Question: does the ras wear/break?

[cloh09]

I'm wondering if I need to worry about the rear air suspension wearing/breaking. It seems to me that they wouldn't wear as much as they would pop, have a hose leak, or have the compressor fail. Has anyone had these until they broke, or have any idea if they would?
I want to replace the front springs with fj's an put 5100's all around. I read about the air bag to spring swap but I'm wondering if I need to worry about the ras failing? I love the steady, level ride no matter what is in the back, and won't replace unless they would fail.
Currently 168k.
Thanks in advance, this forum rules!

 

[Bossman]

I'm not sure if worry is that right word, but like any other system on your T4R it would be advisable to keep an eye on things.

My experience with the RAS has been less than favorable. Here is the link to my post in a similar thread:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/22282-rear-air-suspension-3.html

In my case the sensors that control the ride height became corroded due to their location. Too expensive for me to replace, so the system was deactivated. Then the compressor showed signs of failure, so my mechanic rigged a completely manual system to keep the RAS inflated - works just like airing up your tires.

Compressor failure - quite possibly down the road depending on age of the vehicle. Hose leak - possible, but less likely.

 

[cloh09]

Thanks for the response. I see you're in Canada, and yours is an '03. I can imagine the weather has a lot to do with the corrosion you experienced. How many miles were on your rig when you did the swap? Maybe it is better to replace now then waiting for the corrosion to set in. I'll take a look at it and I guess see if it's in good condition or if it should be replaced.
I guess nothing lasts forever. Thanks again for your input.

 

[Bossman]

The weather - in terms of how we deal with winter road conditions (road salt!) - is the major factor in the corrosion of my RAS sensors (and my XREAS failure as well - corroded the lines between the front and rear shocks).

The height control crapped out in 2009 (at 132,000 km). At that time my mechanic did a temporary disable on the system, but would still allow for the on-board compressor to be manually powered up to inflate the RAS if needed.

The XREAS failed in 2010 (at 138,000 km) due to a leak in the line behind the driver’s side Centre Control Absorber.

In 2012 (at 150,000 km) the on-board compressor was showing signs of failure, so my mechanic bypassed the stock RAS system and installed an aftermarket supply line kit to work with the stock airbags.

Keeping an eye on the corrosion on the underside of your T4R is the best advice I can give. I wouldn't be in a hurry to replace if everything is still working fine. I just wish these fancy systems either held up better to corrosion, or were located in a better spot to avoid being exposed to the elements.