another XREAS question

[villahidalgo]

I have a 2006 sport 2WD V8 with 85000 miles. I had the FJ springs and a spacer installed to lift it. At installation, some XREAS fluid was lost because the shop didn't really know the XREAs system and they tried to disconnect one of the hoses/pipes before they figured it out. I have been driving the car like that for 2-3 years with no issues.

The car is at the dealer today, and they called to tell me that both front shocks are leaking, and that they CAN replace just the two front shocks. Is that right? I thought the XREAS system was sealed and that all 4 shocks had to be replaced. Not sure if this is a scam.

I don't do any off roading, so I do like the XREAS handling. The car looks great with the FJ springs but it is pretty stiff for CA crappy roads.

any input is appreciated, thanks!

 

[chaz]

help any? show them the "precautions for replacing xreas" http://www.shockwarehouse.com/news/toyota-4runner-xreas-suspension-replacement-diy-instructions.pdf

 

[cloh09]

Anything I have heard from here is that the shocks on opposite corners have to be replaced together. I've also heard that they can only be replaced once. I don't know if that means each shock can be replaced once or that you can only perform one swap out, meaning two shocks at opposite corners once. I guess the theory is that you will lose too much fluid if you swap twice?

 

[CookieRoe]

Yes, you can only replace 2 shocks AT A TIME and only once. I assume it's b/c of loss of fluid. If you must replace the shock a second time, then you have to replace the WHOLE system.

NO, you can NOT replace JUST the front 2 shocks. This should imply that all 4 will be replaced. As mentioned before, they are cross-connected (replace 1 and you must replace the other one that is opposite side and corner ....."cross")

Sucks that Toyota hasn't figured out how to make it more reliable and robust (probably cost prohibitive)

[MENTION=8902]villahidalgo[/MENTION] : If the techs are telling you they want to replace just the front 2, it's not a scam. Apparently they have no idea what they are doing.

 

[ebg18t]

They are cross linked. Not sure why the dealer is saying he can just do the front.

 

[eddiebx]

They are cross linked. Not sure why the dealer is saying he can just do the front.

I think the 5th gen XREAS is probably similar enough (if not exactly the same), and for those the FSM says you can only replace each shock once, but nothing about having to replace them in pairs? I might just be understanding it wrong though, but here's what it says:

PRECAUTION

1. HANDLING PRECAUTIONS FOR CENTER UNIT AND SHOCK ABSORBER

(a) Replacement of each unit is allowed if there is no fluid leakage. However, in the case of fluid leakage from the system, replace both the absorber and center unit as a set.

(b) It is possible to replace a unit only if it is the first time the part is being replaced. Replace the system parts as a set if it is the second time or later.

(c) When carrying each unit, be sure to hold the body of the unit. Never hold the body by the joint parts or hoses.

Also, do not deform metal tubes.

(d) The units should not be at a high temperature at the time of replacement.

(e) As the shock absorber could be damaged by sudden temperature changes after it is disconnected from the center unit, be careful when storing it.

(f) Do not loosen the union bolt except when disposing of a unit.

(g) Never loosen the absorber hoses or the flare nuts at the joint parts.

 

[AZ4runner08]

So mine appears to be leaking front right, it is possible for the left rear shock to become dried out (Trying for a better term) and make noise when rocking the truck with the roof rack? I noticed mine is leaking pretty back front right and the left back is sounding rough. It has gotten much worse over past few weeks and the truck only has 72,000 miles.

 

[TakeitApart]

From the FSM:

-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.

I would take this to mean that only one shock can be replaced once, on it's own. The second shock, in my mind, would be a second repair. So, it looks like you'd have to do the whole system.

 

[ebg18t]

I think the 5th gen XREAS is probably similar enough (if not exactly the same), and for those the FSM says you can only replace each shock once, but nothing about having to replace them in pairs? I might just be understanding it wrong though, but here's what it says:

It is weird. The last Manual we posted said to do it in pairs and it was the opposing corners. I wonder if the 4th vs 5th gen difference?

 

[eddiebx]

It is weird. The last Manual we posted said to do it in pairs and it was the opposing corners. I wonder if the 4th vs 5th gen difference?

Strange indeed, for all we know it could just be a bad translation and they're trying to say the same thing, lol.
[MENTION=66389]BlackWorksInc[/MENTION] your assistance is needed in decrypting this code

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Would not surprise me if Toyota Retconned their FSM. There's a lot of contradictory information like that in the bowels of TIS.

But theoretically if you are replacing the units at the junction point you possibly COULD replace only one unit. But to be honest with you I do not know how much fluid new ones come with and only the 5th gen system that is hooked into the KDSS allows for filling with a SST I have never used.

 

[villahidalgo]

so it seems it might now be possible to replace individual parts of the Xreas system separately. I guess I will talk to the tech on what he is actually doing.

thanks!

Would not surprise me if Toyota Retconned their FSM. There's a lot of contradictory information like that in the bowels of TIS.

But theoretically if you are replacing the units at the junction point you possibly COULD replace only one unit. But to be honest with you I do not know how much fluid new ones come with and only the 5th gen system that is hooked into the KDSS allows for filling with a SST I have never used.