Your Lexus is built to glide. It should handle like silk, smooth over rough pavement, and hug the road with precision. But what happens when it starts to feel off? A slight dip when braking, an unexpected bounce over speed bumps, a creeping vibration in the wheel—these are your car’s silent warnings.
The problem is suspension failures don’t always announce themselves with flashing dashboard lights. They whisper. And if you ignore them, they turn into expensive, dangerous problems.
At M & R Auto in Menlo Park, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing Lexus suspension failures for drivers in Daly City and surrounding areas. Our technicians know the exact weak points in models like the LS 460, RX 350, GX 460, IS 250, and LX 570—because we’ve fixed them all. Let’s break down the top five Lexus suspension issues, why they happen, and how we make them disappear.
The Lexus LS 460 Air Suspension Nightmare (2007-2017 Models)
If you own a 2007-2017 Lexus LS 460, your air suspension system is a ticking time bomb. Designed for ultra-smooth luxury, it relies on pressurized air struts instead of traditional steel springs. The problem is those air struts develop leaks. Once the pressure drops, the system overworks itself, and soon enough, your Lexus sits lower than it should—or worse, collapses overnight.
Some owners try a quick fix: resetting the suspension computer or topping off the air system. But if the leak isn’t fixed, the compressor burns out, and the repair cost skyrockets.
We pinpoint air leaks early, repair failing struts, and recalibrate the system to prevent a full collapse. For customers who want a permanent fix, we also install coil spring conversion kits—eliminating air suspension headaches forever.
The GX 460 Rear Sag—A Family Suv’s Worst Enemy (2010-2023 Models)
A Lexus GX 460 should handle road trips and daily commutes with ease. But if your 2010-2023 GX 460 feels like the rear end is sagging—or worse, slamming down over potholes—you’re not imagining it. The culprit is the rear air springs are failing, a problem we’ve seen repeatedly in our shop.
The danger here isn’t just an uncomfortable ride. A sagging suspension throws off your alignment, causing uneven tire wear and poor handling. And if one air spring goes, the other isn’t far behind. At M & R Auto, we replace faulty air springs with durable OEM or heavy-duty alternatives, ensuring your GX 460 stays level, safe, and road-trip-ready.
The RX 350’S “Steering Shake” At Highway Speeds (2007-2015 Models)
Lexus RX 350 drivers often complain about a mysterious steering vibration at 65-75 mph. Many think it’s a wheel balance issue. It’s not. In reality, the front strut mounts wear out, causing the suspension to transfer road imperfections straight to your hands.
This problem is most common in 2007-2015 RX 350 models, but we’ve seen it in later years as well.
We replace the failing mounts and inspect the control arms, ensuring that every part is working in sync. After repairs, customers tell us their Lexus feels brand new—no more vibrations, no more guesswork.
The IS 250 Clunking Nightmare (2006-2013 Models)
If your 2006-2013 Lexus IS 250 sounds like a box of loose bolts every time you drive over a speed bump, you’re dealing with worn-out control arm bushings. Lexus used hydraulic-filled bushings in these models, which absorb shocks brilliantly—until they crack. Once they fail, metal-on-metal contact causes that annoying clunking sound.
Ignoring this issue doesn’t just make your ride noisy. Worn bushings lead to unstable handling and excessive tire wear, costing you even more in the long run. Our shop replaces these bushings with upgraded polyurethane or solid rubber replacements, ensuring a tighter, more controlled ride that lasts.
The LX 570 “Floating Feeling” (2008-2021 Models)
The Lexus LX 570 is a powerhouse SUV, but if yours feels like it’s floating around corners or rocking over small bumps, your Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) is failing. Common in 2008-2021 models, this issue stems from failing shock absorbers that no longer adjust damping properly.
Most dealerships push full suspension replacements, costing thousands. We take a smarter approach. Our technicians diagnose whether the issue is the shocks, height sensors, or AVS computer before recommending repairs. In many cases, a targeted repair restores factory handling without replacing the entire system.
Don’t Wait Until Your Suspension Fails—Fix It Now
A failing suspension system isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s dangerous. Poor handling, uneven tire wear, and unpredictable braking can lead to serious accidents. If your Lexus shows any of these warning signs, it’s time to act. M & R Auto in Menlo Park serves Daly City drivers with expert Lexus suspension diagnostics and repairs.