GS450h suspension feels way too stiff and 'choppy '

[hollo]

Hello , I've had 3 x GS300's in the past and this is my first GS450h , I've only had it a couple of weeks and it my fault for not doing a proper test drive before I purchased it . It's on a 56 plate with 130,000 miles . Anyway the suspension is just way too firm with no 'give' over bumps . I took it to the local dealer this morning for them to have a look at it ,  and after a test ride they agree its too firm , but a visual inspection showed just a slight leak front passenger side shock - but not too bad .  They then plugged it into their diagnostic equipment and it didn't come up with any faults. The value of all four shocks was 17 'steps' - if this value means anything to anyone ? . 

Could it be possible to have the car stuck in sports mode , so only giving me a very firm ride ? , as it's just not right , but with no faults showing its not obvious where to being to look. The nuclear option would be to look to change all four shocks , but that does seem a bit extreme and frankly too expensive. 

Could anyone give me any ideas of where to start , of know of any experienced suspension shops ? 

Thanks

Mike 

[Spock66]

Has it been modified?

Normally shocks would get softer with age not harder.

[Sami Tilander]

You could try to manually adjust the dampers... just to see if the dampers are fine and the problem is in the control electronics. There is a stepper motor sitting on each shocks: temporary remove those and adjust the damping with a small flat screwdriver.

BR.Sami

[hollo]

Thanks for the replies , yes agreed I'd of thought if the shocks were on their way out it would give a too soft ride , which is why its all a bit confusing.

Where exactly is the damping adjustment on the shocks ? , is it at the top by the stepper motor ?

Also , does anyone know what the value of 17 Clicks means ( from the dealer diagnostics )  , I just wonder if this value is a clue as how hard or if the shocks have been adjusted from standard ?

Thanks

Mike. 

[Sami Tilander]

yes, it is at the top of each shock. Maybe this picture helps...

Stepper motor and the actual shaft it is turning are highlighted with yellow. To access the adjustment, you just need to remove that dust cover and the stepper motor.

BR.Sami

[Lwerewolf]

Shocks leak / blow with age, which CAN (and 99% of the time - does) make the ride way stiffer - lack of rebound damping, for example. They can also seize / bang up internally from lack of lubrication.

I'd swap all fours. Prepare for sticker shock.

Value of 17 clicks is how many discrete positions the stepper motor can turn.

P.S. My fronts looked pristine on the outside, but under the AVS covers... 😛

[Steven Lockey]

18 hours ago, Lwerewolf said:

Shocks leak / blow with age, which CAN (and 99% of the time - does) make the ride way stiffer - lack of rebound damping, for example. They can also seize / bang up internally from lack of lubrication.

I'd swap all fours. Prepare for sticker shock.

Value of 17 clicks is how many discrete positions the stepper motor can turn.

P.S. My fronts looked pristine on the outside, but under the AVS covers... 😛

When my shocks went, it went 'bouncy' rather than stiff. 

 

[Lwerewolf]

High spring rate + lack of rebound damping + internal stiction due to lack of oil, water ingress, rust, whatever = bouncy/choppy/you name it.