LS430 2002 REAR TOO HIGH AND BOUNCY RIDE

[nartorias]

Hi I am puzzled by my 2002 LS430 as the rear of car is suddenly raised quite high after a motorway trip. The ride was also a bit bouncy. I’ve checked that it’s set on normal height and it’s not on sport setting either. 
 

This rear being high happened about two weeks ago too and then within a few days the car rear height was sitting normal again. 
 

I have also noticed that the sound of the air being pumped into the suspension bladders goes on (sometimes) for longer. 
 

I’d appreciate any comments regarding this. 
Thanks 

Remi 

[The-Acre]

I would say you have a leak in one or more struts. Sometimes the air will hold in a high position but will give a hard ride.  Not a good sign I'm afraid.

[steve2006]

Another possible cause is either a broken height sensor link arm or an electrically defective height sensor unit.

There are 4, one on each suspension unit.

You should normally get a suspension fault warning from the OBD so a code read may reveal the possible cause.

The picture below shows the complete unit with the link arm on the left, if you do find one broken you can purchase just the arm from various 3rd parties as Lexus only sell the complete unit for several hundred pounds.

There have also been reported successful cases where a defective sensor has been repaired by removing the cover and cleaning the tracks inside with electrical contact cleaner.

[cruisermark]

58 minutes ago, steve2006 said:

Another possible cause is either a broken height sensor link arm or an electrically defective height sensor unit.

There are 4, one on each suspension unit.

You should normally get a suspension fault warning from the OBD so a code read may reveal the possible cause.

The picture below shows the complete unit with the link arm on the left, if you do find one broken you can purchase just the arm from various 3rd parties as Lexus only sell the complete unit for several hundred pounds.

There have also been reported successful cases where a defective sensor has been repaired by removing the cover and cleaning the tracks inside with electrical contact cleaner.

 as above

[Alan305]

Agree, corroded/broken height sensor, had it on my 2003 LS430, made the car feel like a go cart.