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Headlight adjustment rusted arm

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Veritas
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Joined: 16 Dec 2021
Posts: 3
Location: Lymington

PostPosted: Thu Dec 16, 2021 11:59    Post subject: Headlight adjustment rusted arm Reply with quote

Dear forum

1999 VX import (imported in 1999, unusual)

Just failed MOT on being unable to adjust headlight beam on DRIVERS SIDE

Issue: there is a small metal arm that connects the headlight unit to the suspension.  This has rusted through and snapped.

Issue: I am unable to find a part as I do not even know what this part is called.

Has anyone had experience with this and more importantly, does anyone know what this part is called?  Is it possible to source one of these parts?

Kindest regards
Will
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Juddian
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Joined: 31 Jan 2015
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PostPosted: Thu Dec 16, 2021 12:28    Post subject: Reply with quote

This is what you are after i believe.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Height-Sensor-Landcruiser-4890760031-48907-60041/dp/B09BJJ1QG4?th=1

Subarus have very similar links for headlight levelling, but being Subura aftermarket specialised parts are like hens teeth and i wasn't going to induce an early heart attack at the dealer parts desk, so i bought one for a LC100 and made it fit our Forester.
Note i bought one from somewhere, can't recall where now for about £20 for mine.

General note, everyone should keep those sensors lubed up because the pivots eventually seize solid which breaks either the bracket or link, bracket on the Subaru but the link itself was beyond saving.
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Tractionman
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Joined: 07 Apr 2007
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Location: Bournemouth, Dorset

PostPosted: Thu Dec 16, 2021 14:08    Post subject: Reply with quote

I can remember you doing that Juddian, and a very nifty repair it was. Good call for Veritas, and others.
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Juddian
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PostPosted: Thu Dec 16, 2021 15:56    Post subject: Reply with quote

TM, i was surprised just how seized the pivots were in their sockets, tried to free them off to effect a temp repair until the new part arrived, ended up breaking the link and temporarily cable tying the sensor in place.

This type of corrosion problem in my humble is the one major let down of Japanese cars, they didn't take into account the amount of salt damage their designs would suffer in the UK, i bet in warmer climes and in Japan itself where no salt is used these things never fail.
Can't win can you, european makers generally make them more salt proof but the electronics themselves are made of cheese.

The part i bought looks exactly like the ones in the link, as said can't quite recall where i bought it from, but it's surprisingly well made with decent quality rubber seals on the pivot points.
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Tractionman
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Location: Bournemouth, Dorset

PostPosted: Thu Dec 16, 2021 16:59    Post subject: Reply with quote

All these tips and alternate parts generated on here through others experience are always help to others Jud, especially if not available from main dealer or their price is ridiculous.
You're right with the Japanese vehicles for the English market, as they are lacking in the conditions we have, especially the Scottish or coastal areas. Their home market stuff never experiences that, so have no underbody protection at all. My 78 showed nothing but paint all over the underside, not even a sniff of underseal when it was imported here at 10 years old. After a few Mots here and slight corrosion was mentioned, I rapidly cleaned off treated and coated. I've had several Japanese marques including vans, as has the Mrs, and they all outlasted anything 'English' rust/rot wise.. Hopefully Veritas can gain from your latest info.
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steven.miles3
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PostPosted: Thu Aug 25, 2022 15:17    Post subject: Re: Headlight adjustment rusted arm Reply with quote

Veritas wrote:
Dear forum

1999 VX import (imported in 1999, unusual)

Just failed MOT on being unable to adjust headlight beam on DRIVERS SIDE

Issue: there is a small metal arm that connects the headlight unit to the suspension.  This has rusted through and snapped.

Issue: I am unable to find a part as I do not even know what this part is called.

Has anyone had experience with this and more importantly, does anyone know what this part is called?  Is it possible to source one of these parts?

Kindest regards
Will


Hi Will, the U.K. version of the 100 has no such "small metal arm that connects the headlight unit to the suspension", the Amazon link that Juddian has so kindly posted for you, is for the AHC suspension and has absolutely nothing to do with the headlights or their adjustment.

I can assure you the description that says "The car headlight level sensor adopts materials that meet the strict requirements of the OEM, which is matched with the car." is 100% wrong.

Unfortunately, like so many others, not just you, a question is asked and responded to with good advice, and we never hear from you again with regard to an outcome, perhaps you could come back with more 'in-depth' detail of this "small metal arm" then we can help you even more.
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Veritas
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Joined: 16 Dec 2021
Posts: 3
Location: Lymington

PostPosted: Mon Dec 26, 2022 23:42    Post subject: AHC woes Reply with quote

An update.  Really do r want to convert to springs unless I really have to.  But, after a year of suffering I have almost had enough of the AHC problems.  Sometimes too high sometimes too low on the front, mostly too high on the rear, occasionally medium setting on the rear.

I have been fiddling with the anti torsion bars that run the length of the van.  4 turns anti clockwise each side resulted in the front going too low from too high.  One turn clockwise, has made no difference to the front, but the rear has gone too high….

Will try another turn clockwise tomorrow to see what that does…

Greased up all of the nipples on the prop shaft as it was pretty dry, I was going that this might make a difference…but no unfortunately…

The way things are going, I may be forced to go down the springs route but it’s such a shame to lose the AHC…it’s just that it could be anything causing the height to not work properly…

Does anyone who knows about these AHC’s fancy a free holiday in The New Forest that could have a look and feels that they can fix it for me?
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steven.miles3
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Joined: 19 Aug 2013
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Location: World Economic Forum, Switzerland.

PostPosted: Tue Dec 27, 2022 11:49    Post subject: Re: AHC woes Reply with quote

Veritas wrote:
An update.  Really do r want to convert to springs unless I really have to.  But, after a year of suffering I have almost had enough of the AHC problems.  Sometimes too high sometimes too low on the front, mostly too high on the rear, occasionally medium setting on the rear.

I have been fiddling with the anti torsion bars that run the length of the van.  4 turns anti clockwise each side resulted in the front going too low from too high.  One turn clockwise, has made no difference to the front, but the rear has gone too high….

Will try another turn clockwise tomorrow to see what that does…

Greased up all of the nipples on the prop shaft as it was pretty dry, I was going that this might make a difference…but no unfortunately…

The way things are going, I may be forced to go down the springs route but it’s such a shame to lose the AHC…it’s just that it could be anything causing the height to not work properly…

Does anyone who knows about these AHC’s fancy a free holiday in The New Forest that could have a look and feels that they can fix it for me?


Hi Veritas,

Can you tell us the country your 100 was imported from? Also the milage? And if you feel comfortable, tell us the VIN. I can assure you that randomly fiddling with the torsion bars will just upset the AHC, as you will be sending all the wrong signals to the AHC ECU.

Greasing the prop shaft will have no effect on the suspension system, greasing the prop will help with the drive line though.

First and foremost you need to understand the fundamentals of how the AHC works on a AHC equipped 100 series Land Cruiser, first, to put in layman’s terms, there are two suspension systems on the 100, and one can not function correctly if the other is not functioning correctly, I suppose you could say they are symbiotic.

The two suspension systems are made up of (mechanically), two rear coil springs to the rear suspension, and two torsion bars for the front suspension, none of these are capable of holding up the car on their own, the other suspension system is the hydraulic system (AHC), made up of basically, a pump, AHC fluid, (never ever use any other fluid other than Toyota AHC fluid) two rear hydraulic rams, ( some think these are shock absorbers, they are not) two hydraulic rams to the front, four spheres, two work on the rear suspension and two work on the front suspension (these are the true shock absorbers), the items that control the hight of the AHC are basically, the afore mentioned AHC ECU, and the three AHC hight sensors, yes three, one for the rear suspension and two for the front suspension (one each side on the front), BTW, I think from you initial post that the arms you describe, that have rusted through, are the arms on the hight AHC sensors at the front. As mentioned above, the spring and torsion bars (mechanical) can not hold up the suspension alone, neither can the AHC (hydraulic), so both systems must work in conjunction, and be in good order.

As with most cars, the AHC suspension system on the 100 is made up of ‘serviceable parts’ and as with most car owners, the system is ignored until something goes wrong and breaks, then it’s the parts fault not the car owners fault.

To save me writing a work shop manual, or the car equivalent of ‘War and Peace’, if you take a look at……
IH8MUD.com - Your Online Toyota Land Cruiser Offroad ...
https://www.ih8mud.com

There are some very, very good step by step post on how to repair you AHC system, on ih8mud


Disclaimer, I am talking about a UK/European market LC 100, as there’s different variations around world markets.
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Tractionman
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Joined: 07 Apr 2007
Posts: 821
Location: Bournemouth, Dorset

PostPosted: Tue Dec 27, 2022 14:24    Post subject: Reply with quote

WOW !!
Good post Steve, with detailed information/parts, and how it all works.
I don't have a 100, or AHC come to that, but still found your post interesting, let's hope it sheds light on the OP's problem. 👍
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Tractionman
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Posts: 821
Location: Bournemouth, Dorset

PostPosted: Sat Dec 31, 2022 14:12    Post subject: Reply with quote

I wonder if the OP found it enlightening.?? 🤔

Free holiday in NF ? Been that way years and luvvin it. Cheers ! 😀
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Veritas
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Joined: 16 Dec 2021
Posts: 3
Location: Lymington

PostPosted: Sun Jan 01, 2023 13:42    Post subject: Update Reply with quote

I have a theory about my suspension woes.  

1) December 2021 - no suspension problem

2) December 2021 - goes in for MOT
GARAGE FAILS IT ON BEING UNABLE TO TEST HEADLIGHT PATTERN.  I went into workshop to chat with the MOT technician.  He showed me that the front suspension was high and that the cause was a broken height sensor d/s front under wheel arch.
I was pretty certain that the suspension was not high at the front before the MOT, but I questioned my sanity as you do and of course trusted the professionalism of the technician.

I chatted with another mechanic in the work shop before I left the garage, he said something interesting.  He said, Landcruisers with AHC don’t like being up on ramps with their wheels dangling.  Intimating that possibly the height adjuster/sensor (even though rusty) could have been damaged this way.

3) December 2021 - I purchased the height adjustment sensor and fitted it to the Landcruiser.
This made no difference to the suspension height.

I took the Landcruiser in for the retest and the technician said that he would do his best.

4) December 2021 - the technician passed the Landcruiser
I was delighted of course but my year of driving with awful suspension commenced.  Tried manual resetting to Jo avail.  Took to a recommended garage with a good feedback and history of AHC conversions to springs.  They found nothing obvious and said that it could cost almost anything following the fault finding method, and if course recommended a conversation as a viable option.

5) December 2022 - MOT pass
I went into see the same technician before ai left the Landcruiser for the MOT.  I told him that I was still unable to get the suspension to go down.

The MOT was a pass.  I went to collect the Landcruiser.  I was about to drive off, when the technician came over to me.  He said, you can fix this you know.  He showed me the anti torsion adjusting bolts under the vehicle.  He said, you just need to make small adjustments until the suspension settles back to a level medium height.

6) December 2022 - I made these adjustments as recommended.  First, 4 anti clockwise both sides.  The suspension at the front went from too high, to too low.  Had the look of a drag racer.  Secondly, I turned both sides clockwise 2 turns.  The suspension raises slightly.  Finally, I turned both sides on turn each.  This surprisingly has almost returned the suspension back to its original almost level but certainly almost medium position.

So now back to my theory.  Could it be possible, that the technician tried to do a good thing after accidentally doing a bad thing, but inadvertently ended up doing a very bad thing….

Perhaps he felt guilty seeing me struggle for 12 months with awful suspension, hence giving me what was indeed to answer to adjusting my suspension back to its original medium setting, by returning the anti torsion bar to its original position?  

It’s just a theory, but it makes some sense to me.  Would be interested in your thoughts…

I am not interested in taking this any further with the garage, I am just so relieved to have my suspension almost back to its original medium setting.  Whether this lasts will remain to be seen.  But I will keep you posted….

Had anyone else has similar or is this a unique experience?
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Tractionman
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Location: Bournemouth, Dorset

PostPosted: Mon Jan 02, 2023 17:03    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for recap.

I don't know anything about ahc, Steve is the man for that.

I find it interesting as to why the mot guy feels a vehicle should be put on a lift and left with its legs dangling, I've never seen that done on any of my cars, vans or 4x4's.
I'm puzzled too as  tester failed it on unable to test headlight pattern, you replaced a part that showed no difference in height, and he passed it - and again the year after?? Something wrong with his working there. If it was too high the first time, why pass it twice after fitted parts showed no difference ?
I don't trust mot testers anyway, they all work to their own agenda, and make it up as they go along, looking for work ??
Past example - small chip in windscreen well outside of mot criteria, yet year after year lists the same advisory with all the relavent measurements description, size, how far from top/bottom .

I understand an advisory is to bring to our attention, but as per my debate with him, I see it every time I get in the vehicle, although long repaired, I still look in that area.

Personally I would rather get advice from someone who actually knows the vehicle/system and how it works.
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Tractionman
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 02, 2023 19:38    Post subject: Reply with quote

Sorry, double post, system must be in sympathy with RM.
Didn't work, so I submitted twice. 😀
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steven.miles3
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Joined: 19 Aug 2013
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Location: World Economic Forum, Switzerland.

PostPosted: Mon Jan 02, 2023 19:56    Post subject: Re: Update Reply with quote

Veritas wrote:
I have a theory about my suspension woes.  

1) December 2021 - no suspension problem

2) December 2021 - goes in for MOT
GARAGE FAILS IT ON BEING UNABLE TO TEST HEADLIGHT PATTERN.  I went into workshop to chat with the MOT technician.  He showed me that the front suspension was high and that the cause was a broken height sensor d/s front under wheel arch.
I was pretty certain that the suspension was not high at the front before the MOT, but I questioned my sanity as you do and of course trusted the professionalism of the technician.

I chatted with another mechanic in the work shop before I left the garage, he said something interesting.  He said, Landcruisers with AHC don’t like being up on ramps with their wheels dangling.  Intimating that possibly the height adjuster/sensor (even though rusty) could have been damaged this way.

3) December 2021 - I purchased the height adjustment sensor and fitted it to the Landcruiser.
This made no difference to the suspension height.

I took the Landcruiser in for the retest and the technician said that he would do his best.

4) December 2021 - the technician passed the Landcruiser
I was delighted of course but my year of driving with awful suspension commenced.  Tried manual resetting to Jo avail.  Took to a recommended garage with a good feedback and history of AHC conversions to springs.  They found nothing obvious and said that it could cost almost anything following the fault finding method, and if course recommended a conversation as a viable option.

5) December 2022 - MOT pass
I went into see the same technician before ai left the Landcruiser for the MOT.  I told him that I was still unable to get the suspension to go down.

The MOT was a pass.  I went to collect the Landcruiser.  I was about to drive off, when the technician came over to me.  He said, you can fix this you know.  He showed me the anti torsion adjusting bolts under the vehicle.  He said, you just need to make small adjustments until the suspension settles back to a level medium height.

6) December 2022 - I made these adjustments as recommended.  First, 4 anti clockwise both sides.  The suspension at the front went from too high, to too low.  Had the look of a drag racer.  Secondly, I turned both sides clockwise 2 turns.  The suspension raises slightly.  Finally, I turned both sides on turn each.  This surprisingly has almost returned the suspension back to its original almost level but certainly almost medium position.

So now back to my theory.  Could it be possible, that the technician tried to do a good thing after accidentally doing a bad thing, but inadvertently ended up doing a very bad thing….

Perhaps he felt guilty seeing me struggle for 12 months with awful suspension, hence giving me what was indeed to answer to adjusting my suspension back to its original medium setting, by returning the anti torsion bar to its original position?  

It’s just a theory, but it makes some sense to me.  Would be interested in your thoughts…

I am not interested in taking this any further with the garage, I am just so relieved to have my suspension almost back to its original medium setting.  Whether this lasts will remain to be seen.  But I will keep you posted….

Had anyone else has similar or is this a unique experience?


1) Have you bothered to look at ih8mud like I suggested ?

2) It makes not an ounce of difference if the wheels are dangling, think about if it was on axle stands under the chassis !

3) Put the torsion adjustments back to where they were, before you were given bad advice !

4) When you fitted the ‘hight sensor’ did you adjust it ?

5) Get a copy of’Techstream’ with mini VCI cable from e bay, you can’t do hardly any work/adjustments without it.

6) stop listing to mechanics that know didly squat about how the AHC works, not even many Toyota tech’s know how it works, relatively speaking there are not many AHC equipped LC’s in the UK, whereas there are thousands in the US. So look on ih8mud.

7) your experience is not unique !

8) As I have already said, AHC is not difficult to understand if you understand how the mechanical and hydraulic suspension interact together
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Tractionman
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PostPosted: Tue Jan 03, 2023 13:00    Post subject: Reply with quote

👌More good info Steve - but the mot man knows better ? 😂😂
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