What mileage did your air bags fail?

[CloudCity]

Howdy folks, coming from the LX 470 forums but have a buddy who has been checking out the GX 470 as his next vehicle. I considered them as well when I was searching so family well caught up on the basics. I tried some search terms but couldn't find specific info, but can you guys who have suffered air suspension failures tell me the mileage you were at when it happened? The local Lexus shop said they tend to not fail until after 300,000 miles but just skimming threads seems to indicate otherwise.

I'm also assuming this is like our LX hydraulic suspension failures, not very common but when it happens you're going to hear about it.

Poll included, feel free to comment if you have more to say on the topic. I have allowed for up to two votes in the poll in case anyone has had multiple failures or on more than one vehicle.

 

[NH GX470]

122 for me but with a lot of boat towing.

 

[CloudCity]

122 for me but with a lot of boat towing.

Thank you, I hadn't considered the effect of towing on these systems. May be useful to seek a rig without a tow hitch.

 

[JLee]

Mine were fine at 185k when the new suspension went in.

 

[PDXGX]

I bought my gx with the bags already leaking, which was fine because I was going to lift anyways

 

[joabmc]

Bought mine w/ 154K because the PO had an air bag failure and didn’t want to fix. Jumped on it right away for a super low price because of it. Threw on a 3” lift and all was right in the world.

 

[CloudCity]

I bought my gx with the bags already leaking, which was fine because I was going to lift anyways

What mileage were you at when purchased?

 

[PDXGX]

What mileage were you at when purchased?

122k

 

[oemoilleaks]

Mine just let go at 188k

 

[blacktec]

I agree, I think it happens well before 300k. It's going happen, but it is such an easy fix to delete. Mine went around 125k, put an OME 3" lift and haven't missed any aspect of the air suspension since.

 

[CloudCity]

Yes anecdotal evidence so far points to much earlier failure than 300,000 miles. You guys do have me thinking my buddy may be best buying one that needs the work done to save some cash and do the spring replacement.

 

[BobinBend]

I was somewhere around 150K when I put in the new suspension on mine. My airbags never actually failed, but I just couldn't wait, once I started hearing others who had fails (and once I realized I wanted the lift). Glad I did it because when we pulled them out the airbags looked pretty bad (as did the lower control arms). Also glad I did it because it just works and looks great.

 

[runningdrew]

300k.....?!?!

 

[Jstawgn]

Miles might not be the deciding factor for airbag. It's made out of rubber that dry rot over time. Temperature and humidity would impact airbag live more than mileage. If you live in dry hot climate it might only last 10 years. Cool and humid area might prolong the live of the airbag.

Surprisingly rusty north east vehicle might have their airbag outlive the frame.

 

[CloudCity]

300k.....?!?!

That's what I'm thinking now!

Miles might not be the deciding factor for airbag. It's made out of rubber that dry rot over time. Temperature and humidity would impact airbag live more than mileage. If you live in dry hot climate it might only last 10 years. Cool and humid area might prolong the live of the airbag.

Surprisingly rusty north east vehicle might have their airbag outlive the frame.

This makes a lot of sense. Just like rubber seals in an Arizona car compared to an Oregon car, so paying attention to where the vehicle came from or spent its life will be useful in this regard as well as rust, etc. Thanks!