Is Toyota and Lexus Air Suspension Reliable? Everything You Need to Know

A Toyota Specialist shares the truth about Toyota and Lexus air suspension.
I investigate a case with a Lexus GX470 air suspension to share with you real reliability information on Toyota and Lexus air suspension designs from real world experience.
Typically air suspension is a topic that scares owners and buyers but in reality Toyota does make reliable air suspension systems in their trucks. However on their sedans while they are reliable things can get very expensive very quickly.
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[@rightlanehog3151]

AMD, The main reason I would avoid the Toyota/Lexus air suspension relates directly to the fact I can't afford the Toyota/Lexus models that offer it. 😉🤣

[@brucelee5465]

Why

[@cormaro13]

​@@brucelee5465cause he's a broke boy 😂

[@henryviiifake8244]

Understandable, have a nice day. 🗿👍

[@MattExzy]

Funds aside, I think I'd avoid any car from any manufacturer with air suspension. Looks like a headache.

[@BiggMo]

Actually… this might provide an opportunity. Someone may be selling their GX under valued because of the air suspension problems… and swapping to coil spring isn’t that difficult. Maybe something to watch for.

[@Thankyou_3]

For a 15 year old truck it is pretty amazing it lasted this long considering the owner neglected to keep up with maintenance.

[@computercrack]

As someone who has been working in suspension development for over ten years and mostly on air springs I have never seen air leaking through the bellow like that and I have basically seen everything. Tells me our products are designed somewhat better with a fully closed gaiter top to bottom. Now you can run air springs without or like here an open gaiter, but sooner or later rocks and debris will be caught in the air spring and pierce the rubber. Seeing some kind of laziness on a Lexus like that looks somewhat strange. Cost for a closed gaiter may have been a dollar or more on parts price for the OEM.

[@batchone1753]

Love your channel and insights you offer. I also have a 2007 gx-470. Have 305,000 miles. Already replaced rear suspension at 210,000 miles. Bought new, always changed oil every 5000 miles. Engine burns very little oil between oil changes. Original transmission. Considering I never got to 100,000 miles with a domestic vehicle, cannot say enough great things about Lexus. Just wish they had timing chain - I've replaced timing belt and water pump every 100,000 miles. Keep up the great work.

[@Dac54]

The air bags for the rear suspension are not all that expensive. But four shock absorbers, rear axle seal, parking brake, front right wheel bearing, the looseness in the front suspension, leaky transfer case, and whatever issues, including the possibility of replacing the timing belt and water pump are found in the engine bay are going to make for a hefty repair bill. Oh, and add in the cost of four new tires. Still, if the vehicle is in good condition otherwise, it's worth it when one considers the price of a new one and the cost of the insurance premium.

[@markf8256]

True. This past summer we dropped $4k on our 2013 Highlander limited w/ 150,000 miles. It needed pads and rotors and struts all the way around. Thanks to AMD’s videos I was able to discuss the stated repairs intelligently with the technician, not just the service writer. He sent me picks of our issues. And, yes, I knew it was of our Highlander because I had crawled under it often enough for oil changes to know it was ours. 😊 In this case it didn’t save me money but did provide peace of mind that what needed repair was repaired. 👍

[@Glide-USMC]

I replaced the rear airbags on our 2008 GX470 with Arnott airbags (made by Continental) at 184,000 miles after a noticeable rear sag on overnight parking. Rock Auto had best price at about $320 for a pair with free shipping plus they carry a lifetime warranty. Best to watch several videos on KZbin to capture little tips on removal of the retaining clip and removal of the air lines at end points. Make sure you take pictures of how the air lines run. If you can change the oil on your GX, you can replace the airbags. It was about a 3 hour job as we took our time which included removal of the spare tire and both rear tires plus jack stands for safety. Back to original condition with height control and smooth/soft ride 😊

[@timaugustine3856]

I just replaced mine in Moab after they blew on the trail. Possibly because the suspension drooped out too much. Two used bag didn't work, so I put in the Arnotts. I find them to be of better quality, and the fact that the lower cup is retained at the axle, unlike factory bags. I think the ride is a bit firmer than I had before, and much more controlled.

[@hermelinjaredgonzalezsanch7579]

Excelente 🎉

[@thomasroberts8024]

Ah,yes. Mercedes-Benz air suspension. Incorporated an alcohol cannister back in the day (70's) to scrub the condensation water out of the compressed air and prevent premature failure. Also, there was a user serviceable relief valve to dump accumulated condensation that most owners ignored completely. The troubles surfaced far sooner than those on your subject car. We sold many conversion kits to retrofit with steel springs. SO, M-B decided that oleo-struts would be more reliable and starting in the late seventies gave us five metal spheres, divided into hemispheres separating oil from nitrogen, one for each wheel and one maintain ride height, plumbed into the rear struts. By the early eighties the separation bladders were failing and usually required replacement of all five. At a $1000 each. And they wonder why Lexus sales took off like a rocket in the next decade.......

[@johneldorado]

And I bet the German engineers were so proud of themselves for coming up with a ridiculously complex system like that.

[@barrythomas6429]

I pick-up more useful maintenance tips from you than all of the other repair channels combined.

[@kenpringle6568]

This man oozes honesty. 👍🏽

[@thetechlibrarian]

You can really tell when someone is not just says they are a believer in god but are truly trying to live it’s meaning to the best of there ability and it definitely reflects in his personality and blessings

[@denisdizdar704]

As usual, AMD does great job showing issues with vehicles in most honestly way. Love tour of the shop at end of video.

[@arthur719]

Thank you for taking the time out to do this. Super informative!

[@gavriushka]

Can you do a video on the LX air suspension as well? I know some older models had a hydro-pneumatic suspension rather than full air suspension. It would be interesting to see and learn about it as well. Especially important maintenance and such.

[@Vlad6525]

LX has hydraulic suspension.

[@kivancbiber]

I love you AMD ❤ for many reasons. But probably most importantly for your unbiased professional opinions. Helps us weekend worriors greatly!!!

[@ryanscott4237]

Love this GX content. Keep it coming.

[@greenscobie86]

Love my 06GX. It had a lot of the issues listed in this video, all rather easy to remedy and quite affordable, especially if you do a lot of the work yourself.

[@Scooterbgood]

I like your tip about hitting the tire to listen for abnormalities in the suspension components. I only wished that I had seen the video about two hours sooner and I could tried it out on my LS430...

[@haven19827]

Very helpful. I just got an older LX and this helped answer many of my questions about the air suspension system

[@MrCalifornia1234]

Love this walk around real time assessment. Obviously so experienced and knowledgeable. 👍👍

[@abyfelixsct]

Really appreciate all your videos ! Could you do some regular maintenance videos on the GX, such as lubing the propeller shafts etc...

[@Eddie-yc5yd]

Keep up the great videos. An honest mechanic is hard to find.

[@dozer757coastalva2]

Thank you for teaching me how to better take care of my cars. I also feel more confident when speaking with my dealership service center. They do try to slide stuff past from time to time. There needs to be a place like yours out here! Thanks again for the great videos.

[@Hrobb]

Another great video and we all learn so much from the Expert. Thanks and keep up the good work.

[@tareqislam1434]

You're such a great mechanic, your should come up with an academy for young mechanics. Keep it up boss

[@Im2qwik]

your knowledge always amazes me...wish you were closer

[@deadpoet415]

I love the "hands on" inspection for the suspension. Really helps me understand what's going on. Also..I would love to see you do a video on that Highlander. I have one and like getting in depth with that car. Thanks for the great content!

[@auddiswong4124]

recently bought a hybrid corolla and was told by the dealer use only the electronic corrosion system offer by the dealer. Told not to use spray rust proof because the battery is a the bottom of the car and wax of any other spray will cause issues with the battery and would void the warranty. Your comment is greatly appreciated

[@budmaksw8966]

Thank you for very interesting and informative video, as usual 😊

[@BladePilot24]

Love the GX content, thank you.

[@Victor47930]

I still have an '06 Range Rover Sport with full air suspension. I had to replace the rears @ 150k miles. But I just learned more about air suspension from your video than anywhere else. LOL. (Our other vehicles are Toyotas.) I wished your shop was in my area.

[@miscbits6399]

at 160k miles and 15 years I would replace all suspension rubber parts as a matter of preventative maintenance along with checking/replacing the shocks My local mechanic thought I was a little OTT until he experienced the before andf after difference in handling Parts which looked ok on the car such as swaybar mounts showed their wear and how the bar clamping holes enlarged over time when compared to the new parts

[@chris103193]

I say the same thing especially in Chicago environment with potholes and high temperature changes between winter/summer. Add to that rust

[@ozarkliving7263]

My 2021 Sequoia Platinum has rear air suspension, rides much better than normal Sequoia

[@THEH2OMAN]

I added a set of Firestone Air-Lift bags to the rear of my 2007 Tundra, they are used to firm up the rear suspension and prevent sagging when hauling a heavy load or towing. Leaf springs, air-bags and shocks keep the rear planted to the road.

[@emilio325]

Another great, informative video Amd! Missed the cool intro music and title graphic!

[@ukobs]

“Finest aftermarket… stuff…. that’s ok” 😂 Great content time and time again. Really enjoy your channel 😎.

[@ozarkliving7263]

Hate that rust! Yuck

[@CJL2022]

After Lexus quoted me 1200$ each, i went the conversion route. Fj cruiser springs 56$ each. No more sagging.

[@wally6193]

I have a 2003 4R with rear air suspension and have never had zero problems period(knock on wood) and I've been driving it for 19 years of it's life.

[@alanwrobleski]

I'm looking to purchase a GX470 and this is really helpful, thank you

[@pauljennings4248]

Like the tours of the shop.

[@johneldorado]

My GX470 rear airbags went out. While on a road trip. Something like $1200 to fix. My next GX 460, I went out of my way to get the rear steel coil springs option.

[@gdj8013]

Please hope to see more videos on the GX if you get to do all the repairs.

[@marklevy-iw7lo]

He is a master mechanic with a wealth of knowledge. I have gotten so much bad advice and bad repairs from both dealers and "mechanics" that it is very refreshing to view his videos.

[@erniediaz2433]

Thank you, I learned a lot about suspension, excellent 😮

[@stevenweiss2148]

I learned something new. Thanks

[@can-cruiser]

Great video and info as usual AMD. Sad to see the amount of rust on this GX. But being from the rust belt I am not all that surprised. I just hoped Toyota would have better undercarriage paint and rust proofing than what they currently offer. I caught the rust on my 2019 GX (second owner) before it progressed and now I spray it annually just to keep it at bay. I wish if the previous owners did the same when they bought it new..

[@A_K664]

Crazy timing with this video. My 470’s air compressor just went out and I am swapping to coils. Plus a bunch of other repairs. Thanks for the tip about the rear axle leak. I noticed a small leak on my driver side

[@A_K664]

Will have to fix that before it gets bad

[@BiggMo]

Please do an advise video on how to find (and screen for) an honest mechanic. What to look for, questions to ask, red flags. Love the channel, may The Lord bless you and keep you.

[@jimb6881]

My 2004 GX with 246k miles still has the original rear airbags. They occasionally bleed down when it sits a few days but they always reinflate 👍🏻

[@milfordcivic6755]

Turbos, superchargers and any adjustable suspensions are worth avoiding if you're looking for reliability, longevity and reasonable maintenance costs.

[@charley95sheridan44]

Great video and liking the shop updates! What is the TV screen for on the wall?

[@Tifosi66]

Thank you AMD and your Team for great content. I really enjoy your informative videos. I was a big fan of the SC400 in the ealty 90's. I don't thinik i have seen one on you channel. Any chance that you could do a review of one if one comes in the shop?

[@robertcochran7103]

Thank you for posting this excellent video. The more I watch this channel. the more I wish I had my own private car lift in my outdoor parking space so I can inspect my vehicle's chassis every week. Perhaps it is just a bit of fantasy on my part...I am not a qualified automotive technician. But I can wish for the lift.

[@joeymeyer3653]

Love your videos bud

[@flavio17021979]

Thx for yet another great video 👍

[@djudjo625]

Mr. Amd, would you be willing to review the new Nissan Pathfinder since you did the Pilot. I and I’m sure many people are split between those two. Btw you are hands down the best reviewer on KZbin. Thank you for your hard work and unbeatable knowledge. 💪

[@saeedkizzy]

thanks for the suspension tips.🙏

[@Nightrunnergunner]

I love air suspension. serves its purpose, properly maintained ive driven my audi a8l daily and hard for 10 years the air suspension has held up great only had an issue with a rear strut which was reasonable to replace

[@679corvette]

Good info. This looks like the same system on my 2020 Toyota Sequoia Platinum.

[@clwomble]

150,000 miles on my ‘08 GX470. Rear end would sag overnight. Could still drive it because it would refill in 2-3 minutes. I replaced them myself in about 2 1/2 hours. Turned out to be pretty easy. The airbags were around $250 from Rock Auto.

[@AristataF1R48-qf5hl]

I appreciate all of the wonderful videos you shared. I'm a do-it-yourselfer who finds mechanical repair to be incredibly enjoyable. I own a 2014 Sienna XLE, with 135K miles on it, in Las Vegas, Nevada. I am having trouble finding the answers to two issues. 1. I have no problems with my sliding doors. Any button on the car or remote can be used to open and close them. When I attempt to open the passenger side, it hesitates for a moment, whereas the driver's side opens instantly. 2. The heater blows far colder air in the winter than it should. I'm not sure if that only applies to the driver's side. To warm up the car's interior, I have to run the heat at maximum. It doesn't happen all the time. If someone else has the same problem and could help, that would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks.

[@chriseppley8272]

AMD, would love to see more GX460 repair videos!

[@marktwo3160]

I installed rear air bags in my 4th gen 2006 4runner in 2008. I Bought the firestone kit that you install one bag inside each coil, run the air lines how and where you want them, put in air gauges. They have worked perfectly all these years. I did not even install auto air pump compressors. Manual or small air pump as needed for the load. Large load never exceeded 28-30 lbs. no load run about 5-8 lbs. lifetime warranty. Love them and recommend them. Cost about 200 bucks for everything.

[@americanrealitytoday]

Our 2005 Sequoia Ltd has air suspension, which is great for towing an aligning the trailer.

[@BA-gn3qb]

Would like to see step by step videos as you tackle each of these repairs.

[@465maltbie]

Pretty neat stuff to know about thanks. Charles

[@scottbennett2662]

All that great knowledge, but I’m surprised to not hear at least a mention of the lower ball joints.

[@82phalanX]

I was hoping for coverage on the LX470, 570 & 600 AHC suspension system while you're at it, one of these days you could cover that too. Thanks!!

[@cenccenc946]

No frigen air suspension ever in my cars. too many things to fail. A solid metal coil rarely fails.

[@hermelinjaredgonzalezsanch7579]

Excelente video, gracias por los tips, ahora se que buscar en mi lexus cuando este en el taller.

[@KirkA4978]

Great video. I already know I'm in for a wheel bearing on my v8 4runner, guess ai better check the bushings while I'm in there. So far, so good with rear air suspension...210k miles. On the other hand, not looking forward to future air suspension issues on my wife's LS 460. I knew it was the most likely big ticket repair when we bought the car, but she fell in love with the dang f-sport version...

[@awesomusmaximus3766]

One of my 2008 GS's has air suspension no real problems till now the front left has just started to rattle 115K miles

[@lookatyou8782]

Great videos! Could you do a video about modified suspensions for Tundras? Such as the highest you should lift the truck. Also, does driving in tow/haul mode all the time ruin the truck? I like the way it drives better in tow/haul mode.

[@nononsenseBennett]

Great bearing tip

[@jdhern9078]

Great video

[@riceburner4747]

YOU GOT ALOT DONE! Garage was overwhelming last time! I feel bad for this customer, alot needs done. If I were the owner, I'd ask u to give me a list, PRIORITY WISE, and begin a plan. Thats great u noticed all that. When I had a 97 Camry & my garage did my state inspections or ANY jobs, I said if u see anything, let me know. I may have not got fixed that day, but as soon as I could, I had them do. I'd use coils, w/new shocks all around. Tires would be last until all suspension fixed. Then an alignment.

[@f2john]

Just had to have my compressor on my 14 LS F-Sport done at an indy shop at a cost of almost $3600. I knew when I bought it last year there was a risk of expensive suspension issues. the shop said overall they don't see too many issues on them (they are a Toyota/Lexus specialty place). I did some reading while waiting for the part to come in to see if there was any sort of TSB etc and the one thing I read was due to the different grill on the F-Sport it made it a bit more likely that water could get into the compressor and cause it to fail. The new ones have been upgraded to address that issue and hopefully it lasts the rest of its life as I intend to keep it quite a while. Have 131k miles on it now which is just past the break in period on a LS.

[@omarshanab3846]

I bought gx470 used, the first thing I did, I installed ironman 4x4 suspension kit

[@chopperpl]

I don't see any repairs on early GX460s. It would be nice, if you could create some content on camtower leak repair, if you get a chance. Hints for DIYers are very welcome :)

[@paulsolovyovsky1702]

I've done this on an old GX but wound up going with the $100 chinese units that lasted for a few years without any issues. Took me about 2-3 hours to replace diy. Lexus wanted $800+ for each air bag on a truck with high mileage

[@Greatdome99]

Mechanical springs provide resistive force proportional to (up-down) wheel movement (F=kX), so large bumps get large resisting forces. Air springs compress an air cavity which reacts with a virtually constant supporting force regardless of wheel position, so it's much softer--but doesn't handle as well.

[@hjc0706]

converted my old ls430 to spring and shock. at the time they were 1500 each corner. so it was a no brainer to swap to traditional shock and spring.

[@AhmedMohammed-we1op]

Thank you for this informative video... So, this air suspension is not reliable?

[@FrancisWong]

Would love to see you do a run down of AHC on the LX and some Land Cruisers!

[@valeriewright9250]

I love your channel! We have a 2004 GX470 with only 76k miles on it. The best vehicle we have ever owned we bought it new for 52k and it is 20 years old now 😳 We keep up with oil changes etc. We have only had to do brakes, and because we lived in Chicago before moving to SoCal 7 years ago….we had a rusty radiator and water pump. It still rides perfectly and we do mountain driving for skiing. If I was still in Chicago I would definitely go to you…my mother grew up in Park Ridge. I found a pretty good independent mechanic, also worked for Lexus/Toyota for ten years. It was funny because the first time I brought my SUV in he asked where I was from. Mechanics in SoCal don’t see much rust 🤣 It’s not bad, and always been garage kept…but the salted streets do create surface rust and sometimes difficult bolts! I had to go to a mechanic to change my license plates when we moved here 7 years ago….they were rusted on….new bolts then no problem. 😊

[@HanifEFIMechanical]

Good job

[@0jt0]

You should do a series for very common cars where you identify common issues. Every person buying a new or 2nd hand car would always reference you.

[@aden3113]

I believe he already has series for common toyotas, they're a bit older but look through his playlists.

[@jveilleux9794]

Quick question for you oh but the way love the show very informative and well done, I’m looking at changing the radio sun in my 2022 four runner to a better system I’m looking at Tesla sys any info or ideals would be appreciated

[@ronmason1710]

How good is your timing on this issue. I have a 2003 4Runner Limited, V8 full time 4WD. It has the air suspension. It was replaced by the previous owner, about 8 years ago. I have no dash light on, but my OBD2 BlueDriver yielded a code that indicates that the Exhaust valve for the Height Control system is not working. I now know something about this system, and I will look in to it.

[@kpz1234]

I was wondering if you could do a video addressing the valley plate leak and the timing cover leak for the 4.6 liter engine and how common they are.

[@ZeromuS_]

Great video as always AMD. Im not a big DIY guy but theres something about your videos that I love. Looking forward to the next one!

[@trentcarlson4857]

I love the air suspension on my 07 MB GL320 for towing, but I have changed out the rear bags and front air springs with Arnott’s. I will see how the lifetime warranty works because the front passenger side is starting to sag after sitting overnight. I believe I changed that one out 7 years ago.

[@salvimeca8678]

Would you be so kind to make a video about a/f sensor diagnosis.

[@toyotatundra0455]

Are you going to film the repairs on this vehicle? Thanks.

[@chuckquinn8026]

Heading towards 1 Million subs! 👍👍🏆🏆

[@user-ni7hp1vq1h]

Hi~ greetings from Taiwan. I was messing around with the height sensors on the LC150 and completely messed it up 😂😂. Now the car leans. Can you please do an episode on how to set up the L and R side height sensors. Great appreciated ~~

[@richlikeg3722]

I have an 06 Sequoia with 186k miles. I think it still on the original air suspension

[@carloscruz7317]

This guy is the Toyota mechanic goat

[@Skyvisiontube]

Can you do a video on the LX570 AHC next??

[@GracianoEMatos]

What’s your opinion on those aftermarket air suspension bags that are installed inside of the coils? Is this the best of both worlds?

[@nipponautomotivellc]

Wow. What a coincidence that I'm just getting home from replacing the complete rear air suspension on a 2009 GX470 and AMD comes out with this video. What he says is true. It's not a scary job to get into.

[@golferpro1241]

How much?

[@nipponautomotivellc]

@@golferpro1241 I replaced it for a customer. Unfortunately he decided to go with aftermarket parts. I don't know how much he paid for the parts.