starider

Sorry to contradict, but the springs although stronger were longer when put beside the ones removed, not by a great deal, but definitely longer enough to make fitting difficult. Interestingly when I purchased my kit there were a pair of new shock absorbers with the springs. That accounts for the ebay number I gave not working,as from the number given by Picasso is for the springs alone. I didn't fit the shocks as the ones on the Alphard are still OK, plus I didn't fancy dismantling"stuff to get at the top of the towers.

Yep, that's the one. noticed it in the past, but it does not always appear. No reference at all in the Drivers Hand Book as to it's purpose or what security it provides. Anyone any ideas?

Hi, I note Picasso has provided a number which I assume means he has obtained a set. If you read my post re.the fitment you will note I found it impossible compress both the old springs and certainly not the longer HD springs. My local garage did the job successfully with much heaving by several mechanics!! I have just towed our caravan from St.Mawes in Cornwall,adding the nose weight of the caravan did not "push" down the rear of the Alphard in anyway,as far as we could see so the HD springs do a good job. We had a nice easy drive home, a slight drop in speed on the steeper parts of the A30 but a good tow at between 50 and 60 with no swing on the caravan. I've towed many types of trailer with many different vehicles and the Alphard is one of the best, second only to my Morris 1800[Land crab] which I owned during the 1980s. The most difficult to tow was a single axle, around 25/30ft long, which contained a Sailplane. I've been taken to task in the past about the length of this trailer, but my excuse, it was over 40years ago!! What I'm trying to say is the Alphard is a good steady towing vehicle. If you can't find the springs I'll try to find the box the HDs came in and see if there is a label still on it.

The camper recently passed it's MOT again. I had the front suspension parts replaced' which removed the advisory,but the manager advised leaving the rear bushes as they had not deteriorated any further since last year,so will check next year. I have the new bushes to do this work in stock as they will only go up in price!!

Hi, Suddenly noticed a red indicator on the dash in one of the clocks when the ignition is turned off. Having searched the hand book I found that this indicates that Security devices have been activated, but I couldn't find anywhere what these devices are or do. Does anyone know?

How about knowing how to contact jpnz and we all contact them about AH20 Workshop manuals? and then keep nagging if nothing is forth cominng!

Hi, Check the tail pipe for signs of water when engine is hot. Also look around where the cylinder head meets the cylinder block for any water leaks. Another check is the transmission oil for contamination. We don't have access at present to any form of workshop manual! There could be core plugs on the rear of the engine block between the block and the transmission. Good luck with your investigations.

You may or may not have read my posts regarding altering Alphard wheels/suspension. The Alphard you have just purchased looks identical to my own. You would be be best spending your money on converting yours to a camper using one of the converters[mentioned on the forums posts etc.]My personal and the Wifes opinion is that the ride and noise levels is/are excellent and certainly do not produce the teeth rattling of a hard suspension and elastic band tyres. But of course"everyone to their own".

I have written this on the campers forum, but is applicable on all Alphards. Last year when tested, my Alphard Camper produced 2 advisories, one for the front suspension [both sides]and one for the rear [both sides]. I immediately ordered the necessary mountings and both front bottom wishbones[the joints could have been ordered separately], but as I anticipated doing the work myself it would be much easier the fit the complete wishbones. Unfortunately I had a major operation in June and got so behind whilst recovering, with other work,I gave the task to my MOT garage, Red Post, BUDE. They suggested that as the mileage during the year was quite low, it would probably still be OK. The Alphard passed with now one advisory, as we agreed to replace both sides front suspension. The rear bushes will be replaced around April next year when the garage is less busy. I had purchased all the necessary parts last year, so it was just fitting and the MOT to pay for. It cost £320 labour and included the MOT Test, which I consider good value as some of the mounting bolts had been fitted from manufacture, downwards and the engine had to be lifted to gain access. Glad I didn't do the work myself!!

I agree with most of what Rojie has said,but personally fail to see how lowering the suspension improves a vehicles "look". All this messing about with ride height began many many years ago with the "fad" arriving from the US. At around the time, I was still managing a dealership and parts store and began to be approached by young folks asking about our workshop and if these mods could be carried out by our workshop. We could not even consider messing about with any modification which took a vehicle "away" from it's original specification. Around that time the magazine Practical Car Mechanics used our workshop for strip downs etc.for their magazine articles. My hands appeared in many editions.

My original post has certainly caused some controversy, but I hope in a good way. Is it possible someone could tell me/us in all honesty why it is seen to be a good idea to lower/raise suspensions? Is it a form of posing, copying, trying to set a trend, I[and others] would love a definitive answer. I have rejoined this topic because today I saw near to Bude a lovely VW Camper, so low to the ground with the tops of the wheels/tyres behind the wheel arch bodywork. There was almost no suspension movement and it seemed to vibrate along the road surface,the ride must have been awful. Any comments please. Again my plea, if your Alphard has lowered or altered suspension, check your insurance company knows.

Hi, Is there any sign of the long awaited Workshop Manual for the 2004-2008 Alphard. There was "talk" of one in the pipeline a couple of years ago.

Hi, I may have banged on before about insurance,but reading through recent posts, there are many new members with discussions about modifications such as altering wheels,lowering suspension etc. It is important to know that any alterations/modifications from the factory specifications for your Alphard could render your insurance invalid,so any modifications[s]/alterations from standard need to be informed to your insurance company. During my many,many years of involvement around and in the motor trade I have seen insurance claims be dismissed because of un-reported mods[even worn tyres,] The list goes on! I have a Morris Minor Van which has disc brakes fitted,anti roll bar &,5 speed gear box which had to be registered with my insurance company. These mods improve the handling and safety of the vehicle and did not affect my premiums. All the campers/vans on the road with strange looking wheels and elastic bands for tyres, I understand are illegal. Their fitment should be informed/checked with the insurance company,otherwise in the case of an accident the owner may not be covered and the insurance company will not pay out.

I find that the headlamps still produce v.good light even though the lens v.slightly yellowed. The cleaner I use only takes about 5mins to clean each h/lamp, so no real problem once a year. The units are so expensive and as my night driving is a minute amount of time,I'll keep up the annual clean.

Hi, Just wondering how many of you have[like my Alphard]have h/light lens that are turning yellow/opaque due to being exposed in Japan to v.strong sunlight. MOT Testers are beginning put the fact on Test Certificates as an Advisory.Before the MOT last year I used a product which was a spray-on foam which was then buffed to give a clear lens again. I will do this again just before the test this year to ensure a pass. The product I used is: ROADSIDE RES Q! CLEAR LENS SINGLE STEP Headlamp Restoration. It is a USA Product which was all over Ebay at the time. There are other types available. I have used this product on different plastic lens on different vehicles which work well, but each year I have done another buff.

Totally agree with Arthur, the Caravan and Motorhome Club has always been second to none, have been members[on and off, originally The Caravan Club]since the 1970s. Well organised sites,good facilities,always offers/competitions, comprehensive insurances especially for members and a monthly informative magazine. Hassle free booking system. Excellent site Wardens throughout the club.

Hi, could be that the wire from the L/H indicator circuit to the socket has become disconnected from the L/H Ind circuit.Worth undoing the 2 bolts that hold in the L/H rear light cluster and pulling off the whole cluster, you should find the wire to the socket for the bike rack indicator[yellow]. Check the connection at both ends. If there is no obvious problem, put in a temporary wire and see if that works.If it works make the temporary wire permanent. Hope this helps.

I covered the fitting of a tow bar 2021 with a recommended supplier, but all seems to have been covered in these recent posts. I tow a Sprite caravan with no problem. The camper does slow a little on long inclines, but I don't thrash the engine in lower speeds.

Hi, Discussions, recommendations, suppliers etc. were covered by myself and others last year. Like myself you probably find difficulty in finding old topics. I find the only way is to keep searching or give up and sort myself.

Hi, not sure about a tool to help replace the bush, I'm sure there will be advice on it's way. I decided the purchase the complete bush in it's new bracket. However you decide to replace, the advice is to replace both sides. spring-loaded.co.uk supplied mine.

Further to my post yesterday I realised I just gave a name and phone number for suspension parts,so below is the full info:- Mike Oakes, Company: Spring Loaded, 07761700770. I have used Spring Loaded on several occasions for Toyota and Suzuki suspension parts and found Mike extremely helpful with sourcing parts at sensible prices. I have met Mike as his brother lives about half a mile down our road and found him to be very knowledgeable about his products.

The problem is that the tester does not have access to individual vehicle specs. and judges what he/she considers in his expertise,as in my case,the movement needs to be noted. I have always taken note of the advisories and ensured new parts are fitted before the next MOT. Recently I have ordered the parts needed, to be fitted prior to the next MOT[June]. Alphard suspension parts, Mike--07761700770. Have your chassis type at hand[not the chassis number,just the letters and number before the actual series of numbers].

PS Forgot to mention, my Alphard has one of these mirrors. At my age if I got down low enough to use for shaving ,would have to get the wife to help me up!!

Your comments about these mirrors take me back many years when teaching Motor Vehicle Studies to Years 10,11 and 6th Form. I had on VHS Tape a BBC program about parking in Japanese cities which always fascinated the students. If you lived in a city and wanted a car, you couldn't buy one until you had an authorised parking space. The film was quite funny as once you had found a suitable space, a permit was applied for and a little man turned up on a push bike and took the appropriate measurements. If the size was suitable for the car you wanted to purchase, a permit was issued and you could purchase your new car. I can't remember which city it was filmed in, but so obvious parking was at a premium. The next restriction was that everyone who owned a car was only allowed to keep it for a certain number of years when it had to be replaced with a new one. The "old" usually immaculate vehicle was either scrapped or moved into grey exports, hence our Alphards. Japanese motor cycles were also on the same scheme. The point of this little tale is that the extra wing mirror was especially useful for getting your vehicle into very! confined parking spaces. Several years ago I had a grey import Australian spec. Toyota Hylux which had one of the extra wing mirrors[it also had an Altimeter??]. If anyone knows where I could get this VHS onto disc, I would "dig" it out of where ever it's stored?

Hi Sal, sounds as though you've found the towing points. The little panels may need a screwdriver to lever them out. I wouldn't worry about popping the panel out,the important part of this post is to make sure there is a screw in towing eye in with the jack/wheel brace etc. I haven't tried to remove the panel[s] on my Alphard,just hope I never have to use my towing eye. Hope this helps.