Suspension Question

[twin]

On my 2004 LS430 I have noticed today that there seems to be a slight difference in the gap from top of tyre to wheel arch on rear , near side gap approx 1.5 inch , off side 3 inch.

No noises etc , no wobbly or bouncy rear end , car runs perfectly and feels as it should , is this difference in height a major worry ?

Any help and advice will be v welcome .

Thanks in advance

Paul

[Colin M]

I would check the nearside spring to see whether it has broken.

When I took my LS400 for its last MOT in November, I discovered that the front offside spring had broken. I had not noticed any problems when driving and was not aware of any difference in ride height or the gap between the top of the tyre and the wheel arch.

Everything seemed fine but clearly it wasn't!!

[Malc]

An air suspension issue maybe ?

Malc ............................ expensive too perhaps !

[steve2006]

Just hope it's not the height sensor failed.

[twin]

Just hope it's not the height sensor failed.

That an expensive repair ?

[mikethebike]

Hi,

see my other post in this forum. Check the height sensor on that side, mine had seized and broken the rod that connects it to the axle (it had also broke the bracket). If its that, its a simple repair...its held on by a few bolts.

I had quotes from Lexus for (I think) £350 for the sensor, or one from a scrappy for £150.

I am not sure its the sensor though, as mine just sat low on both sides, and if I manually pushed the actuator on the broken one I could get the rear suspension to jack right up....but still remained the same on both sides. Maybe the sensors take an "average" of the two on the rear to decide where the suspension sits?

Maybe its the actual air suspension? Gulp!

[steve2006]

Is there a sensor on each wheel? Reason I ask is the LS400 series IV only has one on the rear and front not 4 which would explain why the rear goes up together.

I have some of the link rods made up if you need one but you will have to manufacture the bracket that's broken.

[mikethebike]

Hi Steve,

thnaks for the offer, but I made one up and had the bracket welded on, so I am all good for the moment. Will take the left one off at the weekend and make sure its not stiff.

Mick

[ChrisM]

Steve,

the sensor on the MK IV is to adjust the HID lamp vertical position and not the ride height.

My MK IV has springs not Air suspension, and that is why there is only on at the front and one at the rear.

Chris.

[steve2006]

Sorry should have known that I have a series 4 and did not realise.