Lexus LX570 / LandCruiser AHC suspension fluid change

[@holy771111777117]

For anyone watching this video and contemplating doing their own AHC fluid flush, DO IT. This video is pretty spot on and OP did a great job with the video. After watching this video and stitching it with info from other sites like ih8mud, I did mine yesterday and it was so simple. My 08 LX570 has 193K and definitely needed it. It required about 4-5 liters. I had ordered 2 of the 2.5 liter AHC fluid, a simple pump from Walmart, a larger 20 oz brake bleeder kit online, and a short as possible 10mm wrench. Only difference was I started on the LF since the motor and reservoir was on the RR (furthest away from pump). In order I did LF, RF, LR, RR. Had to do it twice to get the pink fluid on the 2nd flush on the final RR flush. I think if you do it regularly, a single flush would have been sufficient. Couple tips, start by adding fluid to the max level on N before 1st bleed, last thing you want, like OP states, is air in the lines. The bleeder valve only needs a quarter turn, half turn at the most to release the fluid. Having a short (2-3 inch) 10 mm wrench makes it easier for the rear bleeders. The small standard brake bleed kits will work, but you will have to close valve and dump fluid before full release and then restart. When adding fluid to the reservoir, pump slowly and put some shop towels blow the valve. Vehicle should be on the ground and this is enough space to do the job, no reason to be under the vehicle while releasing the bleeder valve. For someone like me who had really old fluid, you can definitely tell the difference in ride quality and how quickly it changes from Low-N-High.

[@desparky]

Thanks for the extra tips in your comment. I might do an updated video the next time I change the fluid and incorporate your suggestions, or maybe you could post a video too. Either way it's good to help other people out. Enjoy your refreshed smoother ride.

[@thooks1234]

Holy, Thank you for the reassurance that this needs to be performed. I've talked to a couple of shops (Toy/Lex only Indy shops) and they say "don't touch it." I think it's a matter of the old wives tale of "don't change the transmission fluid", where they are scared to do this, most likely don't have anyone that is qualified/experienced and no one that is an enthusiast, and don't want any liability. But I have some questions- 1. Do you think a 10mm crow's foot will work better? I'm more than willing to buy a 10 mm wrench and cut it short. 2. I don't understand the brake bleeder kit. I am under the impression that you simply open the bleeder screw and it drains, like a brake bleeder screw and someone has the brake depressed. I'm assuming you 'catch' the fall of the vehicle by closing the bleeder screw before it drops all the way. Please explain. Thank you again.

[@desparky]

@@thooks1234 Just a normal 10mm spanner (wrench) worked fine. As for the "brake bleeder", I'm just referring to a long piece of tube that fits over the bleeder nipple and runs into a plastic bottle to catch the fluid. Unlike bleeding brakes where you need a person to press on the pedal to create the pressure, this system is already under pressure. You crack the bleeder and bleed the fluid off.. As you do this, the car begins to lower so you have to ensure nothing including your head or tools are under the car. If you're careful, you can slowly lower the car in a controlled manner as you let the fluid out. Then close the bleeder just as the car begins to stop lowering. This ensurers that no air gets back into the system. Also having the hose attached to the bleeder with fluid already in it will also stop air creeping back in. Good luck.

[@thooks1234]

@@desparky Got it! Thanks.

[@xuhan4745]

Great video. I did mine at 136000KM (84k miles). The old fluid came out light brown with no visible contaminant particles. At 140000KM, I had all 4 shock absorbers and springs replaced because they are dirt cheap where I am (front shock less than 200USD, rear shock 50USD). The procedure is a combination of a regular shock replacement, your fluid change and bleeding. I highly suggest it since no OE shocks last forever.

[@NKPGarage]

Great step by step video on the AHC system. We love our Lx570 and it's suspension. It makes for an amazing ride, and also fantastic for towing!

[@buzzpedrotti5401]

Very interesting. Thanks. I'm considering an USED LX570 purchase in the states. This was helpful.

[@xuhan4745]

To add another point, I test drove a few LX570, from the brand new ones on the dealer floor to a few with 150K+ km owned by local 4x4 club members. They all have the same idle and 3000rpm oil pressures according to the oil gauge. That tells me these engines didn't lose any clearance after 10 years and 200000km. These engines indeed can last 1 million km. Still, to give myself an ease of mind, I stopped use pure 0w-20 engine oil anymore. I now add 5quarts of 0w-20 and 3quarts of 0w-30. Combined that is 0w-24 oil. The oil pressure is slightly higher than brand new engine with pure 0w-20 at idle and 3000rpm. Also no more Toyota 75w-85 low viscosity gear oil for the front and rear differentials. I switched to Mobil 1 75w-90LS gear oil. Lastly, I took down the transmission oil pan and replaced the filter, and then did 3 consecutive oil drains, using a total of 12 liters of ATF-WS fluid. My math shows after 3 drain and refills, I brought down the dirty old oil percentage to roughly 25-30%. Good enough for me.

[@desparky]

Here in Australia, the handbook specifies 10W-30 full synthetic engine oil at the ambient temperatures where I live. I've noticed that 0W-20 is recommended in other countries. I hope you're right about how long the engine should last Xu Han. I have checked the Transmission fluid level, and made sure the fluid doesn't smell burnt. I have just finished installing a hoist (vehicle lift) in my shed, so I'll change the transmission fluid and filter soon. After that, all the car's fluids and filters will have been changed.

[@xuhan4745]

I always find 0w oils are better even for hot summers. Based on my toyota techstream software interface via OBDII cable, oil temperature rises much slower than coolant. Oil temp was only at 50degree C after 5-8mins. So maybe you can give something like Mobil 1 AFE 0w-30 a try? Another thing, remember to buy the transmission gasket and filter before you drop the pan. I forgot whether the filter came with the critical o-ring for sealing the filter to the transmission valvebody. Make sure you have a new o-ring before you drop the pan. Good luck :)

[@desparky]

Thanks for the advice Xu Han. When I think back over this winter, my car has only really been driven the short run to work (7km) in 0 to 12 degree temperatures. I might have to rethink the oil I use and find out if the engine specs are the same here in Australia. I'd be surprised if they are different.

[@1987yuksel]

Hi Can you help me please, How often we need to change Front,Rear Transfer case gear oil and transmission fluid ?

[@mohammedsuhail7051]

Thanks a lot @desparky, My LX570 (2009) is bouncing like crazy from behind, a small bump causes it to bounce crazy from the backend. Now i am not sure if it is the Fluid Reflush or it is a Globe or Shock Absorber issue. Bit confused. It would be great if you can share your advise. Thanks again

[@desparky]

Sounds like a shock absorber. With normal shock absorbers you can disconnect the bottom mount then see how easily it can be pushed in/out by hand. It should have some resistance. If it moves easily it's faulty. However as these shocks also provide force to lift the car I'm not sure how to check them. They would have to be completely depressurised. You may need to do some research. It may also be a problem with the valve selector that controls sport/normal/comfort settings.

[@mohammedsuhail7051]

Thanks a lot again for sharing @@desparky I will check that.

[@EnzoLim4]

Our ‘13 LC 200 has the same problem. Bouncing like crazy on every road flaws. We already changed all 4 shock absorbers from Toyota but sadly the “bounce” is still there. What could be the cause? Does it need a reflush, Top up fluid,Empty on fluid or Globe? Thanks! Cheers 🍻

[@pwatom22]

Useful info and great video. Thanks !

[@desparky]

Glad it helped. Cheers

[@magnusingberg]

It's very helpful, I got a LC 200 in Iceland. I cut not find the reservoir for this fluid

[@VexVengeance]

Hey I noticed you have 220,000km on the odometer, but your driver seat looks immaculate. Did you have your seat reupholstered? My 2015 LX only has 65,000km, but the driver seat looks really bad. It's cracking, peeling, discolouring, and just doesn't look good.

[@desparky]

No, the seat is original. It maybe looks better in the video than real life. All in all though, it;s still in good shape, for leather. I put leather conditioning stuff on it a every year, not sure what the previous owner did. I'm also pretty careful to not slide out off the seat when I get out, using the handle and side step to lift myself off the seat. Every Lansdcruiser I've had, the side of the seat has worn badly. I've tried to look after this one, but the edge is still worn. BTW, I don't really like leather, and prefer cloth seats.

[@pratuborneomotor915]

Great Video

[@shaunr5450]

Sorry if I missed it but how much fluid did you need? They no longer sell the big jug you have in the video, here in US it's by the quart now. Thanks for the video!!

[@desparky]

I only used one can (2.5 litre). Toyota part number 08886-01805. Cheers

[@FASTECAUTO]

Nicely explained

[@desparky]

Thanks Josiah. I hope it helps some people out.

[@thedaily7342]

Hi brother i chang luxus 570 2013 model shocks but aftar chang haydraulic not working can u help me plz

[@desparky]

Hi mate, my video shows the only work I've done on the LX570 hydraulic system. If your pump is running and the suspension not lifting I can only assume that yours may have got air in it. Have you tried filling the hydraulic reservoir and making the pump run (by selecting suspension high setting), then opening the bleeders on the accumulators (located under the side steps) to let the air escape? You also may have to bleed the air out at the shocks somehow too by carefully just cracking loose a fitting. Let us know how you go, and maybe put a video up if you manage to work it out.

[@amilvilleda]

Thanks for information

[@lyneelsa2265]

hi just bought 2008 lx 570 and I got suspension problem. i boughtnew one and made it install by my mechanic but still not working. can you help me

[@desparky]

I'm not a Lexus/Toyota mechanic, I'm just a guy who fixes his own cars. I may be able to help, or maybe someone will know and write a comment. What was wrong and what part did you replace? Can you hear the pump running?

[@holy771111777117]

Just to verify, did you bleed the fluid and then refill the reservoir after each bleed? RF bleed, refill, LF bleed, refill, RR bleed, refill, LR bleed refill?

[@desparky]

Yes, that's correct. I topped up the reservoir after each bleed. From memory I may have bled the first one then ran the pump but let the reservoir get low before filling, so as to only have fresh fluid in there. Sorry, it was some time ago so I can't say for sure. Either way, just ensure that the reservoir never gets empty and allows the pump to suck air into the system. Good luck and take care. Just be really aware of the car lowering as you bleed off the accumulator pressure.

[@chrisluo4162]

G’day mate, great video ! Did you notice any booming sound coming from the engine bay only during 1,600-2,000rpm? Cheers

[@desparky]

No, no noise at all really.

[@ronevans1574]

Hi mate , thinking of buying 2008/2010 LX 570 for towing a Caravan around Australia. Any thoughts or experiences would be appreciated, very little to none on youtube. thanks

[@desparky]

Hey Ron. I'll try to make a video tomorrow for you.

[@zedohh4450]

Great video loved it..Can you do a video on the ahc sensor replacement?

[@desparky]

Thanks Zed Ohh. So far I've only been making videos on stuff I've needed to do on my own car and shared the information that I've researched to help other people. I'd like to get time to do more videos in the future. Thanks for the suggestion. Cheers

[@dr.emilschaffhausen4683]

Did you remove the chrome from the door, or did this LX not come with the door bling?

[@desparky]

No, that's how this model comes from the factory. At least here in Australia.

[@dr.emilschaffhausen4683]

@@desparky Thanks! They have molding with chrome on the doors here, but I'll be removing mine. I like the look without it.

[@desparky]

@@dr.emilschaffhausen4683 Where are you? Not sure if it helps, but I know you can use braided fishing line to remove badges. It might work for body mouldings too if they are held on by double sided tape. Also Isopropyl Alcohol breaks down some adhesives. Anyway, yeah the clean look on the doors does look good, but don't go too crazy trying to remove them. Some manufacturers use polyurethane adhesives. You can really damage panels trying to get them off. Maybe ask a local body repair shop. Good luck mate.

[@dr.emilschaffhausen4683]

@@desparky Thanks for the detail. Have been reading the forums today. Seems that some have been successful removing them. Sadly, after 2013 the moldings are pinned to the doors, so you 'd be left with holes removing them. On my 2010 I don't have that issue. Going to start work today before putting on my 18" Land Cruiser wheels. Slowly but surely!

[@dr.emilschaffhausen4683]

@@desparky I'm in the United States.

[@smileplease444]

Thanks man.. really really appreciated

[@desparky]

Glad to have helped.

[@anthonyaztiptoenailsandspa7259]

Is 1 can of AHC fluid enough to finish the job?

[@desparky]

@anthonyaztiptoenailsandspa7259 Yes. I bought 2 cans but only used one.

[@ve3plo]

Did you use up all the fluid by doing this?

[@desparky]

I used only one container (2.5L). Part no. TO0888601805

[@elibutton]

how do you make it automatically lower everytime you shut car off and get out? as opposed to flipping the switch

[@desparky]

There's a button on the dashboard near your knee on the door side (on right hand drive... it may be the same on LHD). There's 3 buttons, one for the rear tail gate, one for the headlight AFS (moving headlights), and the third one that looks like a person getting out of a door is the automatic lowering function. When it's selected a symbol comes up on the dash. When you turn off the engine, the car automatically lowers, but don't open the door immediately or it will stop lowering. The car lifts up again the next time you drive and get above something like 15kmh. Cheers.

[@sebastianpietrzyk9138]

How did you lower it with the remote??

[@desparky]

The AHC won't operate if any doors are open. So I had the rear tailgate open, then selected LOW in the car before getting out. Then as I started recording I closed the rear tailgate with the remote. I also use a similar method when attaching/detaching a trailer. IE, open the tailgate, select raise or lower, get out and close driver's door with engine still running. Then I can go to the towbar and press the close button on the tailgate as I hold the trailer latch. As soon as the tailgate closes, the car raises or lowers.

[@bobbyhandoko323]

Hi, how many liters of the fluid needed? Thanks

[@desparky]

I only used one container of fluid (2.5 litres). The container, with Toyota part numbers is a 8:32. Cheers

[@khoaiii]

I have the 2007 LX 470, flushing or refilling the fluids are quite simple. I understand ahc liquid is supposed to be lifetime warranty, that's why they are sealed off; the transmission too. But come on, nothing is lifetime. My AHC fluid is so dirty and possibly contaminated at 96k miles. It look me about 10 minutes to complete system flush. The 570 looks like a nightmare. Nice all terrain tires, how's your mpg?

[@desparky]

Hi rpgaming.... Our expectations of a car's lifetime, and the manufacturers idea are probably different, haha. My car has done just over 220000km (about 140000miles). The service book for the LX570 actually says to change the AHC fluid at 200000km, and the old fluid was definitely darker than the new stuff. My video of the task wasn't all that good, but I only thought I'd record my progress to help others, as I couldn't find much information on the LX570. It wasn't too hard a job, and will be easier if I ever have to do it again. The suspension damping feels a lot firmer now, but that may all be in my head though!!! The BF Goodrich all terrains are the same size as the original tyres. They don't seem to have had much effect on milage, it's still terrible!!! I mostly only do lots of short trips now (less than 10km). I average about 18L/100km (13mpg USA) around town, and about 14L/100km (16.8mpg USA) on a trip. Towing a caravan (travel trailer) it does anything from 18L/100 to 22L/100 (13 to 11mpg). I tend to drive it fairly un-econimically though.

[@khoaiii]

140k miles, she's barely broken in. keep on these maintenance and she'll be around for a long while. I love my LX 470.

[@d1sturb3d119]

Lifetime is a requirement from the EPA if the fluid's life span exceeds 100k miles. Definitely not lifetime and a lot of these systems could be saved if the fluid were preemptively changed.

[@dhinubhaskaran9935]

Sir I want to know the each and every procedure for installing the new shock absorber of the lexus lx 570..... Please give me a reply with a video

[@desparky]

If I ever have to replace them I'll make a video of it. Cheers

[@svein-haraldribland8559]

I have this in my Land Cruiser 200.

[@rubiokanalas5979]

AHC systemp👍