SOLVED! AHC System Lexus LX470 Bouncy Ride Pogo Stick Problem 98-07 Toyota Land Cruiser GX470

Links to things I used in this video
AHC Fluid: amzn.to/3kLOtV1
Fan clutch Wrench: amzn.to/3FoMejQ
Penetrating Oil: amzn.to/3ykZ7dd
10mm Wrench: amzn.to/3KQkDcw
Hose for draining fluid:
Globes New: amzn.to/3KMCQaF or ebay.us/S2DoXu
Globes Used:
LED interior lights: amzn.to/3yiQ50g
I bought this Lexus LX470 for a great price, but the previous owner was quoted over $2000 to fix the bouncy ride AHC problem. I have worked on these before and figured I could solve the issue for a lot less than $2000.
Here are some things to look at before you start working on it.
First do a graduation test. This will show you how healthy your globes are.
1. Put vehicle in LOW. Mark fluid level in AHC reservoir.
2. Put vehicle in HIGH.
3. Number of graduations (ticks) on the reservoir from LO to HI should be at least 7. If less, your globes are shot and can be very expensive to replace.
If you aren't moving up or down at all, you most likely have an issue with the pump under the reservoir, or an electrical issue. Also if you have any codes for your AHC system, check those.
Next to see if you have front or rear globe failure...
1. Drive over a bump slowly with your front wheels. If you feel a lot of vibration when you go over with the front, then you probably need your front replaced.
2. If you feel more of a vibration when you go over with the rear your rear need replaced.
If your rear is where the bounce comes from you may also have an issue with your rear springs. This can be fixed by replacing your rear springs or adding spacers/air bags.
Other things that go bad often are the height sensors. Usually those will throw a code. I would check each component for leaks, or any visible damage before doing anything.
Here are some of the things I use daily when working on cars:
amzn.to/37jyVEM --- OBD II Scanner
amzn.to/37jySJ6 --- Oil Life Reset Tool
amzn.to/3wovipJ --- Microfiber Towels
amzn.to/3OV8Ahh --- Heavy Duty Jumper Pack
amzn.to/3kIKwQE --- Pocket Sized Jumper Pack
amzn.to/3s9RmDa --- 12v Battery Charger
I use affiliate links to promote things that I use in my videos. I may receive commission from these links/videos if you purchase an item using a link that I provided.

[@MagnusVonMaggie]

Great video, you are totally right. Changed mine and A HUGE DIFFERENCE IN RIDE. It was jumpy and extra bouncy on the road when hitting ups and downs. On speed bumps it felt like I was in my super stiff f250 pickup. Now I feel like it’s a magic carpet just smoothly absorbing the road

[@cleanfactorenergyinc2803]

perfect video that exactly addresses my LX 470 bouncing issue. I sure hope I have the same results...i guessed that the problem was with my struts - which still may be the case. thanks for posting

[@XillOverdrive]

How did you calibrate the AHC system after replacing the globes and refilling with AHC fluid?

[@NKPGarage]

Great video! AHC is an amazingly engineered system. Problem is that many owners do not maintain it. Had the same issue on our old LX470 and our current LX570 and was able to fix both very easily.

[@roughtough3814]

Sir i got the Toyota 470 2003mine is also so much hard when it jumps it reverbrates continuously some suggestions

[@mereesemanigan]

Does the driver side front globe clear that little tank sure looks like it won’t on mine

[@akeemclarke5931]

My 2002 lx I just changed the Stabilizer links and upper control arms And it seems that the front of it is bouncingLike a pogo stick so I’m going to check that and follow up with you

[@user-ef6hu8ku9e]

Hey just for the 2001 Lexus LX 470 and the rear suspension is bouncy should I just bleed and refill the suspension, the car was sitting for couple months before I got it please lmk thanks

[@MIA786]

Exactly what I was looking for! Have the same issue with a LC-101. Thank you for sharing such an informative video, it will surely help me overcome this problem now. Best Regards from 🇵🇰

[@karrskars]

You’re welcome!!

[@tjlocksmithandcardiagnosti230]

Hi sir ive tried replace all accumulator and shock already bleed all line but still bouncy ride

[@munazzaraza7707]

Do you have stock tire size? ​@@tjlocksmithandcardiagnosti230

[@rict1969]

hi, does the Ancel AD310 able to readed your Land cruiser odb codes?

[@smitty4699]

what size wrench to remove globe?

[@LimitOfN]

This was an excellent video. Thanks for sharing the knowledge. I have liked and subscribed. A few questions if you have the time, if not I completely understand. Can I ask where you found the replacement globe? When you check the AHC fluid level in the reservoir now, are you coming closer to the 7 or 8 graduations? Did you only replace the single globe after coming to the conclusion that the others were fine? Also, would you mind sharing what the pencil test was? My AHC is working just fine at this point but I love knowing that the repair could be relatively simple. I get 8 graduations of movement at this point on my new to me 2000 lx. I replaced the fluid and noticed a significant ride improvement. The old stuff was black and disgusting. Before buying, this really was my biggest concern. I think think AHC gets a bad rap these days. Its a fantastic system with a very comfortable ride!

[@localgooddude2758]

Would also like hear more about the pencil test as well as the graduation improvement afterwards. Awesome video thanks for taking the time!

[@karrskars]

Pencil test is just stickin the eraser part of the pencil into the glove hole and pushing on the membrane part. If it is broke there won’t be any resistance. If it is intact there will be resistance.

[@karrskars]

The AHC is just hard to diag if you don’t know what you’re doing. And so most places want you to replace anything instead of just the issue (because they don’t know what the exact issue is)

[@hamzahabits7912]

Thanks for your video I have the same problem with my lexus steck in low

[@karrskars]

If it’s stuck in low it could be a pump issue or something else.

[@sombounsouyavong4191]

Yes ! I have bounced problems on the rear side and the back side of the car 2005 Lexus lx 470 is lower then front side . What should I do? Thanks

[@nadermahmoud8714]

Thank you very good information

[@roughtough3814]

Sir i liked ur video and also subscribed meanful knowledge

[@Xplorer.Adventures]

Bleeding technique? All acutators and acumulator at once untill dry when in LOW? Refill reservoir, start the car, repressurise, turn off, bleed again all untill new fluid comes out, check reservoir for fluid level, start the car, go to NORMAL and refill reservoir to between MIN and MAX?

[@bigwavedave2550]

Nice video and glad to see you were able to fix the issue. I have two questions for you if you don't mind that I haven't been able to find and answer to: 1) In checking to see if the AHC system will lower or raise the truck, after pushing the button can you open the door mid process or will that cancel/fail the command? 2) Do you need to [partially] fill the new globes with fluid before assembly to prevent air in the system or did you screw them back on dry? Thanks!

[@karrskars]

I believe if you open the door it will pause it. And I did it dry and then bled it after.

[@bigwavedave2550]

@@karrskars ok, thank you 👍

[@stinkenlinken]

Hey. I love your video. I was wondering if you had a way of determining which globes were bad? I was thinking about only getting 2 at a time but want to replace the ones having the most trouble. My Resovoir shows a movement of about 8 graduations. Trying to figure out which to do. Both fronts or both rears or a front and a rear on each side. Let me know your thoughts.

[@karrskars]

Best way to do it is slowly drive over a bump with your front tires and see how bouncy it is. Then slowly do your rear tires and see how bouncy it is. That should help you see whether the front or rear is bad.

[@ozzie3056]

Do you replace in pairs or it doesn't matter?

[@stinkenlinken]

@@ozzie3056 I purchased a full set of new globes (4) for a total cost of $725. I also purchased 3 liters of AHC fluid for the flush. Based on your video should be fairly easy barring challenges getting the old globes off since they have been on for 16 years. Note: the dealer quoted me $4700 just for the globes.

[@ozzie3056]

@@stinkenlinken did you use his link. Where did you buy ? Did it solve your problem? I'm having the same issue my car goes up and down but rides like a pogo stick. I wanna do all of them but I'm skeptical if this will solve the issue or if there's something else wrong. I went to a dealer in Miami the quoted me around 1k each glove which is Ludacris. If on ebay they range between. 800 and 1100 for all 4.

[@stinkenlinken]

@@ozzie3056 I have not done the work yet. I am in the process of moving so I won’t get to it for another month. Here is the link. en.impex-jp.com/

[@benjaminborden7946]

curious as to whether its bouncing without having a bad accumulator? Like just needing a flush? Mine is bouncy but will raise and lower

[@TPSYKRT]

Mine are good replaced them and no more bounce. Mine rose and dropped

[@ricepony33]

Thank you for that

[@smitty4699]

i just replaced both my front globes. easy as pie

[@rjhein]

Hey did you end up actually changing that bad globe? You said it was foaming, and had a photo, you said that globe was bad, but did you just put the bad globe back on? Or did you replace it? Or is there a simple way to just rebuild it? Just curious what you actually did for the $100? Did you just do the fluid and that's it?

[@karrskars]

I replaced it with a used one I found at the junk yard for $45. I replaced both front ones. No there isn’t a way to repair these unless you can take it apart and have the parts.

[@ozzie3056]

If I source these out at a junkyard is there a way of knowing if they're good or Bad?

[@JV-py3lg]

Where did you find accumulators for a good price? Used possibly

[@karrskars]

I have a used set for $600. I have quite a few parts cars.

[@79HANHHO]

Thanks you

[@joedurkin9965]

is this Globe part on the 2007 GX470? I don't see any part called Globe.

[@karrskars]

Gx470 isn’t the same system.

[@muhammedq9109]

The front wheels on mine are the stiff ones the rear is still smooth which side should I check ?

[@karrskars]

Go over bumps angling your car so only one wheel goes over. See which one is worse.

[@erico4945]

Where in Utah are you? Could I hire you to swap out my globes if I bring over the parts and fluid?

[@karrskars]

Yes sir! I’m in lehi. Feel free to message me at [e-mail]

[@fishingaddict3604]

I have a 2007 Lexus GX470 and I am not able to find the similar reservoir like LX470 after opening the engine compartment . any idea where it is? does GX470 use the same globes as LX470?

[@karrskars]

I believe your reservoir is by the rear right hand tire somewhere under the vehicle.

[@karrskars]

And no it’s only rear air bags. Front isn’t AHC just rear.

[@malaristube]

Unlike the LX, the system on the GX is not hydraulic. It is air suspension and only for the rear.

[@stinkenlinken]

Thanks. I will try that.

[@karrskars]

Did you figure it out?

[@stinkenlinken]

@@karrskars not yet. I am trying to source new globes. Found brand new ones for $598 plus shipping of about $90. Waiting until after Christmas to order.

[@stinkenlinken]

I have been watching your video again and read somewhere that we are not supposed to let the AHC tank get empty otherwise air will enter the system. However I am guessing that doesn’t apply when you replace the globes as it enters from there correct? You can fully empty and then just fill the tank start the car and then bleed the system right? Do you bleed the globes while the car is running ?

[@sarousahakiyan6917]

Hi ... I have a 2006 Land cruiser , don't have a pogo stick problem but I have a serious nose dive problem every time I brake other than that it rides smooth, wondering what causes that ... I will Appreciate your respond and opinion on this matter ... Thanks

[@karrskars]

What does the vehicle do after you brake? Like when momentum changes

[@sarousahakiyan6917]

@@karrskars Yes. when momentum changes, like coming at a stop light and want to slow down the front of the car nose in dives like tilting foreword feels like the front shocks are bad, other than that the AHC SYSTEM works good like raising and lowering the car ... Thanks for getting back to me

[@AK-ht9ej]

How do i know if i need to change the 4 globes or just the front 2?

[@karrskars]

Drive over a bump slowly. Drive front two tires over and see how much it goes up and down. Go over with the back tires and see. Depending on which is worse, you replace

[@AK-ht9ej]

@@karrskars thank you!

[@RoderickGI]

Where on earth did you find two front accumulators for US$100?! I tried aftermarket some years ago, which was a miserable failure. I ended up buying a full set of four OEM accumulators from Lexus (was the same price as Toyota) three years ago for AU$4,500! The Amazon link above only shows a set of four for $1,128, from one supplier. I'm not sure if that is AU or US dollars. But even that is way better than anything I could find three years ago. Even from Japan direct.

[@karrskars]

Used ones at junk yards

[@RCPILOT.]

Hello I need help , I have the same problem with my lexus 470

[@RCPILOT.]

So in which ever globe forms forms we gave to change it ?

[@victoriachanel2493]

All of the sudden while I am driving and press on the brake , the "R" (reverse) lights up and the backup camera comes on. Any idea what's going on? I brought it to several mechanics and no one seems to know what is going on. Thank you!

[@karrskars]

Must be an electrical issue where the computer thinks you are in reverse

[@karrskars]

Looks like you have a bad ground wire somewhere.

[@victoriachanel2493]

@@karrskars thank you for responding, I will mention that to the next mechanic I bring it to...I will say that it has gone away on it's own at least 4 times..but it's back again. I first thought it had something to do with the gas tank cover, but I replaced it with a new one already and problem hasn't gone away. Each time they hook it up to the scanner reader, it says it's the safety neutral switch, but again I had it replaced brand new.

[@tashitshokey6324]

Hello sir, I have a 2001 model land cruiser VX. I also have the same problem, when I drive on bumps, it’s bounces. But I can rise H and L, looks like the accumulator is working. Like in your video it’s bounce when I drive. Any solution.

[@karrskars]

You’ll still be able to rise or lower it. One of your accumulators is probably shot or rear springs.

[@mahmoudhomran6868]

You replace globes ? Or only clean it?

[@karrskars]

Replaced both front globes

[@dakotahensley5417]

I have the exact same vehicle and when I bought it. The vehicle was very bouncy then the AHC stop working completely and now stuck in low any ideas the ride is absolutely horrible

[@karrskars]

Check fluid first. If fluid is good, maybe your pump is bad. Does it make noise when you press the buttons? Feel free to email [e-mail] for better help!!

[@dakotahensley5417]

I think I found the issue

[@dakotahensley5417]

@@karrskars so when I bought the vehicle everything worked amazing the lifting lowering etc just very bouncy. The the height control "OFF" light started flashing, but still everything worked. Then everything stopped working and the vehicle is stuck in low. But the other day I went under the vehicle and the lower shock bolt and the rub boot was completely gone the shock was just hanging there.

[@bacchasmichael2017]

Changed the globes pumping is running but nothing is coming from the reservoir and assistance?

[@karrskars]

What do you mean nothing is coming from reservoir?

[@bacchasmichael2017]

@@karrskars the pump sings but the lines are dry and the reservoir remains full

[@RoderickGI]

@@bacchasmichael2017 You need to prime the pump. Search the IH8MUD forum for instructions as to how. You have to be careful to NEVER let the pump run dry, as priming it can be difficult, plus you can damage it of course.

[@drdittyboomba]

So did you continue to check the the reservoir and top it up between each globe removal? Is that something important to do, especially if changing all four globes?

[@AnaPerez-yt5lq]

I have the same problem with my car I changed the new suspension

[@AnaPerez-yt5lq]

And I don't know what I cannot do

[@chibu3972]

Do you know what size the fan clutch wrench is in millimeters? I have a 32 mm (millimeter) spanner and it doesn't fit around the neck of the accumulator. Edit: The wrench diameter is 36mm and the body of the wrench is 6mm in height. Check the replies to this comment for more info.

[@miro333youtification]

I cannot find any wrench for this, where the hell did he get the wrench for this..

[@chibu3972]

@@miro333youtification The wrench diameter is 36mm and the body of the wrench is 6mm in height. Had to go to a machine shop and they custom made one for me for about 11 US Dollars.

[@roderikwarhamar5540]

A ford 36mm fan clutch wrench works perfectly. I got one for about $20 on Amazon. Or, you can rent from a chain auto parts store.

[@thugibra99]

I have exactly the same problem , can you give me your email address i want to send you the video for my vehicle

[@karrskars]

[e-mail]