XREAS leaking - need help with replacement options

[10ring]

XREAS leaking - need help with repplacement options

03 Sport, V6. Primary use highway driving. 125k miles and no issues. Front passenger XREAS leaking. Purchased Sport package because I liked the XREAS over the other options.

I do not want to lift my 4R but want the same or better ride. Should I replace all XREAS or are there other options anyone has experience with?
What vendors (names) do you reccomend I contact?
I am pretty handy, how involved for a DIY'er?

thank you for your advice

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I'd place a WTB ad here and at T120 if you want to keep the XREAS. Many take it off when they add OME or other suspension systems. It shouldn't be that much more complex than a regular suspension. There will be some bleeding of lines and fluid level checking I would assume.
:cheers:

 

[alaskaman]

just a couple questions. how much does it cost if Toyota replaces the system? vs say Bilsteins?

and the obvious question on a vehicle which typical lasts to the upper 200 or 300 k why is XREAS a failure..............a poll of failures might help.........

 

[CJ3Flyr]

just a couple questions. how much does it cost if Toyota replaces the system? vs say Bilsteins?

and the obvious question on a vehicle which typical lasts to the upper 200 or 300 k why is XREAS a failure..............a poll of failures might help.........

I don't know that XREAS is a "failure". It 'fails' in my mind due to supply/demand/low-volume issues. It's actually simple/brilliant technology.



Any shock/strut in modern times runs 90k-140k usually. From reading here that seems to be the norm for XREAS too. Some have had problems earlier than that and of course many have had no issues.



The problem with XREAS is money more than durability IMHO. I just looked at one of my fav parts sites (Olathe Toyota). A discounted XREAS front strut is $140 and a rear shock is $156. Add some tax/shipping and "just parts" is $600 to replace the XREAS shocks. At the same site non-XREAS parts were $93ea for the front and $31ea (not a typo) for the rear. So the non-XREAS T4R can have new shocks for less than 1/2 price. Are the OEM non-XREAS T4R shocks less than half as good? No. Throw in the aftermarket Bilsteins and others that would cost $300-$400 for all four and I'd be hard-pressed to fix XREAS as brilliant and cool as it is... Especially when you consider that a good set of aftermarket shocks will provide a good ride, good body control etc. They may lack the last 2% of polish the XREAS offers but the $300-$400 savings is worth the 2% to me.

:cheers:

 

[alaskaman]

I may be confused (only happened once) but isnt the XREAS a system of shocks linked with a tubing system which shifts the hydraulic fluid through the tubing system to provide additional support when the vehicle turns in that direction? so I assume that leaks can occur at the shock itself or in the tubing or both I guess. once the system is leaking probably a good idea to replace tubing to that failing (my word) component?

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I may be confused (only happened once) but isnt the XREAS a system of shocks linked with a tubing system which shifts the hydraulic fluid through the tubing system to provide additional support when the vehicle turns in that direction? so I assume that leaks can occur at the shock itself or in the tubing or both I guess. once the system is leaking probably a good idea to replace tubing to that failing (my word) component?

You've got the concept of linked shocks, hydraulic pressure etc correct. Unless living/driving in a corrosive envir I don't think the tubing/fittings is the issue. I think it's the regular old seals around the shaft of the strut/shock(the same thing that leaks on normal shocks).

Hopefully someone who's had some issues will chime in...

:cheers:

 

[alaskaman]

You've got the concept of linked shocks, hydraulic pressure etc correct. Unless living/driving in a corrosive envir I don't think the tubing/fittings is the issue. I think it's the regular old seals around the shaft of the strut/shock(the same thing that leaks on normal shocks).

Hopefully someone who's had some issues will chime in...

:cheers:

ok. thanks.

 

[10ring]

Response...Failure mode = leaking seal from shock.

I noticed 'cupping' type wear on the inside edge of front/passenger wheel. I had the wheels aligned and rotated. The alignment tech showed me the leaking area around the front / passenger side shock/strut.

I inspected all the shocks and fluid lines. The front / passenger side shock was the only thing leaking. I wiped it clean and have driven for a couple days. I re-inspected it this morning, it is continueing to leak.

CJ3Flyr - hit the nail on the head for me. If I decide to replace XREAS for $600+ should I look at other shock options? or should I go the Bilstein route save some money and expect a zero or limited change in ride quality.

Thank you for your time on this.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Re: Response...Failure mode = leaking seal from shock.

CJ3Flyr - hit the nail on the head for me. If I decide to replace XREAS for $600+ should I look at other shock options? or should I go the Bilstein route save some money and expect a zero or limited change in ride quality.

If it were me and I wanted just a nice OE grade or slightly better I would consider the following choices:
1) Look for low mileage 'take-off' XREAS.
2) Look on the FJC boards for take-off TRD stuff like in this post.
3) If those don't sound appealing I might look at Bilsteins. For mellow use I'd consider KYB GR2's. I'd have to read up on the Edlebrocks too. Due to cataloging deficiencies look at FJCruiser and T4R for some ideas here... http://www.shockwarehouse.com/index.cfm?mode=results&selected_model=377989&selected_year=2008 and http://www.shockwarehouse.com/index.cfm?mode=results&selected_model=4468&selected_year=2007
4) Go OE struts/shock non-XREAS and do my swaybar bushing mod to offset any loss of cornering prowess due to removing the XREAS. (Link in sig).

Good luck!
:cheers:

 

[alaskaman]

I am going to find a leak at 99k miles.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I am going to find a leak at 99k miles.

:lmao: I hope you find 4. One in each corner!