Grand Crossover, the abbreviation for Lexus’ GX 470, holds its own in the SUV market. The GX 470 checks a lot of boxes for a lot of drivers, falling somewhere between the luxury full-size SUV and the increasingly popular crossover wagon/SUV. However, owners of older models and GX 470s with high mileage are beginning to notice a number of issues with the vehicle’s air suspension, despite the fact that the mix of performance and luxury has won over many hearts and minds in the automotive industry. Some drivers have reported that their GX 470 struggles to keep its ride height.
In others, the vehicle has tilted to one side or slumped in the back. One or more people may have seen a suspension warning light. A damaged air suspension must always be taken seriously. A damaged or leaky air suspension endangers the driver and every passenger in addition to making the ride uncomfortable. When deciding how to repair the malfunctioning Lexus GX 470 air suspension, there are numerous options. Let’s examine each of them individually.
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Lexus GX 470 has 4WD or AWD.
The Lexus GX 470 is a true mid-size SUV that is built like a regular truck with a live rear axle, a tough four-wheel drive system, and genuine off-road performance. But it’s also a Lexus, which means the interior is spacious, quiet, and has a plush cabin covered in leather and bird’s-eye maple. Whether towing, trail-bashing, or negotiating curves on a coastal highway, its 4.7-liter overhead-cam V8 and smoothly responsive five-speed automated transmission offer more than enough power and performance. All controls are located exactly where you would expect them to be, and the switchgear is an ergonomic perfection case study.
It’s a Lexus, so rough doesn’t necessarily equal out-of-date. As opposed to this, the GX 470’s standard full-time four-wheel drive system includes electronic traction control (A-TRAC) and a locking Torsen? (torque-sensing) center differential, which automatically distribute torque to the tires with the best traction. The GX 470’s Downhill Assist Control aids in navigating treacherous terrain safely. The GX 470 is kept steady with vehicle stability control when making slippery corners.
The GX 470 was enhanced by Lexus with new front-passenger airbags, updated navigation system graphics, and a new Sport package that blends dynamic body-roll control with a distinctive exterior and interior design. In addition to minor interior improvements that improve both function and look, digital Lexus Link communication is made available for 2006. Entire Review
The GX 470 was enhanced by Lexus with new front-passenger airbags, updated navigation system graphics, and a new Sport package that blends dynamic body-roll control with a distinctive exterior and interior design. In addition to minor interior improvements that improve both function and look, digital Lexus Link communication is made available for 2006. Full Review hidden
Has the Lexus GX been air-sprung?
The players in the luxury SUV market are typically contemporary, car-based models rather than an off-road champion.
With the vintage GX460, which has a V8 engine and full-time four-wheel drive, Lexus follows a different beat.
Off road, the GX is incredibly strong. You may travel far off the beaten road without worrying thanks to the rear air suspension and Kinetic dynamic suspension.
The GX460’s appearance hasn’t changed all that much, but it now features a modernized grill and new headlights. Otherwise, it’s still a tall, tough-looking SUV.
With gray 19-inch wheels and unique front and rear bumper spoilers, the large GX looks more modern and fresh thanks to the optional Sport design package.
You’ll notice that the GX460’s interior lags behind some of the class’s newest models inside. The 8 touchscreen is initially smaller. But because the controls are big knobs, switches, or buttons, they are simple to use.
With soft Semi-Aniline leather and wood trim, the fit and finish is aesthetically attractive in typical Lexus design. Using the third row is made much simpler by the captain’s chairs in the second row.
MPG: 15 City, 19 Highway (sticker). In 260 miles of mixed driving, I got 16.2 mpg.
Has the GX470 got AHC?
The height control sensors, a clogged or underpowered compressor pump, and air seeping from the system are three prevalent problems that are known to be the root of the majority of GX470 Automatic Height Control (AHC) failures.
GX 460 or GX 470, which is superior?
Both the GX470 and GX460 are capable off-road cars that can be used on dirt roads, mountain trails, and, with some minor modifications, rock crawling routes. In comparison to the GX470’s approach angle of 30 degrees and the GX460’s approach angle of 28 degrees, the new style of the GX460 from 2014 onward significantly reduces approach angle to 21 degrees. This explains why so GX460 2014+ vehicles had off road bumpers added. The GX470 features higher ground clearance (8.3 inches), matches the departure angle, and outperforms the GX460’s 20102013 approach angle. The GX470 is also more maneuverable on off-road terrain thanks to its shorter and thinner dimensions. Even though the GX470 weighs 4,871 lbs less, the benefit is minimized because the engine produces fewer horsepower. On off-road approach, departure, and length/width measurements, the GX470 still triumphs.
Is a Land Cruiser a Lexus GX 470?
Like the LX, the GX arrived on the North American market as a Toyota Land Cruiser with new branding. The GX, however, is built on the smaller Land Cruiser Prado rather than the larger Land Cruiser.
Since the early 1990s, the Prado has been available as a more cheap, more portable member of the Land Cruiser family.
And following the success Lexus had with its LX, a luxury SUV based on the Land Cruiser, in the 1990s and the expanding luxury SUV industry, Lexus introduced the GX470 for the 2003 model year.
What does Lexus’ GX stand for?
Since 1999, Toyota’s premium branch Lexus has sold the compact executive automobile, the Lexus IS, which is marketed toward younger clients. Intelligent Sports is the acronym for the IS.
The Lexus IS series has always integrated trademark Lexus features in a smaller, more mechanically dynamic package since the introduction of the IS 200 twenty-one years ago.
Lexus model name : GX = Grand Crossover
Built on the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado platform, the Lexus GX (or Grand Crossover) is a full-size luxury SUV available in North American and Eurasian markets.
In 2002, Lexus debuted the first generation, also known as the GX 470, which later became the third SUV to join the Lexus lineup.
Lexus model name : CT = Creative Touring
The Lexus CT 200h is a premium compact hatchback hybrid vehicle made by Lexus. The Toyota Prius drivetrain and Toyota MC platform chassis serve as the foundation for the CT. CT stands for Creative Touring in the name.
Lexus model name : RC = Radical Coupe
The Lexus RC is a two-door coup version of the Lexus IS that is small and executive (XE30). Radical Coupe, according to Lexus, is what the RC stands for.
The Lexus RC was created to disprove common assumptions about what a self-charging, gasoline-electric hybrid should resemble.
When did Lexus halt production of the GX 470?
The GX 470 underwent very modest alterations after its 2003 launch during the course of its six-year production run (2003-2009).
Back-up cameras were added by Lexus for 2004, however they were only offered with the optional navigation system.
Beginning in 2005, Lexus sold the GX in Sport trim. Unique design features including smoked-bezel headlights, graphite-colored wheels and trim, and black bird’s eye maple accents inside the cabin set apart vehicles with the Sport package. They also have some high-end off-road equipment, such as Toyota’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), which has the ability to automatically release the anti-sway bars in order to provide the SUV with more suspension travel in difficult off-road terrain.
As was already mentioned, 2005 also marked the debut of the more potent V8 engine, which uses variable valve timing to produce an increase in power of about 15%.
When Lexus updated the available navigation system in 2005, Bluetooth connectivity was also made available for the first time.
There were no significant updates for 2006, but for 2007, the GX gained more improvements to the navigation system, including an AUX connection for connecting external devices to the audio system. Starting with that year, the optional back seat entertainment screens were also increased to nine inches.
For the 2008 model year, Lexus made a few minor stylistic changes. These include a darker grille, darker wheels, more interior and exterior brightwork, updated turn signals, and darker inside wood trim.
In 2009, the GX 470’s penultimate year before being replaced by the newly revamped GX 460, there were no noticeable charges (internal code “URJ150).
What is KDSS for gx470?
The Lexus GX 470 was the first vehicle to use the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) technology, and the 200 Series Toyota Land Cruiser followed. Kinetic Pty Ltd, a small R&D business situated in Dunsborough, Western Australia, created and developed the technology. [1] It uses a system of connected hydraulic cylinders to adjust the front and rear stabilizers optimally. A control cylinder situated at the frame rail and hydraulic piping make up the interconnection. [2] The entirely mechanical KDSS system has the ability to disconnect the stabilizer bars (the bars are jointed, allowing movement independent of one another). [2] When hydraulic pressure is equal during typical driving situations, this system will not engage. KDSS turns on in off-road situations when it detects a fallen wheel. [2]
Since it was exclusively sold in North America, the Lexus GX 470, a sport utility vehicle based roughly on the 120 Series Land Cruiser Prado, was the first vehicle to offer the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System as an option. A similar version of the technology debuted on the 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser. The 2008 Lexus LX 570 uses an electro-mechanical suspension that keeps the KDSS design’s functionality while also incorporating electronic components. [2]
Does the GX460 have air suspension in back?
Early discovery is essential to saving money on repairs, just like with any other issue with your car. Undoubtedly, a skilled mechanic will be able to determine whether or not your air suspension is malfunctioning. Additionally, your Lexus has a suspension warning light that turns on when a significant issue arises. However, there are further signs that you are having problems with suspension.
The following are some of your Lexus GX460’s warning indications of suspension issues:
- Diving. Problems with the air suspension make it difficult for cars to stop correctly. There might be something wrong if you see that the front end of your Lexus GX460 “dives” down when coming to a stop.
- Bouncing. A functioning air suspension provides a comfortable ride that easily navigates potholes in the road. The road shouldn’t be very noticeable. There might be a problem if you do.
- Hissing. When their suspension isn’t working properly, some Lexus owners have reported hearing a hissing sound coming from the back axle.
- Crouching. The Lexus GX460 frequently experiences problems with the rear suspension. You might observe that when this occurs, the front of your car maintains the right height but the back sags downward. This is referred to as “crouching” or “squatting,” and it indicates that your rear suspension isn’t working properly.
- Swaying. On occasion, you can experience a body sway when turning in your Lexus. This can indicate that your air suspension is damaged.
- Leaning. One or more of the air struts may not be working properly if the automobile leans to one side.
There is a method to be proactive if waiting for something like this to happen sounds overwhelming. Simply carry out the time-tested “bounce test” to look for Lexus GX460 suspension issues. This is how:
- For each corner, repeat.
- Watch it rise again as you wait.
- Observe.
- At that corner, firmly press down on the bumper.
- Go to the Lexus’s corner and stand there.
The suspension at that wheel is probably in good shape if the corner returns to its original position immediately. You may have a problem if it rises slowly or bounces up and down.