Possible issue with X-REAS suspension... advice?

[V8Limited4wd]

I recently got my tires replaced and my mechanic told me he noticed a a thin layer of oil on the front two shocks under the dust covers. It was barely noticeable but there was definitely oil there from a tiny leak. I have 65k miles on it and have the platinum warranty until 3/2011 or 75k miles. Should I get it checked out by a dealer and do I have a good chance to get the whole xreas suspension replaced? I drive 90% on the highway and have never gone off-roading.

 

[cknsls@adelphia]

I recently got my tires replaced and my mechanic told me he noticed a a thin layer of oil on the front two shocks under the dust covers. It was barely noticeable but there was definitely oil there from a tiny leak. I have 65k miles on it and have the platinum warranty until 3/2011 or 75k miles. Should I get it checked out by a dealer and do I have a good chance to get the whole xreas suspension replaced? I drive 90% on the highway and have never gone off-roading.

The passenger side shock for some reason is prone to leaking. If your X-Reas is leaking, it IS COVERED under the platinum warranty.

At this point, the cost of my Platinum warranty has been recouped with the Front X-Reas shock replaced ($600.00 plus rental car) and most recent, the driver's seat rail replaced (another $600.00).

The shocks will not be in stock, so they should cover a rental car for you as well.

They WILL NOT replace the entire system, just the leaking components.

Good luck!

 

[V8Limited4wd]

The passenger side shock for some reason is prone to leaking. If your X-Reas is leaking, it IS COVERED under the platinum warranty.

At this point, the cost of my Platinum warranty has been recouped with the Front X-Reas shock replaced ($600.00 plus rental car) and most recent, the driver's seat rail replaced (another $600.00).

The shocks will not be in stock, so they should cover a rental car for you as well.

They WILL NOT replace the entire system, just the leaking components.

Good luck!

Thanks for the info. I thought that since the whole system is connected and the two front shocks were leaking the rear shocks would need to be replaced at the same time. Did you take it to the dealer to check the leak and did they give you any problems with replacing it? Was it a tiny leak like I described on mine?

 

[J.A.]

Thanks for the info. I thought that since the whole system is connected and the two front shocks were leaking the rear shocks would need to be replaced at the same time. Did you take it to the dealer to check the leak and did they give you any problems with replacing it? Was it a tiny leak like I described on mine?

It depends how far down on the shock the leak is going. If the leakage extends below the spring seat then they will have to replace it, otherwise I doubt it.

 

[cknsls@adelphia]

It depends how far down on the shock the leak is going. If the leakage extends below the spring seat then they will have to replace it, otherwise I doubt it.

Agreed. Some dealers say some seepage is "normal". This topic has been discussed here before. Of course, the golden question is - how is "seepage" normal on a closed loop system?

 

[cknsls@adelphia]

Thanks for the info. I thought that since the whole system is connected and the two front shocks were leaking the rear shocks would need to be replaced at the same time. Did you take it to the dealer to check the leak and did they give you any problems with replacing it? Was it a tiny leak like I described on mine?

The system has in line valves. So this prevents the cross-linked shock from being replaced.

 

[V8Limited4wd]

so has anyone been denied warranty repair for minor seepage on the shock?

 

[cknsls@adelphia]

so has anyone been denied warranty repair for minor seepage on the shock?

I have read elsewhere dealers have denied coverage for "seepage".

 

[Acidmeld]

Toyota has set guides for how much seepage is normal. All shocks lose fluid but unless it shows below the spring seat its considered normal. Fluid leaks past the shock rod seal normally but very slowly.

 

[cali_axela]

I've had old Bilsteins on another car have a thin coat of oil develop that was normal, lasted longer than the car still and remained consistent. Not necessarily a problem if really minor and relatively early w/ some.