How to Fix Lexus GX 460 Air Suspension Issues? (+5 Pro Tips)

By Vroomouk
Page last updated: 12/08/2023 | Next review date: 12/08/2025
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In this brief article we are going to discuss the Lexus GX 460 Air suspension issues, what the causes are, and Pro-Tips to effectively deal with these issues.

Top 5 Air Suspension Problems in the Lexus GX 460

The 5 most common Air Suspension Problems in the Lexus GX 460 are:

  • Rear Axle hitting the Bump Stops Often
  • Vehicle Swaying or pitching during normal driving
  • Rear Wheel shimmying
  • Uneven rear tire wear
  • AHC not functioning

What suspension does the Lexus GX 460 have?

The Lexus GX 460 could be called a “kind-of” successor to the GX 470. This transition happened in 2008-09. The major change between these two consecutive models was that the GX 460 came with a 4.6 Liter V8 engine, whereas, the Lexus GX 470 came with a 4.7 Liter V8 engine. The Lexus GX 460 shares its platform with the Land Cruiser Prado.

The Lexus GX 460 under the J200 platform, has a Double-Wishbone Coil spring in the front suspension and Air Spring 5-link Rear suspension.

Apart from the above standard set-up, there were optional advanced features like :

  • KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System)
  • AHC (Active Height Control) &
  • TEMS (Toyota Electronic Modulated Suspension)

What are the common problems with the GX 460 Suspension and what are the causes?

The most common suspension problems with the GX 460 are:

PROBLEM SYMPTOMPROBABLE CAUSES
Rear Axle hitting the Bump Stops OftenOverloaded VehicleFailed Air SpringWorn out Rear shock absorber
Vehicle Swaying or pitching during normal drivingWorn or improperly inflated TireBent or broken Stabilizer barWorn out Rear shock absorber
Rear Wheel shimmyingWorn or improperly inflated TireWheel out of balanceWorn out Rear shock absorber
Uneven rear tire wearWorn or improperly inflated TireWorn out Rear shock absorberWorn out Suspension Bushes and Ball-joints
Lowered rear-end or not raising when towing or haulingFailed Air SpringLeakages in the Air-lines
Active Height Control (AHC) not workingFailed Air Compressor PumpFailed Air Spring Leakages in the Air-linesFailed Height Control Sensors

Pro-Tips on How to Deal with Failed Air Suspension Components in the GX 460

Failed Air Spring

  • The most obvious sign of air leaking from the rear suspension is either a very low rear suspension height, or,

The rear suspension not raising when towing or hauling even though you selected ‘Hi’ in the AHC

  • The  first place to look for an air leak is in the rear air springs. You can do this easily using a solution of soap water sprayed on the crevices and folds of the Air Springs. 
  • Repeat the air spring leakage soap-water check on multiple different height settings.
  • Do a soap water check on all the air lines all the way to the compressor so as to not miss any minor leaks in the piping.

Failed Air Compressor Pump

  • In a defective air compressor pump, moisture could seep into the exhaust solenoid, as a result, causing the contamination of the entire AHC system. In some cases, moisture could lock up the system, especially at  temperatures below freezing. 
  • If there was a prolonged leak in the AHC system either due a leaky compressor or air line, the air compressor pump get overloaded and  quickly wear out
  • If you hear the compressor pump running longer than usual, especially when adjusting the ride height, an air leakage would most probably be the issue.

Failed Height Control Sensor 

The Ride Height Sensors could fail in the following ways:

  • The ride height control sensors internals can wear out and eventually stop functioning
  • The attachment pivot arm could seize and even break off from either the frame bracket or the attachment point. This would lead to the AHC not being able to properly Raise or Lower the rear suspension. 
  • In the event where both of the rear suspension (LH & RH) Ride height control sensors are faulty, the AHC system will completely shut down (showing a blinking “OFF” light). The AHC will re-activate only after at least one of the sensors is functional again.

Blown Air Suspension System Fuses and Relays

  • The AHC system is protected by 3 fuses and a relay.
  • It would be wise to check these components and replace them when found to be discolored or faulty. 
  • There is a 50 Amp Air compressor Pump fuse, and a 10 Amp air suspension fuse located in the main Fuse-box, which is located under hood
  • The AHC relay is in a sealed box attached to the side of the main Fuse-Box
  • A single 20 Amp  fuse for the TEMS Active Suspension system is located underneath the dashboard

Other articles about Lexus you may be interested in

Lexus LX 570 Suspension Issues Explained

Lexus LX 470 Suspension Issues Explained

Which is the best Lexus, BMW or Mercedes Benz?

Conclusion

In this brief article we have discussed the Lexus GX 460 Air suspension issues, what the causes are, and Pro-Tips to effectively deal with these issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 

 

What is the Difference Between a Lexus GX 460 and LX 470?

The GX 460 is a currently running model of Lexus. The Lexus GX 470, on the other hand, is not being manufactured anymore. The GX 470 has less luxury features compared to that available in the newer models.