Jump to content

conforte

Regular Member
  • Posts

    22
  • Joined

  • Last visited

About conforte

  • Birthday 06/28/1966

Profile Information

  • Gender
    Male
  • Lexus Model
    1999 LX470

conforte's Achievements

Enthusiast

Enthusiast (6/14)

  • First Post
  • Collaborator Rare
  • Week One Done
  • One Month Later
  • One Year In

Recent Badges

0

Reputation

  1. Looking for anyone to comment or who has experience with this and would like to make any suggestions. Approximately, 350 miles from home, the steel fuel line on my 99 LX470 rotted through and let go... The first indication was he stench of gasoline from the drivers seat... and then the rain of fuel in front of the rear tire when I stepped out to check.... I dumped 13 gallons in 6 minutes racing to a service station on a Sunday morning at 8:00 am. Any one with a match or lighter could have sent a wave of flames chasing me 3 miles into town. Has anyone had experience with this, who has successfully changed their fuel (and return) lines? I had a "bypass" installed to get me limping home.. but now the truck sits in the driveway waiting for some much due attention. Thanks, Rob
  2. Conforte,

    Hello. My name is Brad Bateman. I am in Greenville, SC. I have a 2000 LX470 that I purchased from my dad who cared for it meticulously. I purchased accumulators from B and B in July 2010 and have nothing but problems. Keith (at B and B) refuses to honor the warrany and I am trying to figure out what to do. Any information on your experience would be GREATLY appreciated...

  3. ANYONE considering an aftermarket solution to their AHC system, please feel free to contact me regarding my experiences, trials, and resolutions.....
  4. What was the final outcome of your B&B accumulator problem? I myself, have been having a problem with Keith... what did you decide to do? I think I'm gonna swap out the entire suspension.

  5. I am having my own bouts with the suspension system... bad accumulators, contaminated fluid, etc. etc.... but I don't seem to have passengers complaining about the height adjustments.... hmmmm, how hefty is she???? Thanks for the smile in my darkest (suspension related) hour...
  6. I tried the B&B Accumulators.... First replacement after 9 years and 145,000 on the original suspension.... I completed it in January 2010.... and I flushed the entire system with 3 cans of new fluid.... June 2010... complete failure... contacted Keith and was told that B&B was having a problem with the diaphragms and o-rings... rec'd my replacement accumulators and installed immediately... I completely flushed the entire system again with new fluid... used 4 cans.... August 2010.... complete failure.... contacted Keith and was sent an email with a "Water Emulsion Test".... Now I'm told that B&B will not warranty the accumulators IF the hydraulic fluid fails the contamination test.... I haven't driven my truck in 6 weeks.... it is literally impossibly the way it is bouncing all over... my daughter says it is making her nauseous... I have yet to test the fluid with all the other things in life we are responsible for... and thank God I have other vehicles... IF I am not covered under the warranty for the set I purchased in January... I am going to convert to the conventional suspension system... either with Strut Masters or ARB http://www.arbusa.com/Products/Vehicle-Application-Guide/All-Vehicle-Makes/115.aspx Please let me know how you're making out with your decisions.... Robert (917) 662-2057 Please find the Water Reaction Test Below.... AHC FLUID WATER REACTION TEST 1) Purpose; AHC fluid is very light colored highly refined low viscosity petroleum oil. Its appearance is (prior to new fluid from 2009 on) light greenish to light straw colored, clear and transparent. New fluid sold from 2009 on is dyed a light red/pink in color to distinguish it from other products. The similarity in appearance to brake fluid, many windshield cleaner concentrates, and un-dyed ethylene glycol antifreeze concentrate has contributed to many instances of service personnel using these similar appearing fluids to top-off or refill the AHC fluid reservoir. All of these common contaminating fluids are very detrimental to the ‘rubber’ components in the AHC system. The diaphragms separating AHC fluid from high pressure Argon in B&B Suspension accumulators are made from a special ‘Nitrile’ compound formulated to retain flexibility and strength from -40 to + 180 F. These parts flex with every tiny bump and road roughness and thus are repeatedly stressed where they bend. The common contaminants mentioned above are VERY DETRIMENTAL to the diaphragm because they dramatically increase cracking from repeated flexing. Even very low contamination levels, barely detectable by this rough test, can reduce accumulator life by 75% or more. This ‘Water Resistance Test’ is designed to quickly show if any significant amount of brake fluid, methanol, or ethylene glycol are present in the AHC fluid where an accumulator failed unexpectedly. Note this contamination may have caused failure of the original accumulators before the present owner acquired the vehicle. Many Owners have experienced repeated failures of Dealer installed OEM accumulators following known system contamination and accumulator failure, even though ‘the system was flushed with new AHC FLUID EACH TIME.’ Draining the reservoir and refilling with fresh AHC oil, then flushing to the accumulator bleed screws leaves nearly 75% of the old oil and contamination in the struts and main pressure accumulators. 2) Test Procedure; Prepare 3 glass pint jars with lids by thoroughly washing with detergent and then thoroughly rinsing to ensure all detergent residue is removed . Ideally the final rinse should be with distilled water. From the right front accumulator bleeder, catch approximately 4 ounces of the old AHC oil into one of the clean glass pint jars—BEFORE ANY ACCUMULATORS OR FLUID ARE REMOVED. Then into another clean jar, catch a similar 4 ounce sample from the right rear bleeder. Add two (2) ounces of distilled water to each jar with the samples. Cap and then vigorously shake both jars for thirty (30) seconds to thoroughly mix the oil and water and then place the jars on a flat stable surface and allow them to sit and settle. After they have settled for 30 seconds, take color photographs of each bottle, then again after 2 minutes , and again after 5 minutes. Take the photos close enough to clearly show the interface between oil and water layers. EMAIL all 6 photos to kebowers47@gmail.com and kvnedbow@gmail.com. WHY PERFORM THIS TEST? B&B will not warranty any accumulator placed in service on a vehicle unless this test is performed and passing results shown and confirmed by B&B prior to removing old accumulators and then installing B&B accumulators. IF in doubt, do not install new B&B accumulators until you check with either Keith or Kevin.
  7. Eric - Any success with this?.... or have you sold the truck? -Robert ************************************************************************ I'd like to revive this question.... My 99 LX 470 Nakamichi occasionally eats a cd (usually in the number 6 spot)... I turn on the heat and warm up the dash... then I go into a methodical eject, eject, eject, eject, stereo off, stereo on, eject, eject, eject, eject, stereo off, stereo on, eject, eject, eject, eject, stereo off, stereo on,... you get the picture... AND eventually, the son of a gun coughs up the cd's This has happened a dozen times over the past 6 or seven years.... At this point... all six are operational.... What I want is Sirius / XM and an iPod interface..... I don't care much for nav... I can read a map and figure out out to get home from the train station..... Has ANYONE found a GREAT solution to the aftermarket stereo that doesn't include cutting a piece of Sheetrock with a keyhole saw to fill in the 3 inch gap? Although I've read there are no patch harness (http://www.celiamania.com/wordpress/?p=181) and the system in completely intergraded... Has anyone else had ANY success other than this????
  8. Sorry for the dupe listing... I'd like to revive this question.... My 99 LX 470 Nakamichi occasionally eats a cd (usually in the number 6 spot)... I turn on the heat and warm up the dash... then I go into a methodical eject, eject, eject, eject, stereo off, stereo on, eject, eject, eject, eject, stereo off, stereo on, eject, eject, eject, eject, stereo off, stereo on,... you get the picture... AND eventually, the son of a gun coughs up the cd's This has happened a dozen times over the past 6 or seven years.... At this point... all six are operational.... What I want is Sirius / XM and an iPod interface..... I don't care much for nav... I can read a map and figure out out to get home from the train station..... Has ANYONE found a GREAT solution to the aftermarket stereo that doesn't include cutting a piece of Sheetrock with a keyhole saw to fill in the 3 inch gap? Although I've read there are no patch harness (http://www.celiamania.com/wordpress/?p=181) and the system in completely intergraded... I have "borrowed" a few photos from the IH8MUD.COM website (a posting by 1loudLX August 08 - thank you for the unlicensed usage) which displays a Kenwood System... Has anyone else had ANY success other than this????
  9. I'd like to revive this question.... My 99 LX 470 Nakamichi occasionally eats a cd (usually in the number 6 spot)... I turn on the heat and warm up the dash... then I go into a methodical eject, eject, eject, eject, stereo off, stereo on, eject, eject, eject, eject, stereo off, stereo on, eject, eject, eject, eject, stereo off, stereo on,... you get the picture... AND eventually, the son of a gun coughs up the cd's This has happened a dozen times over the past 6 or seven years.... At this point... all six are operational.... What I want is Sirius / XM and an iPod interface..... I don't care much for nav... I can read a map and figure out out to get home from the train station..... Has ANYONE found a GREAT solution to the aftermarket stereo that doesn't include cutting a piece of Sheetrock with a keyhole saw to fill in the 3 inch gap? Although I've read there are no patch harness (http://www.celiamania.com/wordpress/?p=181) and the system in completely intergraded... I have "borrowed" a few photos from the IH8MUD.COM website (a posting by 1loudLX August 08 - thank you for the unlicensed usage) which displays a Kenwood System... Has anyone else had ANY success other than this????
  10. Not very good.... snapped the main lower tab off, and one of the side "stabilization" tabs that pinches thge inside of the fender's leading edge... I was able to remove the tab from the clip after and used some puddy epoxy to rebuild the lens tabs.... i used this stuff you knead in your hands and once it gets hot, it sets up in a minute or two and is hard as a rock in five..... it looked like a mess... but inside the fender, who cares.... all is well and the bulb is changed.... I really can't figure out any other way without putting the tab in jeapordy....
  11. Has anyone installed, purchased or even seen the Anzo CCFL Halo replacement headlights on an LX470.... my drivers side day time light is busted and I was considering the Anzo replacements.....???
  12. 1999 LX470 The other day I noticed the marker light out on my driver's side, when I locked the doors and the lights flashed, this one was out. OK, no prob (i thought). I came home from work early today to take advantage of a what little daylight was left and went right to it... open hood, remove screw on back of marker lens from frame rail... notice ther is NO room to stick my fingers, let alone, a screwdriver behind the lens assembly.... get my fingertips between the back edge of the lens and my fender... and thats when I heard the first clip or tab come loose and shoot along the inside of my fender... somewhere... never to be seen again... SO I immediately stop... put the screw back in place... and run inside to pound away on these keys..... anyone have any suggestions or tips for removing the marker light. Please tell me it is independent of the headlamp. I cannot imagine them engineering a bulb that cannot be changed without a lift and airtools.... All kidding aside, before I damage anything else, does anyone know the proper procedure? Thanks
  13. Thanks... found it. fixed it... I swear I went over that fuse the first time... don't know how I missed it..... Thanks again
  14. Original Post: AHC Suspension Accumulators - B & B Suspensions - Keith I own a 1999 LX 470 with 148,000 miles and I'm changing my accumulators (all 4) for the first time. In the past few months, my ride has become spongey (truck seems to roll left and right around turns and slow curves) but very HARD when negotiating potholes, bumps, etc. It just doesn't feel like the ride I'm used to. I like in New York and think the climate has been kind to me... I heard harsh weather and intense heat really beats up the system.... so after a call to B & B Suspensions and an hour + conversation with Keith, I have decided to go after market.... I have purchased 3 (2.5 liter) containers of the Toyota / Lexus AHC Fluid (part AHC Suspension Fluid 2.5 liter container 08886-01805), which by the way, is now $41 and red in color like their antifreeze... (purchased at Bronx Toyota Parts - Boston Post Road, see Ray Figueroa) I called 5 dealerships locally and found pricing $41 to $57.... I believe I have enough to change the globes and flush the system..... I have read a few forum threads on IH8MUD.COM... and feel I'm ready to take this on myself.... http://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruiser...sion-fluid.html Does anyone have ANY tips, tricks, watch out for's, suggestions before I start bleeding my first accumulator... I've done a visual inspection (when I was doing my O2 sensors) and everything SEEMS to be where everyone says it is.... I read about taking a 36mm open ended wrench and grinding it down to 8 - 9 mm thick..... UPDATE: FORGET THAT GRINDING THE $100 36mm WRENCH DOWN TO 8mm!!!!... get a FORD fan clutch wrench (they are a few bucks online... here's a link to Snap-on for you "Big Shots." Use Item Number: YA9325-1 http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?it...oup_ID=1503).... OR $16 on eBay http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford-Fan-Clutch-1984-and-NEWER-2-Piece-Wrench-Set_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem5d2468001aQQitemZ400042754074QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomo tiveQ5fTools It is 36mm and the PERFECT thickness.... my accumulators were original, ten years old and came off with just a little amount of pressure.... without the wrench this could be a lil knuckle buster..... I used a turkey baster to empty the reservior (with the truck in the LOW position), filled it to the brim with fresh, turned on the ignition and let the truck climb to the HIGH position, then started bleeding each accumulator (10 mm open end wrench).... did each one twice allowing the entire suspension to collapse (buy a length of clear tubing at Home Depot and attached to the end of the bleeder)... and continued until I had nice fresh fluid flowing.... This was possibly easier than changing the oil on this truck.... you DO NOT have to get under the truck... everything can be reached from outside the running boards and you don't have to drop the engine skid plate.... Keith said to allow AT THE MAX, 4 hours to complete.... I did everything in two hours, fifteen minutes with bull$#!ting and laughs.... I had one other guy helping me with the floor jack but this is definitely a one man job.... After completing the job, and spilling the oil out of my old accumulators... I think two were completely blown... the new ride was unbelieveably awesome.... firm yet smooth... and the truck lifts better, corners better and just feels fabulous.... I just hope I get the mileage out of these accumulators.... but as far as quality of ride, 4 STARS! I used 2 of the 3 2.5l containers of fluid.... it is relatively cheap compared to the system so let it flow when flushing out..... I plan on re-bleeding after ski season and a few trips to the Catskill Mountains of New York.... That should work out the kinks, and bubbles...... Thanks, Rob
  15. 1999 LX470 I have been posting recently with questions about my LX470 and appreciate all the help. I had considered after 10 years and 150,000 miles to sell the truck, and buy another previously owned LX… or a Land Cruiser or even maybe an FJ Cruiser. But after serious thought, I figured I’d stick with what I know and clean up / upgrade my truck and keep it for at least another 100,000…. So, I just did O2 sensors and installed 4 new B & B suspension accumulators (which are awesome, so far, and a breeze to do….) So what do I want now…. a. Does anyone know of a GREAT aftermarket stereo to replace the Nakamichi, which will only play discs 1 through 4 at the moment. I’d like satellite, and an ipod docking station. Navigation is unnecessary. b. Is anyone else having a problem with the telescopic steering column? c. Does anyone have a problem turning off the AC when the dashboard is cold? d. I have had two sets of BF Goodrich AT Kos on the stock rims… Does anyone have another suggestion for an aggressive looking tire on the original LX470 rims? e. My driver’s side daytime driving lens is chipped… any suggestions other than the broken tab eBay quest or the ANZO halo lens? Thanks for taking the time to read… I appreciate any comments or suggestions. AND YES, I’ve heard “bring it to the dealer.” already…. Thanks, Rob
×
×
  • Create New...

Forums


News


Membership