Replace X-REAS suspension without removing X-REAS

[Fareastplaza]

My 2010 4runner limited front suspension struts start leaking. It is part of X-REAS. I am trying to find out if I can replace it myself. But google shows every single article is talking about replacing it with the standard strut and remove/abandon the X-REAS.

I understand people don't like it or it is too expensive/difficult to replace it while keeping X-REAS. But why nobody even tried? Or I didn't search correctly?

If you guys have any DIY information, could you please share it here?

Thanks,

 

[Frasher4Runner]

I'm a little confused about your question. Are you wanting to replace the front struts with new XREAS struts or replace them with standard struts but not have to remove the XREAS system?

 

[rdruss]

Xreas is a gas over hydraulic system so if you replace a shock that has leaked it has probably leaked out the gas which would need to be recharged. My xreas system had no gas in it when I replaced it with Bilsteins and I didn't even know it. The shocks are very pricey too, so going to a standard shock arrangement is much more cost effective and you lose no performance in my opinion.

 

[Bossman]

Keeping my X-REAS

Fixing XREAS suspension

Toyota 4-Runner X-REAS Shocks - Shockwarehouse.com

https://www.shockwarehouse.com/news/toyota-4runner-xreas-suspension-replacement-diy-instructions.pdf

Remove and reinstall XREAS front shocks

 

[<<<<]

I replaced both of my leaky X-Reas struts on 2004 Sports without any issues. If your leak is minimal and has not being leaking long you can replace just struts since these disconnect at check valve and keeps the rest of system sealed while you disconnect and reconnect. GL

 

[Fareastplaza]

I replaced both of my leaky X-Reas struts on 2004 Sports without any issues. If your leak is minimal and has not being leaking long you can replace just struts since these disconnect at check valve and keeps the rest of system sealed while you disconnect and reconnect. GL

I think x-reas struts can only be OEM. So I checked with Toyota dealer today. They quote me $500 for one only. It is so pricy, even like you said reconnect may work, but 2 for $1000 and that's just parts.:crybaby:

 

[<<<<]

Don't use local dealer unless they match national online Toyota parts retailers.

$ 273 on partznet.com
48510-80500 - Shock Absorber - 2010-2020 Toyota 4Runner | Conicelli Toyota of Conshohock

It is your call whether replace 2 front ones for about $600 both or get whole new 4 corner aftermarket system which easily will put you over $2000. I kept my and saved both money and XREAS.

 

[Fareastplaza]

Don't use local dealer unless they match national online Toyota parts retailers.

$ 273 on partznet.com
48510-80500 - Shock Absorber - 2010-2020 Toyota 4Runner | Conicelli Toyota of Conshohock

It is your call whether replace 2 front ones for about $600 both or get whole new 4 corner aftermarket system which easily will put you over $2000. I kept my and saved both money and XREAS.

Thanks. But are these shocks for X-REAS? The image doesn't look X-REAS compatible as it does have an extra connect point to the oil pipe. Or it is just sample image?

 

[<<<<]

Just image, non XREAS struts sell for $128 on that site.

 

[<<<<]

Also call them with your vin number to be 100% sure about correct part #

 

[Fareastplaza]

I replaced both of my leaky X-Reas struts on 2004 Sports without any issues. If your leak is minimal and has not being leaking long you can replace just struts since these disconnect at check valve and keeps the rest of system sealed while you disconnect and reconnect. GL

Also, to replace x-reas strut, do you need to lift the entire truck since they are cross-linked? Or you can lift one wheel at a time?

 

[<<<<]

Just lift a corner you are working on. Only disconnect at check valves to prevent fluid loss.

 

[Fareastplaza]

Thanks for everyone's reply. My 4runner is 11 years old and 167k km on it already. Also in here, winter salt road also brings lots of rust on the bottom. I am now rethinking: Should I pay a premium price for X-REAS or simply switch to a normal strut system.

I guess the basic 4runner SR5 modules come without KDSS nor X-REAS (correct me if I am wrong). They are just normal suspension/struts. Who drove them still feels good enough on the highway and the inner city?

 

[Humble Leader]

Thanks for everyone's reply. My 4runner is 11 years old and 167k km on it already. Also in here, winter salt road also brings lots of rust on the bottom. I am now rethinking: Should I pay a premium price for X-REAS or simply switch to a normal strut system.

I guess the basic 4runner SR5 modules come without KDSS nor X-REAS (correct me if I am wrong). They are just normal suspension/struts. Who drove them still feels good enough on the highway and the inner city?

this is tough to answer because people have different driving styles and types of road traveled as well as different preferences

personally I think when XREAS is working it is great. the truck does feel great cornering, body roll is greatly reduced and it feels really good. off-road capabilities are not compromised. you will likely notice a difference in driving with standard suspension. more body roll and probably more nose dive when braking. maybe you're fine with this, maybe you're not. do you drive more spirited or are you a cruiser?

many opt for a bilstein set up when scrapping XREAS, some say it has a similar feel. I think if you do off-roading and don't want XREAS look at bilstein 5100

I have a limited with XREAS. I replaced all 4 corners earlier this year due to a misting absorber in the rear at 155k miles (I figured the rest were going to be on their way out eventually). I considered bilstein but they were all out everywhere and I didn't want to wait. go test drive an sr5 and see if you can feel the difference between a new sr5 and new limited with XREAS. if you replace XREAS you will basically have a brand new suspension

 

[Deniseh]

Replace leaking rear shock absorber without removing xreas suspension

I replaced both of my leaky X-Reas struts on 2004 Sports without any issues. If your leak is minimal and has not being leaking long you can replace just struts since these disconnect at check valve and keeps the rest of system sealed while you disconnect and reconnect. GL

I have a 2019 with 44,459 miles and was told shock in rear is leaking. I took pictures but everything I find people say get rid of it. I don’t want to, I love how my car drives. I only do street driving, and my husband wants to do the work themselves but can not find any pictures or videos showing how to replace shock only. Dealer would only Goto $2300 to replace front left and rear right! And extended Warranity won’t cover. I drove a srd before buying as a test drive, I could tell difference right away. Everyone says go with bielstein and fj cruiser stuff. I’m afraid it will not be the same. Spent to much money buying this car to have it not drive like it has been . I’m very frustrated and need help.

 

[Humble Leader]

I have a 2019 with 44,459 miles and was told shock in rear is leaking. I took pictures but everything I find people say get rid of it. I don’t want to, I love how my car drives. I only do street driving, and my husband wants to do the work themselves but can not find any pictures or videos showing how to replace shock only. Dealer would only Goto $2300 to replace front left and rear right! And extended Warranity won’t cover. I drove a srd before buying as a test drive, I could tell difference right away. Everyone says go with bielstein and fj cruiser stuff. I’m afraid it will not be the same. Spent to much money buying this car to have it not drive like it has been . I’m very frustrated and need help.

what makes xreas difficult to replace is that the opposing corners are connected with hydraulic fluid. the fluid gets moderated through an actuator mounted to the frame at about midpoint of the vehicle. the actuator does not tie into the electrical system and no lights will illuminate if xreas is not functioning properly or you remove it. you generally cannot replace a single shock if there's a substantive leak because you cannot add fluid to the system - that is why you replace in opposing pairs and the entire line which comes already with fluid. if you only notice slight misting early on and no leaks you can get away with replacing only one shock because they come slightly over filled from the factory

there are pintle valves at each corner that can be used to allow for the removal of a shock without fluid leaking all over the place. look up an xreas removal video to see. if you do it wrong though and fluid leaks out you are screwed and need to replace the whole line. it looks like from your post too much fluid has been lost and the line itself from FL to RR is needing to be replaced along with the shocks. the reason everyone gets rid of the xreas is because it's costly to replace but there is nothing wrong with the system itself. replacing an xreas line is not something I'd attempt unless I was very sure I knew what I was doing (again, if you try this yourself and you mess up you cannot add fluid, you have to buy a new part or line). I have xreas and do like it so I understand where you're coming from in not wanting to remove it

 

[<<<<]

Deniseh, factory X-Reas fairly easy to replace and check valves right the at the connection. I did my both front ones while ago @ $250 each and those worked fine for six more years and now one of the new ones started leaking. These are $350 now and I didn't want to put in more money in product that fails routinely (don't ask me about front brake calipers because I can go on whole day). Also I realized that each time leaky strut looses fluid it can not be refilled. Long story short: I've Bilstein 5100 now on all 4 corners and those work perfectly. Minimal body roll at speed and fairly soft on bumpy roads. If I have done it sooner I would save myself $500. I dont miss my X-REAS.

 

[NorthStar79]

Replacing XREAS

Does anyone know where I can find the Bilstein B6 4600 shock set for my 2015 4Runner Ltd?
Looking to replace the XREAS system and not looking to lift.

I've learned that the 5100s are good but result in a significantly stiffer ride. I'm mostly a daily city driver but do some limited off roading

I can't find the 4600s anywhere. Any advice/assistance would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Fareastplaza]

Does anyone know where I can find the Bilstein B6 4600 shock set for my 2015 4Runner Ltd?
Looking to replace the XREAS system and not looking to lift.

I've learned that the 5100s are good but result in a significantly stiffer ride. I'm mostly a daily city driver but do some limited off roading

I can't find the 4600s anywhere. Any advice/assistance would be appreciated.

Thanks

It's been 2-3 months since you asked question. I just got 4600 from rockauto with great price. You can try it. Rockauto is little hard to do search, it is using some old ancient internet tech. But their parts are decent priced.

 

[Scott G]

Xreas is a gas over hydraulic system so if you replace a shock that has leaked it has probably leaked out the gas which would need to be recharged. My xreas system had no gas in it when I replaced it with Bilsteins and I didn't even know it. The shocks are very pricey too, so going to a standard shock arrangement is much more cost effective and you lose no performance in my opinion.

My XREAS struts and shocks were replaced with standard before I bought the truck. I'm looking at replacing the crap they installed, but getting really confused with what fits. I would assume that all models would be the same size, but this doesn't seem to be the case apparently. What Billsteins did you use to to replace? Specifically part numbers. Thanks for the help