Just replaced single X-REAS shock

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Took few hours, because I wanted to make sure I did it perfectly. It was one of the easiest suspension fixes I've done, because access is great. Plus there was no fluid leaks when I opened at Check Valve (thank you car gods). I got new Front X-REAS shock from partznet.com for $150. Rest of my original units still good. I saved $ and was able to retain OEM set-up.

 

[Isco]

Shock

Just curious, what was wrong with the old one?

 

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Leaking (oil inside rubber boot and over shock body) plus wierd oscilations over bumpy roads on same side. All gone now

 

[zopperman]

aren't you supposed to replace them in pairs?

I just did the front two, two frozen calipers, pads, rotors, diff oil.... 1800 at my shop :wow:

 

[Desert Fox]

aren't you supposed to replace them in pairs?

I just did the front two, two frozen calipers, pads, rotors, diff oil.... 1800 at my shop :wow:

If you are to replace them in pairs would you replace both front or both rear or the corss connected shocks?

 

[zopperman]

If you are to replace them in pairs would you replace both front or both rear or the corss connected shocks?

Front / Back?

My mechanic told me that that's the way to do it. And apparently my xreas was leaking break fluid and i was only a few hundred miles away from disaster...

 

[ebg18t]

My understanding was once the system is opened the whole thing needs to replaced due to the hydraulic pressure in the system.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Front / Back?

My mechanic told me that that's the way to do it. And apparently my xreas was leaking break fluid and i was only a few hundred miles away from disaster...

Toyota does recommend that the shocks be replaced in pairs along with the central absorber.

My understanding was once the system is opened the whole thing needs to replaced due to the hydraulic pressure in the system.

This is actually true and part of the reason why Toyota wants them replaced in pairs. The fluid is seperated between the two shocks by the central absorber but in the event of a fluid leak that shock & lines will lose both the gas charge & hydraulic fluid. The OP did the correct procedure by removing the shock from the disconnect coupling, but there probably is now less fluid on that side of the system with the new shock (as the line from the coupling to the central absorber could be low on fluid since that shock was leaking.) Now whether or not this is enough fluid to compromise the system and/or affect its performance I have no clue. :shrug:

 

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I caught mine early enough where it didnt bleed too much fluid out. Dealers recomend pair replacement but both front, which in X-REAS is 2 separate systems. I didn't want to open good side for pair exchange. Did one. All is well including alignment.

 

[jwyshrek]

Where's the check valve located?

 

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Where's the check valve located?

It is at the connection at the side of skid plate. New shock comes with short hose attached. End of that has one check-valve that connects to another in the system. See unit #2

 

[jwyshrek]

Thanks. :biggrin2: