Shock Quote from Tire Shop

T

tundradan

New member
Yesterday I had to get new tires (long story)...and when I picked it up they told me the "front struts blown out and rears starting to leak". Not exactly sure what that means, other than the XREAS system is now gone (they didn't tell me, just included attached with my invoice).

They gave me an estimate to fix it but I don't know if this is for the fronts only, or for all 4 corners. It was my impression that you can't repair the XREAS system and it needs to be replaced with OEM system or with a traditional shock system.

Any help appreciated with quote!
 

Attachments

  • shock quote.jpg
    shock quote.jpg
    139.7 KB · Views: 2,161
Register to hide this ad
tundradan said:
Yesterday I had to get new tires (long story)...and when I picked it up they told me the "front struts blown out and rears starting to leak". Not exactly sure what that means, other than the XREAS system is now gone (they didn't tell me, just included attached with my invoice).

They gave me an estimate to fix it but I don't know if this is for the fronts only, or for all 4 corners. It was my impression that you can't repair the XREAS system and it needs to be replaced with OEM system or with a traditional shock system.

Any help appreciated with quote!
Click to expand...

What does EXCEL shock mean?

Also have you checked the shocks to see if they are leaking? If they are blown, you should see a streak of oil on them.
Not the same kind of shock but here's my blown rears
116559126_10158076290834713_428229975994473071_o.jpg



Without parts, my local shop charged me $500 to install front and rear shocks + alignment.
 
Last edited:
personally I wouldn't go with a KYB shocks & struts from Les Schwab, sure they are guaranteed for life, but they don't ride real nice. For that price you can probably get something with better ride quality. I have this set up on my 4th gen- its primarily drive by son, and he's on a budget. Schwab does handle other brands like Bilstein. And their prices on the alignment and labor are pretty good.
 
Last edited:
Consumers need to know the difference between a leaking and misting shock absorber. Shocks warrant replacement when oil leak paths and wet streaks are clearly visible along the full length of the shock. A misting shock has a very light oil film which attracts road dust, giving it a damp and dirty appearance which may extend the full length of the shock. Misting does not warrant replacement. Service advisors often say a shock is leaking when its actually misting. Misting is perfectly normal and necessary ... by design, the piston rod carries a film of oil through the rod seal to lubricate the seal lips, reducing friction and wear at the seal contact area, thereby prolonging seal life.

See this bulletin https://www.cbsparts.ca/admin/bulletins/misting vs leaking Bulletin Number Tech 01_09.pdf
 
Amazon's price for a KYB 349185 Excel-G Gas Shock is $52.62 each. The markup on the estimate is 100% for a low quality rear shock absorber.
 
Last edited:
Amazon's price for a KYB SR4528 Strut-Plus includes Strut, Mount and Spring for $114.87 ... this is the lowest quality complete assembly one can possibly buy. The shop's markup on the estimate is 50%.

According to Amazon, the SR4528, SR4529 front struts and 349185 rear shocks DO NOT fit 4Runners with KDSS or XREAS.

The quote you received is for replacement of all four corners. Personally, I would not buy those struts and shocks. I recommend that you perform the inspection after reading the Gabriel bulletin link in my post above. If the shocks are actually leaking, then I suggest getting another estimate at a well reviewed shop that installs quality parts, such as Bilstein. If you are not going off road, then Bilstein 4600 series is the OEM replacement.
 
Last edited:
This image shows heavy misting after 118,000 miles. The strut is not leaking.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_2116[1].jpg
    IMG_2116[1].jpg
    122.7 KB · Views: 1,395
or the entire Eibach Pro Truck lift kit...

Front shocks & springs, rear shocks & springs

You will have a 2.5" / 1" lift, better ride (MUCH) no more brake dive / corner lean....
 
I replaced all 4 of mine with OEM in my driveway for around $150 or so. Not the easiest 1 person job on the fronts but I did it. Rears were a piece of cake. There are instructions on here if you search.
 
Les Schwab is not what it used to be. When Les was alive, they had decent prices and service. It's been 13 years since he passed, and it has been a steady decline. Of course it was recently sold to a California investment firm.

They offer 3rd tier tires at more than 1st tier prices, and want to replace everything, instead of just fixing the actual problem. If there is an actual problem...

KYB is okay, but the 'Excel' is their most inexpensive offering. And they quoted more than double what they can be bought for.

I'd suggest finding a shop that has a good reputation, and is hopefully honest.
 
Last edited:
First question is: Have you noticed any degradation in ride quality?

If not, then I'd get it checked out by someone who's reputable/understands Toyotas.


Firestone tried to swindle my girlfriend with "need new shocks" on her previous Ford Escape. She had the extended full coverage warranty through Ford so brought it to the dealer.

3 techs and the service manager drove and inspected the thing. No issues.

Get a second opinion, especially if you have XREAS.


Also: $181 per hour LABOR?? Holy hell....
 
Last edited:
All,

Thanks for all the information and advice. I definitely want to replace the entire system but wasn't sure what they were quoting me. As I said, the quote was in the envelope with my receipt.

I ended up swapping my 20" rims with another 17" set I had from a previous FJ. I got 265/70r-17 Open Range tires (60K mile warranty). They are much quieter than the original 20" tires from Toyota and the truck feels SO MUCH more stable on the road now. Not sure why, but I like it.

The ride doesn't seem bad at all, but I have only had the truck for 5 months, so I am not exactly sure what it's supposed to feel like. I was leaning towards Bilstein 5100's for a while now. I will inspect as suggested above and then determine if they need replacement.

Here's a new picture.
 

Attachments

  • new tires.jpg
    new tires.jpg
    148 KB · Views: 1,472
Dude I will sell you my 1800 miles stock tokico suspension for 150 plus shipping
You will ride in a nearly new suspension installed for 1/2 of that quote:smash:
Mike
 
The Open Range A/T is made for Les Schwab by Sumitomo. They're an okay tire, but you can buy the Sumitomo Encounter A/T which the Open Range A/T tire is based on, for much less.

Anyway, just a heads-up so you know what they sold you.
 
02SE said:
Les Schwab is not what it used to be. When Les was alive, they had decent prices and service. It's been 13 years since he passed, and it has been a steady decline. Of course it was recently sold to a California investment firm.
Click to expand...

I will not deal with Les Schwab! Brought my horse trailer in to have the brakes replaced and cable connection replaced. They packed the wheel bearings and nothing else. When I went to replace the brake actuators, I found that they had left off a cotter pin on the left side and the nut had started backing out. The freakin' wheel was wobbly as hell.
 
Last edited:
Am I the only one to notice that they quoted 1.5 hours install, but want to charge for 2 hours?

I would run away from that shop. they prey on people who don't do any research and sell cheap crap for high prices.
 
Last edited:
cb1111 said:
Am I the only one to notice that they quoted 1.5 hours install, but want to charge for 2 hours?
Click to expand...

Les Schwab’s total labor charge is expensive and the way they bill labor is confusing …

I think they are billing 1.5 hours per side, or 3 hours labor plus a strut assembly surcharge, so total labor is $363.98 + $115.98 = $479.96 which equals $160/hour.

A Phoenix off road performance shop gave me a 3 hour estimate at $90/hour to install 2 Bilstein 5100s on the front ... $270 total labor, which includes strut disassemble and reassemble. Therefore, Les Schwab's labor is higher by $70/hour.

Note, KYB SR4528 and SR4529 part numbers are assembled struts, no spring compressor needed, so why are they billing a strut assembly charge? It appears Les Schwab is billing for strut assemblies when they should be billing for front shocks.
 
Last edited:
Teamoatmealpie said:
personally I wouldn't go with a KYB shocks & struts from Les Schwab, sure they are guaranteed for life, but they don't ride real nice. For that price you can probably get something with better ride quality. I have this set up on my 4th gen- its primarily drive by son, and he's on a budget. Schwab does handle other brands like Bilstein. And their prices on the alignment and labor are pretty good.
Click to expand...

How do the KYBs ride? Too soft, or too stiff?
 
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

Total: 276 (members: 2, guests: 274)

Forum statistics

Threads
278,311
Messages
3,554,082
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Share this page

Trending content

Back
Top