Stiff front end sometimes...Globes? or something else?

[4FLATS]

Stiff front end sometimes...Globes? or something else?

99 LX 101,000 miles
I have a few strange problems with my IHC system. about 3 years ago but only 5000 miles https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/392840-ahc-accumulator-old-fluid-b-b-vs-toyota.html , truck has been parked quite a bit the last 2 years, I did 4 new globes. Now the front end is stiff and bouncy again. At first I thought the globes were bad again but now I think there might be something else going on.

Symptoms

Ever since I got this truck it has felt like the suspension settings only controled the rear of the truck. Soft makes the rear way softer but the front stays about the same no matter what setting you are on. Is that normal?

Stuff front end most of the time

When I go over a speed bump in the Low height it is quite a bit softer than at N. I can't get the system up to the high setting?

Some times when I start the engine the front of the truck "falls" 1 inch then comes back up to height?


My thoughts are the torsion bars are weak and the IHC is trying to make up for it with higher than normal pressure? I don't have access the the Hyd pressure testing gear to confirm. Can I crank up the torsion bars? Air in the system? Bad globes again?

Any ideas??

Mac

 

[MrGreenJeans]

<- Not an expert.

So I have read a ton of threads on AHC as I am a new owner, and in pontificating on this (and bumping it to the top) - if you drain the system and crack open the values at the 5 points slowly - do you notice any air in the accumulator or the front globes?

Are the front hydraulic rams (shocks) leaking? My understanding is that these can be a source for air induction if they are fail (but it also sounds like they 'fail' as a symptom of the globes failing).

The system is 'open' right? so if the accumulator is functioning correctly in the back - it should be functioning correctly in the front - correct? Same for the master electronics - I would ass_u_me.

What about the sensors at each corner? Sounds like you have gross movement (they move @ 1" or so periodically at start up) but real time dampening sounds like it is not working.

Have the T bars and rear springs ever been replaced or adjusted?

Without scanning for neutral pressure at the corners I believe the thought was 4 - 6 turns on the T bars per side. (don't quote me)

Also what about the simple jump test - get on the bumper of each corner and jump up and down - are you noticing a big difference?

Lastly, when you replaced all 4 globes - how many graduations did you note on the side of reservoir tank? How many do you have now?
Good luck

 

[hoser]

Check the height control sensors on the upper control arms. If one is loose, it'll make the front suspension stiff, sometimes.

Do a search for "tech stream" on here. $35 and a PC laptop will allow you to read the AHC pressure.