At What Mileage Did You Have Major Air Suspension Problems?

[nuck]

I have another thread posted on buying a used 430 but because the air suspension seems to be one of the few expensive component failures I thought I would be more specific.

For those who have had the failure off warranty, what was the cost of the fix?

I have read that one method of correcting is to convert the vehicle back to a conventional suspension type. Is that shocks and springs?

[jcrome04]

I believe Arnott(?) or Strutmaster make Air to Spring conversions.

I'd stay away from a used car with air susp. Can be a major headache if anything fails.

[nuck]

I believe Arnott(?) or Strutmaster make Air to Spring conversions.

I'd stay away from a used car with air susp. Can be a major headache if anything fails.

That is sort of my thinking since I am looking at a car with no warranty. I have no problem paying a couple thousand dollars to correct a problem but the posts I have read suggest it is a far more costly fix than that. May as well buy a car with known engine failure issues.

The only problem is the air suspension is tied to all those other excellent Ultra options, cooled seats, massage and adjustible rear seats, rear a/c etc.

The Arnott and Strutmaster conversions seem to be for the 400 only. Memoryfab makes a complete replacement air system that will fit the 430 http://www.memoryfab.com/products/detail_suspension_48/ for $2300 without labour.

Tanabe and Tein make coilover systems for the 430 for under $1500.00 but I can't tell if this completely replaces the air ride. http://www.autocarparts.com/c_lexus_LS_430_c_Suspension/

JICMAGIC wants almost $2400.00 http://www.hopupracing.com/jicmaflviplu3.html

I would assume you can disable the air ride and just go over to the coilovers since they would be kind of like what is on the non air 430 models.

EDIT: Parts.com has the rear air struts for $755.00 http://www.parts.com/lexus/2005-lexus-ls-4...nsion-parts.cfm I am not sure what the single most common component failure with the air systems is but if that is the worst of it, not so bad.

[jcrome04]

Glad to see you did your homework.

If the repair, _{sometime down the road}, is no problem for you then I'd say go for it!! B)

[jpilk99]

Glad to see you did your homework.

If the repair, _{sometime down the road}, is no problem for you then I'd say go for it!! B)

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I feel like such an idiot - I never read anything about problems with the air suspension. ??? My 04' LS430 Ultra is now running around on it's tip toes, stiff as a board. I don't know how bad the problem is - as it seem like a sensor or some electrical component is telling the air suspension to PUMP UP to full bore. What's weird is that there is NO WAY this is one of the selectable ride heights; it's just too high. Actually un-safe. I hit one bump and the rear end almost jumps off the ground.

Now that I'm reading all these posts and reviews about staying away from air-suspension cars; ...I'm a scared. Holy crud!!! $3,000. But, my real curiosity is: If it's just stuck on FULL THROTTLE AIR PRESSURE - shouldn't I be able to change a switch/sensor and have it go back to normal.

PLEASE GAHD, I hope someone has good information for me.

Jay