I have a 2004 Lexus GX 470 and bought a replacement airbag for the left rear that couldn’t fit because of the same connection issues you showed. I was considering replacing the bags with springs but your video motivated me to give the airbag another try. Thnx much
Excellent video. Need to check the source of the leak in my 2005 GX470 and get to it. I've not been under the car yet, but the leak affects both sides equally, so must be a common point. Good to know there's a holding tank, saves me the headache of tracing lines. In looking at this job, I'll definitely say a 2003 X5 is easier to do, but those need more love in general.
Transportador33 . Yes if both sides are affected it’s a common point leak. It’s a simple system and shouldn’t be hard to find a leak, just air up the suspension all the air and use some soapy water in a spray bottle to find the leak. Hope this helps. Thank you for watching my video. Please share and subscribe.
Thanks for the advice. I ended up just replacing the sensors and putting the fuses back in. Once I did that the vehicle corrected itself. Turns out the drivers side height sensor was totally seized. Again thank you and good luck with your GX! Happy holidays
Uncle Fjester awesome, not sure if I would do that becuz of the weight of the vehicle. If it blows it wouldn’t be good. Good luck. Thank you for your comment.
Great video. So I've done this and the bag when it's clipped on top sits a little crooked. And when I dropped the truck it needed help sitting in to perch. I don't know why it's loose. I bent the pins on top nd that has no effect on it. It's really not a problem but the only problem is when I take it to get serviced and they Jack it up and even if they turn the suspension off every single time it lowers then needs help to seat back on the perch
Great content! Thank You! Fast and straight forward repair. Scotty recommend this stuff - ATP AT-205 (Amazon) to be sprayed on to rubber parts of pneumatic strut for improved longevity (I did on my 470 and it works superior in (NYC)). Fitting on top of strut is standard 6mm SMC Inc. Japan made and available in Stainless housing from Mc Master Carr.
I just ordered two new air springs for my 470 and want to install them this weekend. I noticed that you have access to a lift system. Do I need to lift my vehicle 6-7 feet off the ground or do you think that I could do it with just a foot or so off the ground?
Did I see that correctly?! 58,xxx miles and you stated you’ve done this before? Do you do a lot of heavy towing or is this that terrible of a design? I’ve got 124,xxx on my ‘05 4Runner Limited and just now starting to have a bit of a hard ride on the passenger side. Great video btw. Looks like a very easy fix. Thank you sir!
telecasterman18 as you can see in the video, my Lexus at the time had 168,xxx miles. I do tow vehicle back to the shop from time to time w/ my 16ft car trailer. Thank you for watching, please share and subscribe to the channel. Thank you !
@@fixersautomotive4514 I see! That's what I saw... 168,000. Makes more sense. Hey, I left a comment on your page. I was wondering if you could post a link of the air bags you used. I've got to do both of mine as previously stated. Thanks again.
Thank you for your comment, In the video I only show replace just one. I did replace both of the air springs. Its like showing one brake pad replacement but doing both, its about the same process. It’s best to replace both at the same time so not fighting a new bag and a old bag and have the vehicle be down twice.
When your bag was leaking, was the height control still working? I’m trying to figure out if my issue is the bag or the sensor. My height control doesn’t work unless if I reset by inserting a wire into the 4th and 13th ports of that connector that sits under the steering column and tap the break repeatedly. Then my height control is able to work again and the ride is back to normal. But only for 40-50 miles. Then it’s back to extreme bouncy ride. I have narrowed it down to being just the passenger side. My guess is the air bag since I do hear the hissing whenever I exit the vehicle. But I just want sure if it could be the sensor instead. Thanks. Great video
Frankie C my height control was working normally. I would hear a small air leak when I get out of the suv, make sure that your ride height sensor aren’t are not stuck, binding or seized. You can find the air springs on Amazon for something like $60.00 each. That’s cheaper then a sensor. Also you can spray some soapy water and find a leak that way. Good luck and let me know. Thx.
Thanks for the video, I'll be doing this in a week. I have two questions: 1. How was your suspension acting before the swap? (bouncy, harsh etc.) 2. If your suspension was bouncing all over the place before (like mine is now) did the air bag replacement solve this issue? Thanks Drew
Drew S my 470 ass end would be flat to one side every morning and the air compressor would be working over time to keep the rear air bags filled up w/ air. The rear suspension would bottom out making a bumpy ride.
@@fixersautomotive4514 thanks for the info. were you able to reuse the little plastic clips that hold the air lines on? if so, were they still in good enough condition, and O-ring replacement you'd recommend?
Great video. This is the problem I’m having with my Lexus. Also I have a question, would that fix the KDSS light that’s coming on when I drive the car, or what causes that light to come on?
I replaced both of my height sensors which solved that problem. They can be expensive but search Suspension height sensor and it's very cheap. www.aliexpress.com/item/33027931845.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.4fe01a5c2Az2Wu&algo_pvid=e2495c9f-1114-43f7-9697-2fb826d72fa8&algo_expid=e2495c9f-1114-43f7-9697-2fb826d72fa8-2&btsid=0ab6fa8115841285053183090ef7ee&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_
Thanks for the video. I have one question though; is it normal to hear the sound of the air compressor when the car is running or when the engine is on?
It can be normal to hear the compressor run but only for a short time. Maybe once every 10mins. If you put weight on the back of the suv it will turn on and pump up. If it runs more than there might be a leak. Get some soapy water and spray the compressor, lines, fitting and the air bags. There should be no leaks.
So now it has been a while are the aftermarket bags ok? Would like to find more people talking about other bags. Big price difference from Lexus bags, any help would be appreciated.
can you put bigger AT tires on there with the stock air bags and drive it higher if we wanted the Lifted Look but still maintain the air bags without actually lifting it with springs/coils?
Yes it’s always best to replace them both at the same time or you will always be chasing one or the other. There cheap enough to replace both, most times there cheaper if you buy the pair.
Thanks for the video. I need to replace the airbags on my daughters 2006 Lexus gx470. Are the airlines hard to remove? I read there is a tool that is needed to (an SST, airline separating tool) from toyota/lexus. How did you remove the airline from the original airbag? Thanks
David Minyard hello, yes there is a special disconnection tool for the air line. I know it’s difficult to see the top of the airbag but what you can do is remove the air line from the air tank and just feed the air line though the top of the mount when the airbag is removed. Then get a little pick and remove the air line from the top of the airbag. Reinstall the airline back before the new airbag is installed and you can just clip it back in. That’s what I did the first time I replace the airbag. Hope that help good luck. Thx for watching. 👍🏽
Thanks. I'm thinking of buying a used gx470 for touring with small trailer. Reliability is huge for us. Wondering if the 04 is the best model year? If air spring breaks on the can iit still be safe to drive for several hundred miles before being replaced at home? Has your water pump been ok? Thanks again!
My GX470 is the best suv i ever owned and super reliable. There Are some down falls to the suv like towing becuz of the small 4.7V8 which is a great engine but mine is 15 years old now and it doesn't compare as to the new 4.6L V8. towing small trailer is ok and will do great. If the air spring develope a leak you will want to get that fixed right away because you don't want the air compressor to keep running try to inflate the air spring. air springs are cheap compared to the $1200 air compressor. i have about 188K on mine and i'm on my 3rd water pump, to me not a big deal because i can fix it. 2004 and 2005 where the best in my opinion also 2006 and newer all required premium fuel. Cheer's!!
@@fixersautomotive4514 Thank you very much!👍 I'm just wondering if these problems with the shock and the water pump would come on quickly and would require me to find a dealership to get them fixed asap if I were on a long road trip. Or do they come on slowly where I could get home to fix them. Hopefully that makes sense. just wondering if this is a good long-distance touring vehicle despite these two problems. Thanks a lot!!
Sam Rossi Songwriter usually the problems come on real slow. You will just notice one day the ass end of the truck is be flat/bottomed out, but if fixed soon rather then later is best. Water pumps not a big deal. They will seep a little bit of coolant and I never seen one just blow out the coolant. A common coolant leak is the weed hole of the WP. I have 3 Lexus’s. LS is my car, IS F sport is the wife’s and the GX is the weekend warrior, we go to Cali and Mexico all the time and it’s been rock solid for us w/ the usually maintenance problems. Hope this helps.
@@fixersautomotive4514 yes that helps a lot. I really appreciate it!👍 I'm six foot three and have been struggling with the idea of getting a 4Runner cuz it's just not enough headroom where is the GX has a little more headroom and power for pulling. I really like how the GX can raise it's height especially in deer country where I drive I can use all the height I can get.
Hello. Saw you had around 160K miles. How many times have you had to change the bags and what kind of driving do you do? Only street or some trail? Just trying to get a gauge of when my will approximate go out. Thanks.
Thank you for your comment, our Lexus is a family vehicle that we travel on, it’s never been off road and always driven on the streets. I replace both of them during that video and now it my vehicle has 204k is still going strong. Hope that helps.
My 08 will go into Hi, N, and Lo and remain there. But once I put into drive and accelerate it returns to the N level. I just got this truck so it's all new to me. Thanks in advance for any advice. Gotta get the TB done as well. 114k on the odo. I would do it myself but it's a 2008 and I keep seeing different things regarding the TB install on a VVTI.
Bert T. Hello, the suv will always go back to the N setting, it won’t drive in H or L unless there is weight on the rear ride height sensors. There are height sensors and the suv knows the height of the vehicle, 95% of the time it will always stay in N. When you put enough weight on the back it will automatically adjust to the proper level... the timing belt is a straight process. You just have to make sure the motor is at top dead center and all the timing marks line up and don’t move during the TB replacement. Good luck!
Fixers Automotive Silly me, I finally got around to browsing the owners manual and it explained in detail how the air ride functions. Lo is for speed below about 10 mph and Hi for off-road speed less than about 20 mph, outside of that it goes back to neutral. I the white, I thought something was broken. Thanks though. And as far the tb, the supposed vvti "method" is confusing. Now I came across a post that states first align marks at tdc, then rotate counter to 10° before tdc to release can gear pressure, then rotate to 50° past tdc. Anyways it's 20° F this weekend and the wp sprung a leak and making noise. Belt has 115k. Lexus gonna be doing it for me. I'm considering taking it to Toyora and have them do it. Gonna try to save a few bucks. They should be able.
Bert T. I’ve replaced my TB 3 times. My 470 has about 190k on it now. No sure what the dealer might charge but it’s gunna be pricey, my guess is about $900 but wouldn’t be surprised if it’s higher, don’t let Toyota tell you it’s Lexus only parts becuz there the same parts. Good luck man.
I also have a leak. But mine goes down evenly but slowly. I thought if one bag has a hole or leak they would both go down since they are running off the same line to the compressor and tank. No?
If you don’t know where the leak is coming from, best thing to do is grab a bottle of soapy water and spray the entire air system. Both air bags are on the same air supply line so they pump up Evenly, hope that helps.
so generally speaking, how reliable would you say this system is? the air springs don't look to expensive, but what about the rest? i was looking at one of these trucks used but the air shocks kinda scare me FWIW.
I can’t diagnose what’s going on with my gx470 2004 , sometimes air suspension works fine , sometimes I parked and in 10 min bottom down , sometimes during drive one side all the way on my wheel and im so desperate
Check the wiring on both of the right height sensors, it might be best to unplug and inspect sensors. The ride height sensor control the operation of the air compressor to air up the bags and deflate the bags. You need to have the system scanned. Hope this helps and good luck.
@@fixersautomotive4514 thanks i have both height sensor i have to replace but it’s cold here in Illinois so I’ll change next week , one more question who’s the best for scan the system?
Best scanner is the dealer but that’s might not be possible. There are many kinds on scanners that will have the function to scan the air ride system but there are many that don’t have the function. Hopefully you know of a shop or a person that will have a higher end scanner.
White Leopard I don’t have the part number for the side, but you can just go to amazon and search your vehicle. There about $60 for each side. The aftermarket ones have come down in price a lot recently. Good luck.
Tou Yang they were aftermarket bags. Either was the factory or aftermarket have a one year warranty so it didn’t matter which way I picked. The aftermarket was about $450 cheaper then the factory. Yikes!! Thank you for your comment.
Frank Wang once all the air is let out you could just collapse the bag and after taking off the top clip the bag should come right out. A little wiggle and jiggle and it will come drop out.
Hey man! Nice video. I have to replace my height sensors on both sides. How do you manually release air from the system without damaging anything? Is there a way via the pump or the tank? My gx is stuck up super high and won’t release any air. Any help you have I will appreciate! Cheers
Thx Kris. what you can do is just unclip one of the plastic clip lines at the little air tank BUT make sure before you do that you have a way to keep up the body of the suv from coming down so quickly.
hey buddy I have the same vehicle GX470 2004. I replaced my shocks & compressor pump. I don't hear any hissing from the airbags. My suv doesn't raise up and it runs as if it has no shocks at all. Can you fill me in on what's my problem. I grew up in NYC and when I drive I feel like a Cowboy.😬😬😬🤠🤠🤠
Mick Pacheco did you check to see if the ride height switches have free movement. I’ve seen them get corroded with salt. Check fuses and relays for the compressor.
LOL, I have the same car, and yes, every little bump I drive on, the car bounces so much that I hit my head against the roof of the car many times. It's not a good feeling after I eat something. Do you think a normal person can remove the old ones and install the new ones without using a lift? Thanks.
David, yes you should be able to just lift the back end of the suv and replace both air springs w/ a lift just I did in the video. If you can remove the spare tire it’s gives you so much more room to replace them. Try putting direct power to the connector on the air pump and see if it turns on and pumps up. Good luck.
Toby Mills, thanks for your comment. I don’t bottom out. The way the suv was parked and backed in to the garage, that’s were the ride height sensors leveled out the suv. When I drove it out of the garage it aired up higher becuz it was sitting on a flat surface. Hope that explain it.
Hello, i did a quick parts search and they did seem to match, the only way to check is by a vin search. You can call the dealer and give them your VIN and they can check.
Sosai X you have to understand that different mechanics shops will charge different rates for labor and parts. Cheapest way for you to fix the problem if you only have leaking air springs/air bags is go to amazon type in your vehicles year, make and model. Then search “air springs” aftermarket springs go for about $60-$80ea. Then find a shop who will install them for you. BUT remember they won’t give you any warranty because its customer provided parts.... Second just take it in and it should cost about $400-$700 for both and should include labor. Good luck hope this helps. Cheers!!
A F A hello, every time you turn off the truck it the air system will reset itself and turn back on. The system will stay active will the engine is running. If you have a leak you will need to have it fixed or replaced w/ a standard coil spring conversion kit.
Thanks. I just bought a 2008 yesterday. It has an air suspension. I am still learning the vehicle, but it rides like a tank. It doesn't appear replacing the air suspension is too difficult. I also have an LS430 without air suspension. I heard replacing air suspension in LS is a lot more difficult and expensive.
Yes there the same air spring as a Lexus and pretty much the same process to replace the air springs. It might be easier to remove the air spring w: the air line still attached to the top of the bag and just slowly feed the line out through the hole while removing the bag. The clips on top of the bags you will need a special tools to disconnect the air line. You can just use a small pick to unclip the lines. Good luck w/ the repair.
Ice Man there is a special disconnection tool that looks like a fuel line tool. Unfortunately it’s a dealer tool only but you can still remove it w/ a small pick. You might have to remove the line from the manifold assembly and just feed the air line out as you remove the bag. It’s easier that’s way. Good luck.
Maxispeed shop is one place. You can also find them on Amazon, or the dealer but there super expensive. There about $80-100 per bag for aftermarket ones. Good luck.
JAMES M yes that is the better way to just install springs and your but if you want to maintain the factory air ride quality (which is the best, becuz wife said so). Thank you watching and commenting on the video!!
I found on ebay 2x air bag for $77 And another one for $250?! Is the aftermarket one good enough? do you know anyway to lock it 9n high only? Idk why after 55km its automaticly go go normal mode :@@@@
TheBest yes you should be ok for the aftermarket. The suv will always be in “N”. Once you go so fast the air ride module will automatically lower to the N position for safety.
You must have bought a cheap amazon one if are having to replace them again....you should only have to replace like every 100k miles. Don’t buy the cheap crap. Also you did it the hard way. You disconnected at the top which is way harder than disconnecting at a lower spot.
Thank you for your comment. That was the first time I ever had to replace a air spring in the suv so it lasted about 165k. Yes I know it was the harder way to try to disconnect it from the top. If they ever go out again I will do it differently. Please don’t assume anything or where and when they were replaced because you don’t know.
Vish sure no problem. My number is 5204444387, unfortunately I will be closed from Monday til the 17th of June, I’m currently in the military and I have a deployment to Miramar. I’m in the military full time and Fixers I do after work and on the weekends. I’m sorry for any inconvenience this may cause you but it you can wait I will be more than happy to meet you and fix the vehicle...
@@fixersautomotive4514 wow...I've had my 2006 for 4yrs now and I'm loving it...I have never had to do any major repairs on it...until now as regards to the suspensions... I hope to have it for a while as u have had yours.
@@fixersautomotive4514 I'm trying .. never missed an oil change. Currently in need of alignment and back brake change. But now my biggest concern is that my rear suspension is out.. my go too mechanic shared with me in January of this yr ... the issue seems to be electrial.. he only changed $85 ( but didnt explain fully what exactly he did to get the truck back up to riding perfectly- he further went on to say "the fix could last a day..or six months". It's lasted 10mths... . I went back to him this evening .. he did absolutely nothing mechanically....but shared " he didnt think it was the air bags as both wouldn't go out simultaneously, adding he thinks it's electrical and that I could take it elsewhere...get a diagnosis on it.. have them give me a print out.. take that info to him and if it is something they could do there, he'll take a look at it ". Sigh! Please share your thoughts. As I certainly don't want to be out hundreds of $$$ ..I really can't afford that. Thanks in advance. You are doing an amazing job proving all this knowledge.
Wangan300 yes it sure does but people watch TH-cam because they don’t know how or what’s involved to do certain types of work. Other people tell me that I forgot a lot of stuff, So I get it from both ends. To long or to short, but thank you for your input. 👍🏼
Best video I've seen so far for the rear air springs on the GX. Thanks!
Thank you for watching the video.
Great job with your camera in tight spaces
Great video! I'm replacing my originals with Arnot airbags today, and this vid gave me the necessary motivation for the job! Thanks!
Jakob Nielsen Øien that’s a good airbag to replace, good luck on the fix, please share and subscribe to my channel. 👍🏼
I have a 2004 Lexus GX 470 and bought a replacement airbag for the left rear that couldn’t fit because of the same connection issues you showed. I was considering replacing the bags with springs but your video motivated me to give the airbag another try. Thnx much
I know this is an old video....but it is extremely informative!
On the website you posted how good are their parts. I have the same 04 Lexus GX470. I want to replace the shocks and air bags.
Thank-you, Al💕🙏
I have an 08 Gx470. Air suspension in working condition ; but it is very useful to watch your video and read all tue comments. Thanks
anthony truong thank you for watching my video. 👍🏼
these was very educative giving me an idea on what must have gone wrong on my lexus.
Excellent video. Need to check the source of the leak in my 2005 GX470 and get to it. I've not been under the car yet, but the leak affects both sides equally, so must be a common point. Good to know there's a holding tank, saves me the headache of tracing lines. In looking at this job, I'll definitely say a 2003 X5 is easier to do, but those need more love in general.
Transportador33 . Yes if both sides are affected it’s a common point leak. It’s a simple system and shouldn’t be hard to find a leak, just air up the suspension all the air and use some soapy water in a spray bottle to find the leak. Hope this helps. Thank you for watching my video. Please share and subscribe.
Thanks for the advice. I ended up just replacing the sensors and putting the fuses back in. Once I did that the vehicle corrected itself. Turns out the drivers side height sensor was totally seized. Again thank you and good luck with your GX! Happy holidays
Good video.....straight and to the point. Well done
Great video. Super infomative. I just bought 04 gx 114000 miles. bags and a timing belt change being changed.
frfrpr that’s sweet, there awesome SUV’s. Very reliable and comfortable to drive. Thank you for watching my video. Please share and subscribe.
I used a Tire plug kit 3 years ago, still holding!
Uncle Fjester awesome, not sure if I would do that becuz of the weight of the vehicle. If it blows it wouldn’t be good. Good luck. Thank you for your comment.
What's to prevent another hole?
The rubber is cracked and rotten.
A wonderful job. Thanks for sharing.
Awesome guy, awesome video.
VERY COOL VIDEO!! I don't think I am capable of replacing it but fun to watch your video :-)
nice work with detailed
Great video. So I've done this and the bag when it's clipped on top sits a little crooked. And when I dropped the truck it needed help sitting in to perch. I don't know why it's loose. I bent the pins on top nd that has no effect on it. It's really not a problem but the only problem is when I take it to get serviced and they Jack it up and even if they turn the suspension off every single time it lowers then needs help to seat back on the perch
Thanks. I used this video to fix mine
ty this is #1 show
Great content! Thank You! Fast and straight forward repair. Scotty recommend this stuff - ATP AT-205 (Amazon) to be sprayed on to rubber parts of pneumatic strut for improved longevity (I did on my 470 and it works superior in (NYC)). Fitting on top of strut is standard 6mm SMC Inc. Japan made and available in Stainless housing from Mc Master Carr.
How do you inject this stupid into the air ride system? Or do you just coat the outside of the bag? Thanks!
well done
thanks for help,
VERY helpful video
SpeedArt thank you for watching the video. Please share and subscribe. 👍🏼
I just ordered two new air springs for my 470 and want to install them this weekend. I noticed that you have access to a lift system. Do I need to lift my vehicle 6-7 feet off the ground or do you think that I could do it with just a foot or so off the ground?
GREAT VIDEO AND AWESOME JOB!! APPRECIATE THE INFORMATION! 2 THUMBS UP DUDE !!
Michael Thomas sweet bro, thank you watching the video and sending me a comment!!
Michael Thomas please subscribe and share.
There’s a small plastic tool to remove the air line from the airbag. Unfortunately it’s a Lexus specialty tool that only dealers have.
Shark Finn yes thank you that. It is a dealer tool only and not to difficult w/ a couple of picks. Thank you for the comment and helping out others .
Did I see that correctly?! 58,xxx miles and you stated you’ve done this before? Do you do a lot of heavy towing or is this that terrible of a design? I’ve got 124,xxx on my ‘05 4Runner Limited and just now starting to have a bit of a hard ride on the passenger side. Great video btw. Looks like a very easy fix. Thank you sir!
telecasterman18 as you can see in the video, my Lexus at the time had 168,xxx miles. I do tow vehicle back to the shop from time to time w/ my 16ft car trailer. Thank you for watching, please share and subscribe to the channel. Thank you !
@@fixersautomotive4514 I see! That's what I saw... 168,000. Makes more sense. Hey, I left a comment on your page. I was wondering if you could post a link of the air bags you used. I've got to do both of mine as previously stated. Thanks again.
Great video
Great! But why not replace both at the same time? They are not too expensive unless you by genuine Lexus right?
Thank you for your comment, In the video I only show replace just one. I did replace both of the air springs. Its like showing one brake pad replacement but doing both, its about the same process. It’s best to replace both at the same time so not fighting a new bag and a old bag and have the vehicle be down twice.
Great video! Thanks.
Vlad B thank you for watching the video and subscribing to my channel.
Great video!
Thank you for the nice comment.
When your bag was leaking, was the height control still working? I’m trying to figure out if my issue is the bag or the sensor. My height control doesn’t work unless if I reset by inserting a wire into the 4th and 13th ports of that connector that sits under the steering column and tap the break repeatedly. Then my height control is able to work again and the ride is back to normal. But only for 40-50 miles. Then it’s back to extreme bouncy ride. I have narrowed it down to being just the passenger side. My guess is the air bag since I do hear the hissing whenever I exit the vehicle. But I just want sure if it could be the sensor instead. Thanks. Great video
Frankie C my height control was working normally. I would hear a small air leak when I get out of the suv, make sure that your ride height sensor aren’t are not stuck, binding or seized. You can find the air springs on Amazon for something like $60.00 each. That’s cheaper then a sensor. Also you can spray some soapy water and find a leak that way. Good luck and let me know. Thx.
Thanks for the video, I'll be doing this in a week. I have two questions:
1. How was your suspension acting before the swap? (bouncy, harsh etc.)
2. If your suspension was bouncing all over the place before (like mine is now) did the air bag replacement solve this issue?
Thanks
Drew
Drew S my 470 ass end would be flat to one side every morning and the air compressor would be working over time to keep the rear air bags filled up w/ air. The rear suspension would bottom out making a bumpy ride.
Drew S the new air bag solved my issues becuz my air bag had a tiny hole in it. Hope that helps. Thanks for watching my video.
@@fixersautomotive4514 thanks for the info. were you able to reuse the little plastic clips that hold the air lines on? if so, were they still in good enough condition, and O-ring replacement you'd recommend?
Hey drew did it fix yours? mine started bouncing too
Great video, do they bolt in or all just push fit, also any idea about the Cayenne S 2002/2010 air suspension?
Great video. This is the problem I’m having with my Lexus. Also I have a question, would that fix the KDSS light that’s coming on when I drive the car, or what causes that light to come on?
I replaced both of my height sensors which solved that problem. They can be expensive but search Suspension height sensor and it's very cheap.
www.aliexpress.com/item/33027931845.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.4fe01a5c2Az2Wu&algo_pvid=e2495c9f-1114-43f7-9697-2fb826d72fa8&algo_expid=e2495c9f-1114-43f7-9697-2fb826d72fa8-2&btsid=0ab6fa8115841285053183090ef7ee&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_,searchweb201603_
Thanks for the video. I have one question though;
is it normal to hear the sound of the air compressor when the car is running or when the engine is on?
It can be normal to hear the compressor run but only for a short time. Maybe once every 10mins. If you put weight on the back of the suv it will turn on and pump up. If it runs more than there might be a leak. Get some soapy water and spray the compressor, lines, fitting and the air bags. There should be no leaks.
@@fixersautomotive4514 thanks for your prompt feedback. I shall do you have recommended.
So now it has been a while are the aftermarket bags ok? Would like to find more people talking about other bags. Big price difference from Lexus bags, any help would be appreciated.
can you put bigger AT tires on there with the stock air bags and drive it higher if we wanted the Lifted Look but still maintain the air bags without actually lifting it with springs/coils?
good question!
Your undercarriage is CLEEAANNN!
Nice video. Heighth isn't a word though.
Matt Keller sweet. Thank you for watching. It’s a good thing I’m not teaching English in skhool, I just a mechanic. 👍🏼
Is it advisable to replace only one or should I replace just one when it starts leaking instead of both?
Yes it’s always best to replace them both at the same time or you will always be chasing one or the other. There cheap enough to replace both, most times there cheaper if you buy the pair.
@@fixersautomotive4514 can you type a good website or link where can I buy parts I would need the front struts Left and Right
Thanks for the video. I need to replace the airbags on my daughters 2006 Lexus gx470. Are the airlines hard to remove? I read there is a tool that is needed to (an SST, airline separating tool) from toyota/lexus. How did you remove the airline from the original airbag?
Thanks
David Minyard hello, yes there is a special disconnection tool for the air line. I know it’s difficult to see the top of the airbag but what you can do is remove the air line from the air tank and just feed the air line though the top of the mount when the airbag is removed. Then get a little pick and remove the air line from the top of the airbag. Reinstall the airline back before the new airbag is installed and you can just clip it back in. That’s what I did the first time I replace the airbag. Hope that help good luck. Thx for watching. 👍🏽
Thanks. I'm thinking of buying a used gx470 for touring with small trailer. Reliability is huge for us. Wondering if the 04 is the best model year? If air spring breaks on the can iit still be safe to drive for several hundred miles before being replaced at home? Has your water pump been ok? Thanks again!
My GX470 is the best suv i ever owned and super reliable. There Are some down falls to the suv like towing becuz of the small 4.7V8 which is a great engine but mine is 15 years old now and it doesn't compare as to the new 4.6L V8. towing small trailer is ok and will do great. If the air spring develope a leak you will want to get that fixed right away because you don't want the air compressor to keep running try to inflate the air spring. air springs are cheap compared to the $1200 air compressor. i have about 188K on mine and i'm on my 3rd water pump, to me not a big deal because i can fix it. 2004 and 2005 where the best in my opinion also 2006 and newer all required premium fuel. Cheer's!!
@@fixersautomotive4514 Thank you very much!👍 I'm just wondering if these problems with the shock and the water pump would come on quickly and would require me to find a dealership to get them fixed asap if I were on a long road trip. Or do they come on slowly where I could get home to fix them. Hopefully that makes sense. just wondering if this is a good long-distance touring vehicle despite these two problems. Thanks a lot!!
Sam Rossi Songwriter usually the problems come on real slow. You will just notice one day the ass end of the truck is be flat/bottomed out, but if fixed soon rather then later is best. Water pumps not a big deal. They will seep a little bit of coolant and I never seen one just blow out the coolant. A common coolant leak is the weed hole of the WP. I have 3 Lexus’s. LS is my car, IS F sport is the wife’s and the GX is the weekend warrior, we go to Cali and Mexico all the time and it’s been rock solid for us w/ the usually maintenance problems. Hope this helps.
@@fixersautomotive4514 yes that helps a lot. I really appreciate it!👍 I'm six foot three and have been struggling with the idea of getting a 4Runner cuz it's just not enough headroom where is the GX has a little more headroom and power for pulling. I really like how the GX can raise it's height especially in deer country where I drive I can use all the height I can get.
Hello. Saw you had around 160K miles. How many times have you had to change the bags and what kind of driving do you do? Only street or some trail? Just trying to get a gauge of when my will approximate go out. Thanks.
Thank you for your comment, our Lexus is a family vehicle that we travel on, it’s never been off road and always driven on the streets. I replace both of them during that video and now it my vehicle has 204k is still going strong. Hope that helps.
Hi. Any recommendations for replacing the front air suspensions for a 2003 Lexus LS430 ULTRA with an after market product? Thanks.
My 08 will go into Hi, N, and Lo and remain there. But once I put into drive and accelerate it returns to the N level. I just got this truck so it's all new to me. Thanks in advance for any advice.
Gotta get the TB done as well. 114k on the odo. I would do it myself but it's a 2008 and I keep seeing different things regarding the TB install on a VVTI.
Bert T. Hello, the suv will always go back to the N setting, it won’t drive in H or L unless there is weight on the rear ride height sensors. There are height sensors and the suv knows the height of the vehicle, 95% of the time it will always stay in N. When you put enough weight on the back it will automatically adjust to the proper level... the timing belt is a straight process. You just have to make sure the motor is at top dead center and all the timing marks line up and don’t move during the TB replacement. Good luck!
Fixers Automotive Silly me, I finally got around to browsing the owners manual and it explained in detail how the air ride functions. Lo is for speed below about 10 mph and Hi for off-road speed less than about 20 mph, outside of that it goes back to neutral. I the white, I thought something was broken. Thanks though.
And as far the tb, the supposed vvti "method" is confusing. Now I came across a post that states first align marks at tdc, then rotate counter to 10° before tdc to release can gear pressure, then rotate to 50° past tdc. Anyways it's 20° F this weekend and the wp sprung a leak and making noise. Belt has 115k. Lexus gonna be doing it for me. I'm considering taking it to Toyora and have them do it. Gonna try to save a few bucks. They should be able.
Bert T. I’ve replaced my TB 3 times. My 470 has about 190k on it now. No sure what the dealer might charge but it’s gunna be pricey, my guess is about $900 but wouldn’t be surprised if it’s higher, don’t let Toyota tell you it’s Lexus only parts becuz there the same parts. Good luck man.
I also have a leak. But mine goes down evenly but slowly. I thought if one bag has a hole or leak they would both go down since they are running off the same line to the compressor and tank. No?
If you don’t know where the leak is coming from, best thing to do is grab a bottle of soapy water and spray the entire air system. Both air bags are on the same air supply line so they pump up Evenly, hope that helps.
bending up the sheet metal which one you meant, please explain, thanks
@fixer automotive what size is the air tube??
Do you have links for those fittings?? It would be helpful. Ty
so generally speaking, how reliable would you say this system is? the air springs don't look to expensive, but what about the rest? i was looking at one of these trucks used but the air shocks kinda scare me FWIW.
There are many aftermarket coil over conversion kits available for this model. The air suspension is very reliable as is.. but expensive to repair.
I can’t diagnose what’s going on with my gx470 2004 , sometimes air suspension works fine , sometimes I parked and in 10 min bottom down , sometimes during drive one side all the way on my wheel and im so desperate
Check the wiring on both of the right height sensors, it might be best to unplug and inspect sensors. The ride height sensor control the operation of the air compressor to air up the bags and deflate the bags. You need to have the system scanned. Hope this helps and good luck.
@@fixersautomotive4514 thanks i have both height sensor i have to replace but it’s cold here in Illinois so I’ll change next week , one more question who’s the best for scan the system?
Best scanner is the dealer but that’s might not be possible. There are many kinds on scanners that will have the function to scan the air ride system but there are many that don’t have the function. Hopefully you know of a shop or a person that will have a higher end scanner.
@@fixersautomotive4514 i just don’t trust dealership , thanks I’ll let you know
did you get the new part online? or through the local dealer. if online please post a link. or the part number. Thanks for the video.
White Leopard I don’t have the part number for the side, but you can just go to amazon and search your vehicle. There about $60 for each side. The aftermarket ones have come down in price a lot recently. Good luck.
Hi
I have replaced back air suspension
But the hight is different between right and left
What i do ?
did you use factory or after market air bags?
Tou Yang they were aftermarket bags. Either was the factory or aftermarket have a one year warranty so it didn’t matter which way I picked. The aftermarket was about $450 cheaper then the factory. Yikes!! Thank you for your comment.
Can you drive the vehicle with the rear air suspension off? Great video btw. How long do they last?
Sauer Sig, hello yes you can drive it but it’s not a good idea to do so. Rear air springs usually last about 6-8years.
Fixers Automotive thank you so much;
Is there only one size air hose and one size receiver ,
how to take the air springs out of the place? no much space there. thanks
Frank Wang once all the air is let out you could just collapse the bag and after taking off the top clip the bag should come right out. A little wiggle and jiggle and it will come drop out.
Thanks, after I remove the tire, there are more space to work with.
Hey man! Nice video. I have to replace my height sensors on both sides. How do you manually release air from the system without damaging anything? Is there a way via the pump or the tank? My gx is stuck up super high and won’t release any air. Any help you have I will appreciate! Cheers
Thx Kris. what you can do is just unclip one of the plastic clip lines at the little air tank BUT make sure before you do that you have a way to keep up the body of the suv from coming down so quickly.
hey buddy I have the same vehicle GX470 2004. I replaced my shocks & compressor pump. I don't hear any hissing from the airbags. My suv doesn't raise up and it runs as if it has no shocks at all. Can you fill me in on what's my problem. I grew up in NYC and when I drive I feel like a Cowboy.😬😬😬🤠🤠🤠
Mick Pacheco did you check to see if the ride height switches have free movement. I’ve seen them get corroded with salt. Check fuses and relays for the compressor.
Fixers Automotive I'll check that out in the morning. BTW great video. I keep you posted with the results. Thanks
LOL, I have the same car, and yes, every little bump I drive on, the car bounces so much that I hit my head against the roof of the car many times. It's not a good feeling after I eat something. Do you think a normal person can remove the old ones and install the new ones without using a lift? Thanks.
David, yes you should be able to just lift the back end of the suv and replace both air springs w/ a lift just I did in the video. If you can remove the spare tire it’s gives you so much more room to replace them. Try putting direct power to the connector on the air pump and see if it turns on and pumps up. Good luck.
Bro you have about 1inch between bump stop and diff housing, do you bottom out all the time?
Toby Mills, thanks for your comment. I don’t bottom out. The way the suv was parked and backed in to the garage, that’s were the ride height sensors leveled out the suv. When I drove it out of the garage it aired up higher becuz it was sitting on a flat surface. Hope that explain it.
V.good
Mohammed, thank you for watching the video!
What is the OD diameter of the air tube?
Does anyone know who is the tier one supplier for this air spring? firestone, vibracoustic, BWI, Continental,?
Can you use these air bags for the 1st generation SEQOUIA
Hello, i did a quick parts search and they did seem to match, the only way to check is by a vin search. You can call the dealer and give them your VIN and they can check.
I'm far from handy, so how much should I reasonably expect to pay a mechanic to install these on my 2007 GX470?
Sosai X you have to understand that different mechanics shops will charge different rates for labor and parts. Cheapest way for you to fix the problem if you only have leaking air springs/air bags is go to amazon type in your vehicles year, make and model. Then search “air springs” aftermarket springs go for about $60-$80ea. Then find a shop who will install them for you. BUT remember they won’t give you any warranty because its customer provided parts.... Second just take it in and it should cost about $400-$700 for both and should include labor. Good luck hope this helps. Cheers!!
500 each parts and labor for aftermarket parts . Oem is a lot more.
Can I turn off the height control and not to worry about the air bags anymore?
A F A hello, every time you turn off the truck it the air system will reset itself and turn back on. The system will stay active will the engine is running. If you have a leak you will need to have it fixed or replaced w/ a standard coil spring conversion kit.
Thanks. I just bought a 2008 yesterday. It has an air suspension. I am still learning the vehicle, but it rides like a tank. It doesn't appear replacing the air suspension is too difficult. I also have an LS430 without air suspension. I heard replacing air suspension in LS is a lot more difficult and expensive.
Will this be the same for an 05 Toyota Sequoia?
Yes there the same air spring as a Lexus and pretty much the same process to replace the air springs. It might be easier to remove the air spring w: the air line still attached to the top of the bag and just slowly feed the line out through the hole while removing the bag. The clips on top of the bags you will need a special tools to disconnect the air line. You can just use a small pick to unclip the lines. Good luck w/ the repair.
@@fixersautomotive4514 thank you 🙏
What tool removes the air line from the bag?
Ice Man there is a special disconnection tool that looks like a fuel line tool. Unfortunately it’s a dealer tool only but you can still remove it w/ a small pick. You might have to remove the line from the manifold assembly and just feed the air line out as you remove the bag. It’s easier that’s way. Good luck.
Where is a good place to order these airbags?
Maxispeed shop is one place. You can also find them on Amazon, or the dealer but there super expensive. There about $80-100 per bag for aftermarket ones. Good luck.
better to take out the bags and just use coil springs... nothing to worry about anymore and it's economical.
JAMES M yes that is the better way to just install springs and your but if you want to maintain the factory air ride quality (which is the best, becuz wife said so). Thank you watching and commenting on the video!!
I found on ebay 2x air bag for $77
And another one for $250?!
Is the aftermarket one good enough?
do you know anyway to lock it 9n high only?
Idk why after 55km its automaticly go go normal mode :@@@@
TheBest yes you should be ok for the aftermarket. The suv will always be in “N”. Once you go so fast the air ride module will automatically lower to the N position for safety.
Where you buy it? And how much you pay?
raymundo etaraz “maxpeeding rods”. I think the air spring was about $120.00
Fixers Automotive mine goes down when I turn off the truck I thought it was normal lol
Fixers Automotive just search for them in Amazon is 118 for the set of 2 thanks
raymundo etaraz nice, good luck installing them.
Nissan pathfinder std 2003
You must have bought a cheap amazon one if are having to replace them again....you should only have to replace like every 100k miles. Don’t buy the cheap crap. Also you did it the hard way. You disconnected at the top which is way harder than disconnecting at a lower spot.
Thank you for your comment. That was the first time I ever had to replace a air spring in the suv so it lasted about 165k. Yes I know it was the harder way to try to disconnect it from the top. If they ever go out again I will do it differently. Please don’t assume anything or where and when they were replaced because you don’t know.
can you do it in my vehicle ? where is your shop ?
Vish I’m in Tucson, Arizona.
Fixers Automotive I am in Scottsdale , can I get your number ?
Vish sure no problem. My number is 5204444387, unfortunately I will be closed from Monday til the 17th of June, I’m currently in the military and I have a deployment to Miramar. I’m in the military full time and Fixers I do after work and on the weekends. I’m sorry for any inconvenience this may cause you but it you can wait I will be more than happy to meet you and fix the vehicle...
Fixers Automotive 😒 kids summer vacations started and they wanted to goto Disney LA
Fixers Automotive kindly let me know when you are back in Tucson
Hi , do you still have your gx 470?
Teo K RC hello, I sure do. It’s a awesome vehicle, had it for 11 yrs now.
@@fixersautomotive4514 wow...I've had my 2006 for 4yrs now and I'm loving it...I have never had to do any major repairs on it...until now as regards to the suspensions... I hope to have it for a while as u have had yours.
Stephanie G is a great suv to have. Good luck and keep up w/ the maintenance!!
@@fixersautomotive4514 I'm trying .. never missed an oil change. Currently in need of alignment and back brake change. But now my biggest concern is that my rear suspension is out.. my go too mechanic shared with me in January of this yr ... the issue seems to be electrial.. he only changed $85 ( but didnt explain fully what exactly he did to get the truck back up to riding perfectly- he further went on to say "the fix could last a day..or six months". It's lasted 10mths... . I went back to him this evening .. he did absolutely nothing mechanically....but shared " he didnt think it was the air bags as both wouldn't go out simultaneously, adding he thinks it's electrical and that I could take it elsewhere...get a diagnosis on it.. have them give me a print out.. take that info to him and if it is something they could do there, he'll take a look at it ". Sigh! Please share your thoughts. As I certainly don't want to be out hundreds of $$$ ..I really can't afford that. Thanks in advance. You are doing an amazing job proving all this knowledge.
Ни хрена не понятно.
Should be a 5 min video. Takes no time at all to install those.
Wangan300 yes it sure does but people watch TH-cam because they don’t know how or what’s involved to do certain types of work. Other people tell me that I forgot a lot of stuff, So I get it from both ends. To long or to short, but thank you for your input. 👍🏼
@@fixersautomotive4514 that makes sense. I like the 4runner spring route when the time comes and airbags fail. Thats more offroadish/overland though.