2003 RX 300 SE-L firmer ride after rear air struts replaced

[2003RX300SE-L]

Hello all,

I decided to have both rear air struts replaced recently due to the rear left strut developing an air leak. Since the struts have been replaced the ride has become noticeably firmer, significantly different from the smooth magic carpet like ride from before the replacement. The ride quality isn't bad it's just not smooth as silk like as it was before.

 

The air suspension adjustment works in the normal and lower range, however when adjustment is made to a higher setting nothing happens, which is strange because it would adjust to the higher setting before the replacement.

Does anyone know if there is a recalibration/reset procedure that may be necessary for the new rear struts? The replacement struts were fitted by my local garage, so wouldn't have been calibrated or hooked up to Lexus diagnostics. 
 

Thanks in advance for any insights. 

[ColinBarber]

Were they genuine OE struts or third party ones?

[2003RX300SE-L]

Aftermarket

[scudney]

Well I think that probably answers your question 🤔 

[2003RX300SE-L]

Probably, but would be interested to know if there is a reset / calibration procedure that I could try out? The fact that it won't even attempt to go into the "Hi" setting suggests something is amiss. 

[ColinBarber]

Techstream gives you the ability to test each corner independently, and you can set an offset against a corner if there is a slight height imbalance, but people have normally been able to just replace a shock, disconnect the Battery to reset the ECU and everything settles down correctly (provided the height sensors are operating correctly).

[2003RX300SE-L]

On 11/4/2024 at 11:13 AM, ColinBarber said:

Techstream gives you the ability to test each corner independently, and you can set an offset against a corner if there is a slight height imbalance, but people have normally been able to just replace a shock, disconnect the battery to reset the ECU and everything settles down correctly (provided the height sensors are operating correctly).

Disconnecting the Battery indeed seems to have reset everything. The replacement shocks are now no longer as firm, now back to the smooth as silk ride comfort.