2nd Gen Sequoia: Rear end sags, leans, or rides harsh; air compressor runs constantly or not at all (Platinum)

Checks, in order

1. Overnight sag test
   Measure rear fender height at night and in the morning. A corner that drops overnight is leaking; soapy water on the bags and fittings finds it. A compressor that runs constantly is feeding a leak.
   easy $ · under about $50
2. Compressor and sensors
   No compressor sound at all with a low rear is the compressor, its relay or fuse. A compressor that works with a truck that is still soft or uneven is usually a height sensor or its linkage.
   medium $$ · about $50 to $500
3. Convert to coils
   The non-Platinum rear uses coil springs (48231-0C011 2WD, 48231-0C021 4WD) with matching lower control arms and insulators. Springs run roughly $140–550 a pair plus arms and $300–450 labor, then an alignment. You lose load leveling, so plan on helper springs or airbags if you tow heavy.
   hard $$ · about $50 to $500
4. Repair OEM
   New bags and a compressor keep the leveling. Expect it to cost well over a conversion; owners describe it as very expensive without quoting a figure we can verify.
   medium $$$ · shop-level job, $500+

Applies to: 2nd generation Sequoia, 2008 to 2022, with the 5.7L 3UR-FE V8 (most trucks) and the 4.6L 1UR-FE (2010–2012). It shares its engines, brakes and steering with the 2nd gen Tundra, so the engine items here match that truck. Rear air suspension items apply to the Platinum trim.

Tools and parts for these checks

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The same problem on other Toyotas

• Lexus GX 460 (2010–2023): Rear end sags, rides soft or bottoms out, compressor runs a lot, or a Check Air Suspension message
• Lexus GX 470 (2003–2009): Rear end sags overnight or leans, compressor runs long or never, suspension warning light

Other steering & suspension problems on the 2nd Gen Sequoia

• Power steering fluid leak or sudden heavy steering (21V920 recall)

More 2nd Gen Sequoia problems

• Burning oil smell after driving, oil on the exhaust manifolds, no drip on the ground (Engine)
• Check engine light with VSC and 4LO flashing, limp mode, codes P0418, P2440, P2442, P2445 (Emissions)
• Pink crust at the front of the engine or in the valley, coolant level dropping (Cooling)
• Rear liftgate window grinds, drops into the gate, or will not move (Body & Electrical)
• Brake booster pump buzzing, sinking pedal, ABS/VSC/BRAKE lights with C1252 or C1256 (Brakes)
• Turn the key: click or nothing, engine won't crank (Starting & Charging)

All 8 2nd Gen Sequoia symptoms in the interactive troubleshooter →

General guidance from owner experience. Confirm torque specs, fluid capacities and procedures in the factory service manual. Brakes, steering and anything structural: if in doubt, have a qualified shop inspect it before driving.