Genuine Toyota/Lexus OEM Replacement Parts also can be imported from reputable major worldwide Parts Suppliers, such as

Each of these businesses is a consolidater and trader in the global spare parts markets. They buy stock where they can find it around the world, including from the original suppliers to Toyota and Lexus factories. Naturally, they add a margin on their buying costs and trade at a profit.

There are other similar suppliers, including some on eBay. Some are reputable. Some are not reputable. IH8MUD is a good check-point for reliability.

The four traders listed above have good reputations on this forum and elsewhere for reliability.

To gain confidence, it is worth checking whether the chosen supplier reveals an actual physical business location with contact details.

It is ALWAYS worth checking the “Terms and Conditions” page (or similar page) on the supplier’s website to see what strings are attached to the deal -- warranties and guarantees (if any), conditions for refunds and returns, freight arrangements including timings and costs, import duties and taxes for the buyer, what happens if the full order cannot be met, etc, etc, etc. This avoids unpleasant surprises later.

As buyers, we want the “reward” of lower pricing. To obtain more "rewards" it means as buyers we must take more “risks” -- the risks being that we may not actually receive items for which we have paid -- and then there really is no practical recourse beyond loud complaints.

Personally, I have dealt with all four of the outfits at the links above and have had no disappointments. I only use them when buying locally is just too expensive and I am prepared to accept the import risks.

Also, suggest be wary of the fakes and substitutes in the world of replacement auto parts!!

Latest example:

Amazon product ASIN B0BXKFG8ZM
FLYNSU Trademark of Chengdu xinchuangtongda Trade Co., Ltd - Registration Number 6221246 - Serial Number 88928556 :: Justia Trademarks - https://trademarks.justia.com/889/28/flynsu-88928556.html

Great price!! Are these Chinese Flynsu products any good?? Who knows?? I am very conservative and will stay with proven Toyota/Lexus OEM for critical parts, at least until there is some proof.
Biggest issue with those is you really only save $200 over going OEM through Impex. That's really not worth it IMO, especially considering you're likely to get 1/4 of the life if that. Now, if Impex hikes to OEM dealer pricing, I'll happily give the knockoffs a shot.
 
I've put just under 70,000 miles on Impex globes and at least one seems to have failed. (I've got the tan milkshake fluid that often suggests one has blown. It's been too freaking cold to do anything other than swap out the fluid - done no diagnostics as the AHC has been balky since the milkshake and I'm afraid to get it stuck in low.)

I ordered the four globes from Impex in December 2020. Installed them that month. The globes did not have a date sticker.

The price for four accumulators today (before shipping for first two):
  • Impex: $289
  • Amayama: $551, but just messaged me that it could not ship them to the US "without an MSDS document (data sheet from the manufacturer outlining safety procedures for the product) which the manufacturer has refused to provide to us".
  • JPanime2014 on eBay: $599 (includes shipping)

Three questions:
  1. Has anyone received Impex globes with date stickers?
  2. Does anyone have any concerns that these might be high-quality counterfeits? (Mine came with all the right packaging, looked right, fit great, etc.)
  3. Has anyone received globes from seller jpanime2014 on eBay?
The Impex are hovering near "too good to be true" territory.
 
My four Pleiades globes has worked well for over three years now. They were around $600 shipped. However, also have factory globes that have lasted over 24 years now. So not sure where the best deal is these days.
 
I've put just under 70,000 miles on Impex globes and at least one seems to have failed. (I've got the tan milkshake fluid that often suggests one has blown. It's been too freaking cold to do anything other than swap out the fluid - done no diagnostics as the AHC has been balky since the milkshake and I'm afraid to get it stuck in low.)

I ordered the four globes from Impex in December 2020. Installed them that month. The globes did not have a date sticker.

The price for four accumulators today (before shipping for first two):
  • Impex: $289
  • Amayama: $551, but just messaged me that it could not ship them to the US "without an MSDS document (data sheet from the manufacturer outlining safety procedures for the product) which the manufacturer has refused to provide to us".
  • JPanime2014 on eBay: $599 (includes shipping)

Three questions:
  1. Has anyone received Impex globes with date stickers?
  2. Does anyone have any concerns that these might be high-quality counterfeits? (Mine came with all the right packaging, looked right, fit great, etc.)
  3. Has anyone received globes from seller jpanime2014 on eBay?
The Impex are hovering near "too good to be true" territory.
I have a brand new set sitting in the closet in my office (bought them in the fall from Impex). I will look at them today and see what they have on them.
 
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I've put just under 70,000 miles on Impex globes and at least one seems to have failed. (I've got the tan milkshake fluid that often suggests one has blown. It's been too freaking cold to do anything other than swap out the fluid - done no diagnostics as the AHC has been balky since the milkshake and I'm afraid to get it stuck in low.)

I ordered the four globes from Impex in December 2020. Installed them that month. The globes did not have a date sticker.

The price for four accumulators today (before shipping for first two):
  • Impex: $289
  • Amayama: $551, but just messaged me that it could not ship them to the US "without an MSDS document (data sheet from the manufacturer outlining safety procedures for the product) which the manufacturer has refused to provide to us".
  • JPanime2014 on eBay: $599 (includes shipping)

Three questions:
  1. Has anyone received Impex globes with date stickers?
  2. Does anyone have any concerns that these might be high-quality counterfeits? (Mine came with all the right packaging, looked right, fit great, etc.)
  3. Has anyone received globes from seller jpanime2014 on eBay?
The Impex are hovering near "too good to be true" territory.
Bumping this for 2025

Right now a set of four globes is US$442.34 (49141-60010 TOYOTA ACCUMULATOR, FR and 49151-60010 TOYOTA ACCUMULATOR, RR) sourced from Impex before shipping.

Any comments on the three questions above in terms of counterfeits being sold?
  1. Has anyone received Impex globes with OEM style date stickers?
  2. Does anyone have any concerns that these might be high-quality counterfeits?
  3. Has anyone received globes from seller "jpanime" or "seagulls_japan" or "ASRparts" on eBay?
 
I placed an order for globes through Impex this week, $452 plus shipping. BUT, with the trump tariffs in play it will be interesting to see how customs get applied to this. Will give an update once it arrives and I understand the impact of the new tariffs in imported parts.
 
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I placed an order for globes through Impex this week, $452 plus shipping. BUT, with the trump tariffs in play it will be interesting to see how customs get applied to this. Will give an update once it arrives and I understand the impact of the new tariffs in imported parts.
The 25% tariff on parts will start at 12:01am ET, May 3, 2025.

It's no coincidence there is another 25% off sale happening right now.
 
I bought some impex globes a long time ago, but never opened the boxes to install them. Doh! It looks like I got the wrong ones. Has anyone seen globes like these (bottom one with long male thread)?

RenderedImage.jpeg
IMG_9788.jpeg
 
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Just did all 4 this weekend on 2001 LX, the bottom pic with the long thread is what all of mine looked like. No way your shorty would work.
 
The shorty is what came off the truck, it’s a plaedes globe. I wonder if something was left behind when it came off?
 
I bought some impex globes a long time ago, but never opened the boxes to install them. Doh! It looks like I got the wrong ones. Has anyone seen globes like these (bottom one with long male thread)?

View attachment 3880947View attachment 3880957

The top 'globe' in your picture basically is a Citroen design, maybe for their C5 vehicle. See pics at this link:
FranceAuto.pl | Części do aut francuskich - https://www.franceauto.pl/en_GB/p/Rear-Suspension-Accumulator-Sphere-Citroen-C5-I-II-2.0-2.2-3.0-16V-V6-HDI-9644035880-C-544-RR/32829
The 'throat' in the 'globe' in your top picture is open because the Citroen damping assembly has been removed. The Citroen damping assembly is not required when these 'globes' are adapted for AHC/TEMS on LC100/LX470 vehicles because on LC100/LX470 vehicles damping takes place within the Damping Force Control Actuators to which the 'globes' are attached. As noted in the Factory Service Manual, on LC100/LX470 vehicles with AHC/TEMS the 'globes' act as gas springs, not as dampers nor as 'shock absorbers', unlike the 'globes' fitted to Citroen vehicles which have the damping arrangements built into the 'globe'.

The LC100/LX470 arrangements are shown below:

AHC Globe-Actuator.jpg


Not often seen these days, but B & B Suspensions also known as Pleiades adapted 'globes' which appear to be of Citroen origin and offered by them for use in AHC/TEMS systems on LC100 and LX470 vehicles (with the Citroen damping assembly removed).

In paralllel, WTV-UK Official Agent and Distributor for Brisk and Pulstar Spark Plugs - https://www.lpg-kits.com/ (not Pleaides) separately offered similar adaptations in three different versions for different performance requirements.

Your top picture appears to be one of these 'adapted' Citroen 'globes'.

A thread adapter was required for the transition from the Citroen thread to the thread required to fit the Toyota/Lexus Damping Force Control Actuators (where the 'globes' are attached) on the AHC/TEMS system on LC100/LX470 vehicles. This adapter is missing in your top picture. Maybe the adapter is still attached to the Damping Force Control Actuator from which the 'globe' was taken?? See details at WTV-UK Official Agent and Distributor for Brisk and Pulstar Spark Plugs - https://www.lpg-kits.com/, pic extracted below.

Some reports noted fitting difficulties with the non-OEM LHS Front 'globe' due to the tight space between the Height Control Accumulator (long cylinder, mid-way along LHS chassis rail) and the postion of the LHS Front Damping Force Control Actuator.

Pleades Globes.jpg
 
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The top 'globe' in your picture basically is a Citroen design, maybe for their C5 vehicle. See pics at this link:
https://www.franceauto.pl/en_GB/p/R...-2.2-3.0-16V-V6-HDI-9644035880-C-544-RR/32829

Not often seen these days, but Pleades adapted 'globes' which appear to be of Citroen origin and offered them for use in AHC/TEMS systems on LC100 and LX470 vehicles, and also offered a choice of three grades of damping (TEMS) performance by using different nitrogen pressures on the gas side of the membrane. A thread adapter was required for the transition from the Citroen thread to the thread required to fit the Toyota/Lexus Damping Force Control Actuators (where the 'globes' are attached) on the AHC/TEMS system on LC100/LX470 vehicles. This adapter is missing in your top picture. Maybe the adapter is still attached to the Damping Force Control Actuator?? See pic and details at this link:
https://www.lpg-kits.com/

Some reports noted fitting difficulties with the Pleades LHS Front 'globe' due to the tight space between the Height Control Accumulator (long cylinder, mid-way along LHS chassis rail) and the postion of the LHS Front Damping Force Control Actuator.

View attachment 3881263

Fantastic, so helpful, thank you!!
 

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