Struts & AHC on LX570

[LCHardriver_02]

tbisaacs :
When you replaced them, did you do an AHC flush / fluid replacement at the same time? Did you do the replacement yourself?

Just curious since you purchased the parts separate from the dealership.

 

[tbisaacs]

tbisaacs :
When you replaced them, did you do an AHC flush / fluid replacement at the same time? Did you do the replacement yourself?

Just curious since you purchased the parts separate from the dealership.

yes do the fluid because you have to bleed all of the accumulators to do it and you’ll loose a ton of fluid doing so.
I had my Indy mechanic replace my shocks. Labor for all 4 was $800-ish.

I also had done a fluid flush prior. It’s not hard with basic tools and some patience.

 

[TLCLVR]

tbisaacs :
When you replaced them, did you do an AHC flush / fluid replacement at the same time? Did you do the replacement yourself?

Just curious since you purchased the parts separate from the dealership.

Here’s a detailed walk through of the flush. Relatively easy (if a bit messy) process. You’ll probably need more than 5L of suspension fluid to properly pre-flush the new shocks (as other mudders have recommended).

LX570 AHC “Basics” - Added as sticky thread for AHC Issues

 

[PDoyle]

Thread Bump.... I need to change my fluid. Hoping this will help the ride at 75 mph. Seems like I need shocks at 130k miles.

 

[chalice]

Read up on a few threads and placed an order for all 4 corners including fluid for the LX we just picked up [leaking front strut] . Figured I'd do it all at once, Toyota parts counter matched lexuspartsnow prices too.

Will try to document the process as I haven't seen too many post photos of actual strut removal etc. Going to pickup a 1/2in gun to make things a little easier. Could've used it when replacing my LS430 suspension a few years ago. Pleasantly surprised with total parts coming in under $800otd.

 

[PDoyle]

I don't feel any difference when I flip the console shock switch.

 

[nwfl4runner]

If you’re replacing the rear shocks, hope this helps!

Lx570 Rear Suspension Rebuild [Guide]

So I decided it was time to refresh the entire rear suspension on my 2010 LX. I'm the third owner, figured it would give me an opportunity to learn its quirks. This job sucks, and the FSM feels like a bit of a letdown with this job. Good news is the right tools make for an easy job. Oh, and...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[PDoyle]

Ya that helped. I'm going to the dealer.lol.

 

[PDoyle]

I flushed the AHC system and the ride in my 14 with 130 k miles is still the same IMO. When I move the switch to change the ride settings I don't feel a difference at all. I do feel as if there is better vehicle control at highway speed though. I haven't driven it much.
What does that switch actually do?

 

[tincan45]

Replacing shocks/struts/actuators (whatever you want to call them) will likely not change your ride quality. They only have a small amount of compression built into them. Nearly all the suspension compression is happening in the accumulators. This probably explains why you don't feel a difference in driving modes. Sport vs comfort should be pretty dramatic. In my opinion, it's probably least subjective way to decide if you need to replace accumulators. At 130K I would not feel bad about replacing the accumulators. Especially if you can not verify the system was being flushed early in life. I plan on replacing mine at around 120K.

 

[tbisaacs]

Replacing shocks/struts/actuators (whatever you want to call them) will likely not change your ride quality. They only have a small amount of compression built into them. Nearly all the suspension compression is happening in the accumulators. This probably explains why you don't feel a difference in driving modes. Sport vs comfort should be pretty dramatic. In my opinion, it's probably least subjective way to decide if you need to replace accumulators. At 130K I would not feel bad about replacing the accumulators. Especially if you can not verify the system was being flushed early in life. I plan on replacing mine at around 120K.

^ this is correct. All of the damping in AHC happens elsewhere. I replaced all four of mine and it made no difference compared to a fluid change.

 

[PDoyle]

Ok, I was just driving around in the truck today thinking, is this the best it's going to be with a 5k lb truck with 130k miles on it. I have no shock leakage at all. Maybe a longshot but, is there a fuse or plug that is in line with the sport/ comfort switch?
I'm pretty sure the fluid was never changed until it was done last week. I think I'm going to flush the system one more time and see what happens. The original fluid level was very low. I think I pumped out only about 1qt. and I was extremely happy to be able to brake open all the bleeders with out any trouble. Plus, I haven't bled the 5th accumulator yet. I didn't realize there was one until after I was finished.
It was my first time under this truck, so I cleaned up everything I could and painted ... One of my favorite things to do.

 

[airforce1]

Soooo....I had my AHC fluid just replaced and flushed a month ago and NOW I am noticing a leaky front passenger strut.

Will this mean that I will have to flush the AHC again?

Please God no....

 

[xhrix123]

Soooo....I had my AHC fluid just replaced and flushed a month ago and NOW I am noticing a leaky front passenger strut.

Will this mean that I will have to flush the AHC again?

Please God no....

Hey, I may have the same issue as I see mine lowering on its own in the front a bit.

can someone please let me know if a leaky strut would have oil on the ground or just leak back into the hydraulic system.

thanks!

 

[tbisaacs]

Hey, I may have the same issue as I see mine lowering on its own in the front a bit.

can someone please let me know if a leaky strut would have oil on the ground or just leak back into the hydraulic system.

thanks!

If a shock was leaking you’d see it on the shock body. If you see fluid on the ground I would suspect the lines themselves. Also have a look at the accumulators under the running boards.

 

[poppe]

With shocks/struts does everyone go OEM or is there an improvement out there to be had while keeping AHC and what not?

 

[tbisaacs]

With shocks/struts does everyone go OEM or is there an improvement out there to be had while keeping AHC and what not?

OEM is the way