DESCRIPTION
Vehicles are equipped with front wheel drive and independent MacPherson strut (shock absorber) front suspension. Suspension consists of vertically mounted strut assemblies, control arms, and stabilizer bar. (Scheme 3)- (Scheme 6). Shock absorbers are mounted between inner fender and steering knuckle. Tie rod ends connect rack and pinion steering to steering knuckle. Ball joint connects steering knuckle to lower control arm. A stabilizer bar attaches to MacPherson strut (shock absorber).
An air suspension system has been newly adopted on 2004 RX330 as optional equipment. This system uses pneumatic cylinders instead of the coil springs that are used in a conventional suspension. The suspension control ECU analyzes the information based on the switches, sensors, and input signals, operates the height control compressor assembly, and uses the solenoid valves to control the vehicle height.
The suspension control ECU detects, via the 4 height control sensors, the changes in the vehicle height that results from the number of occupants or the amount of the load. Then, the suspension control ECU controls the height control solenoid valves and the height control compressor assembly in order to automatically adjust the vehicle height to a constant vehicle height. Three vehicle heights can be selected by operating the height control switch
- HI (High) Mode - The HI (High) mode vehicle height ensures the vehicle's drive-through performance on rough roads.
- N (Normal) Mode - The N (Normal) mode vehicle height helps realize excellent controllability and riding comfort during normal driving.
- LO (Low) Mode - The LO (low) mode vehicle height improves aerodynamics and reduce roll angle.
The access mode, which automatically lowers the vehicle height when the engine is stopped, has been adopted to facilitate the exit of the occupants and the loading and unloading of cargo.
