New shocks??

[Zaraspook]

So I take my 4R into Firestone for an oil change, alignment check, and to check out a pulsing in the brakes. ( They installed new pads and rotors about 10k ago) They resurface the rotors to take out the brake pulse. They also say it rides rough and my shocks need replacing to the tune of $818. ouch

I've currently got about 70k on my 4R. Is it reasonable to suggest that the shocks are worn out? I haven't really noticed the ride being bad.

How much trouble is it to replace the shocks myself? Does XREAS pose any special problems?

Z

 

[cknsls@adelphia]

It is my understanding that the X-Reas suspension is available only through the dealers.

I would check to see how much the dealer wants to replace it. Also, if it is not leaking, what do they mean - "it rides rough"?

I have an '05 with the X-Reas and it does ride "tight" that's the nature of the X-Reas.

If your not bouncing around - and the rides not "soft," I would say your OK.

 

[toto]

I agree that you need a better reason to replace the shocks than one guy's opinion.

The X-REAS will make replacing the shocks more expensive if I understand it correctly. X-REAS does its thing by changing the response of the shocks, so there's some amount of electronics and valves inside. I would only take it to a Toyota dealer for the replacement.

The price will be scary. On a 2000 Tacoma, I had a dealer quote me over $800 for 4 shocks that aren't X-REAS but are the OEM TRD shocks (a Toyota/Bilstein co-brand). A lot of that is labor, because replacing shocks that are inside a spring coil are a pain, and that's what it had on the front. I replaced all 4 because one of the fronts leaked a lot (I think it emptied itself!) and both rears were bouncy; there is a noticable improvement with the new shocks.

 

[sharp4runr]

Uhhh, I'd stop going to that Firestone... Get a second opinion, but there are folks with more miles on their XREAS. Granted, yours could have failed prematurely but if you can't feel the rough ride then I wouldn't worry about it.

I'd be curious to see what kind of shock replacement Firestone would suggest too...

 

[cknsls@adelphia]

I don't believe there are any electronics hooked up to the X-Reas. I believe it's all a matter of simple pressure and resistance.

 

[Jacobzky]

stay away from that firestone and get a second opinion, how do you drive? do off-road alot? mostly on-road? should be ok if you drive your 4R normally and no abuse.

 

[Zaraspook]

I drive mostly on road and off road just enough to get to my hunting or fishing spots. Probably 95%-5%. I've noticed a pulsing when I'm coming to a stop and thought it was the rotors warped. Firestone turned the rotors so we'll see if that takes care of the problem. I definitely don't think it rides rough unless the suspension is catching or something when I'm coming to a stop and making it feel like the brakes are pulsing. I'm thinking the tech doesn't know what he's doing or they're trying to push sales of stuff that I don't need. I put 135k on my grand cherokee and never needed to replace the shocks.

Thanks for all the input!

Z

 

[Jacobzky]

sounds like a normal driving habit to me, take care of the brake first and start from there. i dont think you needs shocks that soon. and i would'nt let anybody touch XREAS other than toyota dealer.

 

[toto]

Found this document about how X-REAS works. cknsls@adelphia is right - no electronics, just variable pressure. Nonetheless, it's not your average shock absorber.

 

[dingo]

Found this document about how X-REAS works. cknsls@adelphia is right - no electronics, just variable pressure. Nonetheless, it's not your average shock absorber.

toto,

HOLY CRAP, thank you for providing this link dude! I have searched EVERYWHERE on the net for some actual and decent tech diagrams of the x-reas center absorber to no end and to no avail. I have always wanted to know just what the hell was inside the thing exactly. Finally, some real technical info on the x-reas system. Thanks again!

:bowdown:

 

[toto]

You're welcome. I got it from Toyota TIS, in the "what's new" section for the 2003 model year.