Adaptive variable suspension (AVS) in '97 Lexus ES300

[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
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

[Ray O]

Post by 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
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

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.

[Mark]

Post by Ray O
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?

[mcbrue]

Try taping the lights. If that doesn't work, try a long, thin, sharp
piece of metal and hammer to punch out the lights.

[Ray O]

Post by Ray O
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.

[Mark]

Post by Ray O
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?

[Ray O]

Post by Mark

Post by Ray O
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 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.

[j***@hotmail.com]

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.

Post by 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
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