2019 Limited Shock Replacement

[RichN]

Has anyone been able to get their shocks replaced on the XREAS system without replacing the entire system, including the lines?
My dealer is telling me they won't replace just the shocks, even though the car was undercoated and their is no rust and no sign of leaking under the car.

 

[N6WRV]

Orther than warranty work, taking your vehicle to a dealer is a major mistake. If the XREAS shocks aren't leaking, don't worry about it. When the shocks do leak, do an XREAS delete, there are tons of YouTube videos on how to do an XREAS delete. If you can't do the work yourself, take it to a reputable, lndependent Repair Shop.

 

[RichN]

They are leaking, especially the front left. I don't want to get rid of the XREAS system. I tend to drive whatever car I'm in like a sports car, and this one definitely handles better than all of my earlier 4Runners without XREAS.

 

[Rocko9999]

If you want to keep the XREAS you need to replace all 4 shocks as a system per the dealer. The other shocks will leak soon. As you know many replace them with aftermarket but the ride is not as good. It's an all or nothing deal with the XREAS.

 

[Humble Leader]

Has anyone been able to get their shocks replaced on the XREAS system without replacing the entire system, including the lines?
My dealer is telling me they won't replace just the shocks, even though the car was undercoated and their is no rust and no sign of leaking under the car.

it depends on how much fluid you lost. during covid I noticed one of my shocks weeping. not leaking really, just a slight weep of spray. it was attracting dirt/dust. I took it to the dealer since everything was shut down during covid and couldnt get bilstein 5100s. toyota replaced all 4 corners only and my vehicle has been fine for over 5 years. I was told by a tech that the shocks come slightly overpressurized from factory and I do know if you install properly you won't be leaking fluid everywhere. there are pintle valves I think they are called. so yes it is possible, under the right conditions. and if not possible you can replaced all the hard lines and actuators etc. since each component will come pressurized from the factory. you can't add fluid so if you're having multiple leaks and puddling you've probably lost too much fluid hence the need for a new system.

 

[RichN]

it depends on how much fluid you lost. during covid I noticed one of my shocks weeping. not leaking really, just a slight weep of spray. it was attracting dirt/dust. I took it to the dealer since everything was shut down during covid and couldnt get bilstein 5100s. toyota replaced all 4 corners only and my vehicle has been fine for over 5 years. I was told by a tech that the shocks come slightly overpressurized from factory and I do know if you install properly you won't be leaking fluid everywhere. there are pintle valves I think they are called. so yes it is possible, under the right conditions. and if not possible you can replaced all the hard lines and actuators etc. since each component will come pressurized from the factory. you can't add fluid so if you're having multiple leaks and puddling you've probably lost too much fluid hence the need for a new system.

That's essentially what the dealer said. The front left is leaking really bad and they can't tell if the system has lost pressure. Thanks for the confirmation.
I wonder if the smart move in the future would be to proactively replace the shocks at 6 years or 70,000 miles? Could it be a do-it-yourself job if you were replacing only the shocks?

 

[Rocko9999]

The system is closed and sealed. No ports. Can't change part of it. All or nothing. Not a DIY type of system.

 

[RichN]

The system is closed and sealed. No ports. Can't change part of it. All or nothing. Not a DIY type of system.

That doesn't really make sense. I can't see how the shocks could be pre-attached to the lines when you order them. Maybe I'm wrong, but I would think that would be an installation nightmare. I guess it's possible that the lines have a hard cap on them that gets punctured when attached to the shocks and so it would lose pressure if disconnected.