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Car Forum / Lexus Cars / September 2008Adaptive variable suspension (AVS) in '97 Lexus ES300
I have a '97 Lexus ES300 with 112K miles on it. I have the adaptive variable suspension (AVS) that allows you to change the dampening of the suspension via a switch located in the center console area (next to the gear shifter). I have been getting a lot of 'thumping' noise when I go over even small bumps. In one of my previous visits to the mechanic, he had told me I may need to replace the struts and/or strut mounts. Since I have the AVS, I believe replacing the electronic struts will be quite expensive. I don't really care for the adjustable suspension and would like to replace it with standard struts. Is this possible? If it is, then does the mechanic just have to replace them with regular struts, or is there more work involved in converting from AVS to standard? The mechanic I go to is a generic one who works on all types of cars and is not a lexus specialist, so I just want to understand what would need to be done before I go to him. Also, could a bad strut mount cause a thumping noise? It feels as if there is something in the trunk that is bouncing, but it is infact coming from the suspension. Your help is appreciated. Thanks, Mark >I have a '97 Lexus ES300 with 112K miles on it. I have the adaptive > variable suspension (AVS) that allows you to change the dampening of [quoted text clipped - 21 lines] > Thanks, > Mark That vintage ES was known for the front strut mount bushings making knocking noises, but not so much from the rear. While it is possible for the struts and/or strut bushings to make noise, I would also check to make sure that the rear sway bar bushing bracket bolts are tight. You should be able to change to a conventional strut although you may get a warning light on the dashboard.  SignatureRay O (correct punctuation to reply) > You should be able to change to a conventional strut although you may get a > warning light on the dashboard. > -- I read in some lexus forums that a couple of people who replaced their AVS struts with regular struts had their ABS and TRAC lights on the dashboard come on, with TRAC flashing. I couldn't find a solution posted to that problem. If this happens, is there a way to fix it? Try taping the lights. If that doesn't work, try a long, thin, sharp piece of metal and hammer to punch out the lights. On Sep 9, 11:26 pm, "Ray O" <rokigawaATtristarassociatesDOTcom> wrote: > "Mark" <muff...@hotmail.com> wrote in message > > news:d64fee65-90cb-40d2-b4c7-0f83d1d38d99@l42g2000hsc.googlegroups.com... > You should be able to change to a conventional strut although you may get > a > warning light on the dashboard. > -- I read in some lexus forums that a couple of people who replaced their AVS struts with regular struts had their ABS and TRAC lights on the dashboard come on, with TRAC flashing. I couldn't find a solution posted to that problem. If this happens, is there a way to fix it? ******* The ABS sensors are mounted just inboard of the hub and shouldn't be affected by the struts unless whoever installs them damages the wiring or sensor. If the lights come on, check the trouble code and repair the affected wiring or sensor. SignatureRay O (correct punctuation to reply) > You should be able to change to a conventional strut although you may get a > warning light on the dashboard. > -- If you were not referring to the ABS light, then which light in the dashboard with come on if I replaced AVS struts with standard struts? What would be the work around or solution if I get that warning light? >> You should be able to change to a conventional strut although you may get >> a [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > dashboard with come on if I replaced AVS struts with standard struts? > What would be the work around or solution if I get that warning light? You might get a check engine light or the light for the AVS might start flashing if the ECU for the AVS senses a missing sensor or actuator. I would save the old parts. SignatureRay O (correct punctuation to reply) Looks like the traction control system adjusts the damping rates to help with the traction. In that case you'll be taking out a lot more than adjustable struts -- such as affecting the traction control. The thumping noise is probably from the strut mounts. Toyota strut mounts aren't the best. Check some more to make sure AVS is not that integrated with traction control, otherwise you'll be stuck with that setup. > I have a '97 Lexus ES300 with 112K miles on it. I have the adaptive > variable suspension (AVS) that allows you to change the dampening of [quoted text clipped - 21 lines] > Thanks, > Mark |
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