Is my X-REAS shot?

[s_bowles2003]

I have a 2003 4Runner V6 Sport 2WD with 224,000 miles. All of the suspension is original except the front X-REAS shocks which were replaced in 2010 by the dealer. (I'm pretty sure this is because I hauled a skid steer where the weight of the skid steer forced the hydraulic fluid to the front shocks and blew the seals).

Anyways, my rear tires have been cupping on the inside and outside of the tread (I don't see any unusual wear in the middle of the tread). My alignment is good, tire pressure is good, and I rotate and balance the tires about every 5k to 6k miles. I have noticed that the 4Runner seems to float a bit more across the road at high speeds than is used to especially with high crosswinds. I jacked the truck and don't have any wobble in the tires and the bearings aren't making any noise. My shocks don't appear to be leaking, the truck handles well in curves, the nose doesn't dive when I stop abruptly, but I was wondering if it was still possible that my X-REAS shocks are shot? If they are, I will replace them with the non X-REAS shocks and new springs, but I don't want to spend the money to fix something that may not be broken. Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[AZ4]

I have noticed that the 4Runner seems to float a bit more across the road at high speeds than is used to especially with high crosswinds.!

Just a guess, but it could be your steering

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/44104-replacement-power-steering-rack-bushings.html

 

[s_bowles2003]

Thanks, AZ4, I'll have to check that out this weekend. I do have one question, though. Could the steering rack issue cause my rear tires to cup?

Thanks,

Scott

 

[AZ4]

Dunno. Google says this:

The Causes of Cupping in Tires | eHow

 

[Bob J]

I have a 2003 4Runner V6 Sport 2WD with 224,000 miles. All of the suspension is original except the front X-REAS shocks which were replaced in 2010 by the dealer. (I'm pretty sure this is because I hauled a skid steer where the weight of the skid steer forced the hydraulic fluid to the front shocks and blew the seals).

Anyways, my rear tires have been cupping on the inside and outside of the tread (I don't see any unusual wear in the middle of the tread). My alignment is good, tire pressure is good, and I rotate and balance the tires about every 5k to 6k miles. I have noticed that the 4Runner seems to float a bit more across the road at high speeds than is used to especially with high crosswinds. I jacked the truck and don't have any wobble in the tires and the bearings aren't making any noise. My shocks don't appear to be leaking, the truck handles well in curves, the nose doesn't dive when I stop abruptly, but I was wondering if it was still possible that my X-REAS shocks are shot? If they are, I will replace them with the non X-REAS shocks and new springs, but I don't want to spend the money to fix something that may not be broken. Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

My understanding is that front XREAS are supposed to be replaced as a pair with the corresponding (opposite) rear shock.... Am not sure what impact on the system you would see if just the front was replaced.... That having been said 228k miles is well beyond what most folks see for XREAS life so it's a pretty safe bet your rear shocks should be ready to be replaced.... The problem is that supposedly the system will support one round of replacement shocks before the entire system needs to be replaced so am not sure what you are facing with having just the fronts replaced.... I would recommend that you PM blackworks and get his opinion.....

 

[s_bowles2003]

Thanks for your help everyone. I've priced out some Bilstein 5100's and it looks like its going to run about $400 for the shocks. I plan to get under the truck sometime in the next couple of days to check the steering links to make sure everything is good there before I bite the bullet on new shocks. I've seen several people recommend using the FJ springs, too, but that's a another few hundred. I think I might try the factory coils before jumping all in with the FJs unless this is highly unadvisable. I'm mostly a highway driver...if you can't tell from my 224k miles.

I did manage to crawl under the truck last Friday and found a coolant leak right under the engine. I haven't traced it to the source but it may be the water pump or a hose. Its not the radiator so that's good.

I'll let you know what I find out about the steering and if/when I go forward with the Bilsteins.

thanks!

 

[diverscale]

FYI

per manual

If there was a leak in a front or rear shock, the corresponding center shock shall be replaced. No need to refill the lines, or replace them (So no to the ''entire system replacement'', per manual). That is for the first shock replacement. Subsequent replacement, you always change the center shocks with the corresponding shocks, even without a leak.

I have checked the prices a few weeks back on both the XREAS front/rear shocks, and center shocks, and prices were not that bad on Toyota of Dallas website. (like 40-50$ a piece ? )

 

[runner4brian]

Xreas failure?

Hi. Been searching the threads about XREAS looking for an answer but can't find anything definitive.

I have a 2017 T4R Limited and over the winter it developed a "clunk" sound coming from the rear. Part of me thinks it's coming from inside the lift gate but the more I read and think about it, I have a feeling it is the XREAS. Here's why and maybe someone can confirm.

I bought the T4R with about 16,000 miles and recall my first test drive being somewhat soft/cushy and smooth. Now it feels like it rides hard most of the time and going over bumps, especially from the rear end, and it also has that clunk sound over bumps and potholes.

Has my system or shock failed? Is there anyone that can explain what a failed XREAS ride would feel like?

Thanks for any help on this.