“An individual component may be replaced only when the system is repaired for the first time, provided that there is no oil leakage. During the second and subsequent repairs, the entire system (consisting of front shock absorbers, rear shock absorbers, center control absorbers, and tube assemblies) must be replaced as a unit, because of the likelihood of oil leakage from the joints.”

https://www.shockwarehouse.com/news/...structions.pdf


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That's pretty crazy. Glad I replaced mine couple years ago, it had no gas pressure when I broke into the system. I didn't even know it at the time.

the key is as long as there is no oil leakage. if you catch it early and it's just a weep you are OK. the shocks come a bit over pressurized which helps to replace any small amount of fluid lost. I don't know why a second servicing would require everything to be replaced. perhaps it's the passage of time that makes the joints likely to leak? I don't understand the rationale in the article, it's not clear

I replaced all 4 corners at just over 150k miles after I noticed my rear passenger weeping - first time ever needing suspension work. very minimal fluid loss and there are no leaks from any 'joints' after over 10 years and nearly 160k miles

I’m glad they explained their logic, although I don’t agree with it, and probably would not follow the full replacement instruction unless the entire system was in fact leaking. Just good to know their thought process.


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Replacement? Good luck with those flare nuts. If they have any decent level of corrosion on them, I doubt your getting them off to disconnect the system per corner.

A simpler solution is to use a large bolt cutter, a rag, a bucket and a some beer... this will ensure the XREAS goes to its proper location in life..

In the dumpster.

Slightly off-topic since not regarding servicing XREAS, but similar - I have a 2013 Limited 4Runner (4x4 / AWD) - 127,000 miles - original owner. I do not "off-road" other than to drive on dirt / gravel roads a few miles each year during bird-hunting season. Primarily it has highway miles on it. Routine service at Dealership discovered all four (4) Struts leaking in the X-REAS system. Toyota Dealership quoted $4800 to replace the system. Told me that it had to be replaced with another XREAS by a Toyota Master Mechanic, but reading on this Forum, that does not seem to be true. Clearly, I'll have to call around to try to find a mechanics shop that works on suspensions. What should I be looking to replace the system with? I like the "truck" feel, not the cushy SUV feel. Mostly the truck is used for in-town driving in WI, with again, some dirt/gravel miles during Nov - Jan. Would prefer to keep it no higher than it is currently. Any suggestions appreciated.

I have a set of KINGs on mine, far better than XREAs. Others have had good luck with simple new shocks and sometimes springs. I would strongly suggest you ditch the XREAS system. Its very easy to remove when you plan on replacing it. Very easy. The stock system they will replace it with will have you replacing it again once that one leaks to. You can do better for less cash. Others can recommend shocks and stuff to. My personal opinion is Bilstein is garbage having had many of them. that said many do like them and enjoy them.

If you do the work yourself, it's quite simple, you can do it for less than $1K.
I replaced mine with Bilstein 4600's and FJ springs several years ago. If I had it to do over would probably go with 5100's due to front height adjustability to level it out w/o spacers, I have a 1/2" spacer on front too. But really, removing the xreas is not difficult, nor is installing new shocks and springs of your chouce using the floor jack/no spring compressor method. Take you a good part of a Saturday if you work slow and deliberate like I did.

I had a leak on one shock and asked them whether or not it all had to be replaced, the corresponding two sides, or just the single. Only single side was replaced and seems fine but I am no mechanic. They also said they had to wait for a master tech to see if it qualified to be completely be replaced since its all under warranty still and they only replaced the leaking component since it did not. Don't feel great about it all but from reading on here it seems like if it leaks or breaks it does not have the risk of damaging much else.

Guy at dealership seemed to know about a whole lot of nothin to most questions so this helps trying to understand.


In my case, does this imply that if it does leak again it is a complete loss and needs to be either fully replaced or taken off and replaced with different suspension?

@rdruss

I have 134,000 on my 2010

Do you have any idea at all when it happened? Did it drive and handle without issue until then?

I like the system because of the reduced nosedive on braking and level, firm handling on bends/turns at speed. I wouldn’t replace it if it fails at some point, I’d choose something else, but I like it stock…

I bought it used and when I went to pick it up they were just finishing replacing a front shock. This was not a Toyota dealer so not sure if they understood what they were dealing with, I wasn't at the time. But it seemed to drive and handle ok except I would hear what sounded like a squishing noise in the rear from time to time. Then I read about the xreas system, determined I had it and made plans to replace it. When I did and disconnected the system, no charge pressure, so probably from day 1 of my ownership.

I suspect because inspecting and replacing all of the components is so labor intensive; the XREAS system works great but has so many fail points. In the end it's much simpler to install a system with reservoirs directly attached to the struts; rebuilding a single strut takes far less time than inspecting and rebuilding the entire XREAS system.