XREAS life expectancy
- Thread starter Gecko123
- Start date
DannyLlama
Elite Member
Riving thread
Sounds like you can keep the springs, and just take out the shocks to install 5100's?
Am tempted to start a poll on how long XREAS has lasted everyone. Don't want to get flamed though.
Sounds like you can keep the springs, and just take out the shocks to install 5100's?
Am tempted to start a poll on how long XREAS has lasted everyone. Don't want to get flamed though.
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JB.
New member
Yep
As far as I can tell there hasn't been one, so feel free.
Problem is, there are different definitions of "lasting". Many people seem to use the appearance of any oil as a sign that it's done. For me, it's not done until I get a noticeable suspension symptom. I can see some signs of oil but it still corners nice and flat.
Altoidfishfins
New member
Xreas
102k on an '06 T4R - XREAS is working fine, no leaks good control in cornering. Rides a little bit stiff.
If it ain't broke, well you know the rest.
102k on an '06 T4R - XREAS is working fine, no leaks good control in cornering. Rides a little bit stiff.
If it ain't broke, well you know the rest.
djteedub
New member
Brought my T4R in for maintenance and nearly lost my sh**
OK. I need some advice and guidance in case this doesn't work out and I have to go to the next level (if there is one). Purchased an '11 4R Limited with 44K miles from our local Toyota dealer in August (8/14/16). Couldn't be certified because it was originally purchased overseas (military), but checked out at the dealer, and we purchased the Extended "bumper to bumper" Warranty. Brought the vehicle in today for it's first maintenance and was told in the near future I would need to replace the suspension system to the tune of $3500! It has the XRAES suspension system and it is NOT covered under the warranty we purchased. I asked why this wasn't seen when I purchased the vehicle, only when I came to have a routine service check on it. I've only put 5000 miles on it since August and was carpooling the first month of that. The vehicle didn't go from fine to this in 4 months driving 30-40 miles round trip on the highway in that time. I'm looking for suggestions as to recourse. How long is this suspension system supposed to last (49K seems a little soon?). Also other alternatives that can give a similar ride.
OK. I need some advice and guidance in case this doesn't work out and I have to go to the next level (if there is one). Purchased an '11 4R Limited with 44K miles from our local Toyota dealer in August (8/14/16). Couldn't be certified because it was originally purchased overseas (military), but checked out at the dealer, and we purchased the Extended "bumper to bumper" Warranty. Brought the vehicle in today for it's first maintenance and was told in the near future I would need to replace the suspension system to the tune of $3500! It has the XRAES suspension system and it is NOT covered under the warranty we purchased. I asked why this wasn't seen when I purchased the vehicle, only when I came to have a routine service check on it. I've only put 5000 miles on it since August and was carpooling the first month of that. The vehicle didn't go from fine to this in 4 months driving 30-40 miles round trip on the highway in that time. I'm looking for suggestions as to recourse. How long is this suspension system supposed to last (49K seems a little soon?). Also other alternatives that can give a similar ride.
Gotmilk9579
New member
Mine failed in a pretty spectacular way at 115k miles. Was on the highway doing about 80 mph. Hit a pot hole - and instead of just "absorb" the bump, truck went crazy and nearly flipped.
Problem now is finding a decent suspension to replace the XREAS with given all the 5100 Bilsteins (rears) are out of stock.
Bought the truck specifically for the XREAS - never again.
tokyoghetto
New member
I changed mine out at 189,000 KM. It was pretty rusty and I could see moisture seeping from the front right shock. It would sway a lot and didn't give a lot of confidence in handling on corners.
Ordered Bilsteins 5100 for the front, set at .85
Order Bilsteins 4600 HD for the rears, so I could keep RAS.
Kept the original springs.
Now it rides better. I would high recommend the Bilsteins for anyone thinking about replacing Xreas. I had to wait a few weeks because of the back order but it was worth it.
Also a big thank you to this site for the information about how to replace XREAS and keep RAS.
Ordered Bilsteins 5100 for the front, set at .85
Order Bilsteins 4600 HD for the rears, so I could keep RAS.
Kept the original springs.
Now it rides better. I would high recommend the Bilsteins for anyone thinking about replacing Xreas. I had to wait a few weeks because of the back order but it was worth it.
Also a big thank you to this site for the information about how to replace XREAS and keep RAS.
Elan750
New member
Often it will start leaking, and you will see oil marks on your shocks/struts. Mine wasn't leaking but was totally shot when I bought it at 120k. the truck would sink far in dips in the road, and during turns i would feel the whole body get tossed as if its trying to hold onto the frame.
After trying a few setups, I am a big fan of the FJ 4x4 coils, at least for the front. Just getting 5100's and keeping the coils leaves room for improvement.
edit: sorry, just replied to a 2year old question...
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49K sounds early for XREAS to fail. Have you had another mechanic look at it to confirm this? There are threads on how to replace parts of it if a strut/shock starts to leak.
djteedub
New member
Found some, but was very happy the dealer stepped up. It will cost me $200, but I'm getting the whole system replaced. Ended up being very happy.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
The original xreas system lasted 296k miles?
Wow, that sounds crazy! Wondering how that is possible with everyone else in this thread reporting a lifespan of 150k miles or less. What compelled you to finally replace it, leaks or deteriorated handling?
FWIW I have 180k on the original xreas and it still feels great, no leaks or compromised handling.
I just had my 2003 XREAS changed at 192k. It had a lot of tilt forward on braking and big bumps at 40 mph felt pretty hard.
Replaced front with Bilstein 6112 set 2nd from the top and Specialty Products Upper Control Arms. Rears got Bilstein 5100/Toytec Superflex. Also replaced endlink bushings and swaybar bushings. Also replaced tires with 32" Nitto Exo Grappler.
Very very happy with this set up. No reason to replace XREAS with $3500 OEM parts. Go aftermarket.
Replaced front with Bilstein 6112 set 2nd from the top and Specialty Products Upper Control Arms. Rears got Bilstein 5100/Toytec Superflex. Also replaced endlink bushings and swaybar bushings. Also replaced tires with 32" Nitto Exo Grappler.
Very very happy with this set up. No reason to replace XREAS with $3500 OEM parts. Go aftermarket.
Another X-REAS question
Sorry to dig up an old thread but better to stay on topic, I guess:
My 2007 4Runner Sport 4WD has 93,000 miles, accumulated in the salty winter conditions of northeast Ohio. When I put the snows on last fall I heard a clunk as I jacked up the rear axle and thereafter a rattle as the truck went over uneven ground. More recently the vehicle just porpoises over small bumps.
I did not realize that X-REAS system was standard on the Sport model; I assumed I had broken a shock mount and took the vehicle to a garage for repair. The garage diagnosed the problem as "leaky" shocks and recommended new all around. Later they called back to inform me that my system was "hydraulic" and would be much more complicated to repair.
I've read as much as I can find on the topic, including this thread [thanks to all who contributed!] and I know this much:
-the dealer wants $3300 + tax to replace the entire system with new components.
-the dealer wants $1900 to replace the system with "standard" shocks and springs; i.e. like an SR5.
-most people who do not follow the dealer route install Bilstein shocks instead.
-some of these people also install FJ springs, especially for the front.
-it is possible to simply disconnect the X-REAS plumbing and leave it in place when you go the Bilstein route.
Now for what I don't know:
Can you replace just the shocks and re-prime the hydraulic system? How? Is this advisable? The dealer says, and the Toyota FSM says, "replace everything".
I don't trust the dealer but I don't trust the garage, either. In my experience they take the easier and more profitable route and sell you parts you don't really need. And for all I know I may have a broken shock mount on top of the problems with the X-REAS system.
Opinions? Thanks.
Sorry to dig up an old thread but better to stay on topic, I guess:
My 2007 4Runner Sport 4WD has 93,000 miles, accumulated in the salty winter conditions of northeast Ohio. When I put the snows on last fall I heard a clunk as I jacked up the rear axle and thereafter a rattle as the truck went over uneven ground. More recently the vehicle just porpoises over small bumps.
I did not realize that X-REAS system was standard on the Sport model; I assumed I had broken a shock mount and took the vehicle to a garage for repair. The garage diagnosed the problem as "leaky" shocks and recommended new all around. Later they called back to inform me that my system was "hydraulic" and would be much more complicated to repair.
I've read as much as I can find on the topic, including this thread [thanks to all who contributed!] and I know this much:
-the dealer wants $3300 + tax to replace the entire system with new components.
-the dealer wants $1900 to replace the system with "standard" shocks and springs; i.e. like an SR5.
-most people who do not follow the dealer route install Bilstein shocks instead.
-some of these people also install FJ springs, especially for the front.
-it is possible to simply disconnect the X-REAS plumbing and leave it in place when you go the Bilstein route.
Now for what I don't know:
Can you replace just the shocks and re-prime the hydraulic system? How? Is this advisable? The dealer says, and the Toyota FSM says, "replace everything".
I don't trust the dealer but I don't trust the garage, either. In my experience they take the easier and more profitable route and sell you parts you don't really need. And for all I know I may have a broken shock mount on top of the problems with the X-REAS system.
Opinions? Thanks.
Bossman
Senior Member
My X-REAS failed on my 03 Limited at 138,000 km (or 85,750 miles). There was a leak in the system - in the line behind the Driver’s Side Centre Control Absorber. Leak was likely caused by corrosion of the line due to road salt used up here during our Canadian winters.
Fluid that had dripped onto the driveway was the first indicator of some sort of problem. As more fluid leaked out of the system, the suspension became worse.
I removed the entire X-REAS system (too costly to replace), and installed the standard SR5 suspension (to keep it relatively stock).
In hindsight, I might have sourced a quality aftermarket shock that was less expensive than the OEM Toyota shocks - but I did not have the luxury of having time to "shock shop" due to the nature of the X-REAS system failure.
These links/threads might help:
Toyota 4-Runner X-REAS Shocks - Shockwarehouse.com
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/84310-best-replacement-shocks-when-removing-xreas.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/51369-replacing-xreas-regular-shocks.html
Fluid that had dripped onto the driveway was the first indicator of some sort of problem. As more fluid leaked out of the system, the suspension became worse.
I removed the entire X-REAS system (too costly to replace), and installed the standard SR5 suspension (to keep it relatively stock).
In hindsight, I might have sourced a quality aftermarket shock that was less expensive than the OEM Toyota shocks - but I did not have the luxury of having time to "shock shop" due to the nature of the X-REAS system failure.
These links/threads might help:
Toyota 4-Runner X-REAS Shocks - Shockwarehouse.com
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/84310-best-replacement-shocks-when-removing-xreas.html
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/51369-replacing-xreas-regular-shocks.html
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Thanks for your response. I already checked out Shockwarehouse. They quoted me $400 for front and rear Bilsteins; said I could keep my OEM springs.
FJ springs and Bilstein 5100 shocks sound like a nicer combination but I may have to economize... But I may get lucky and find the FJ springs somewhere.
Thanks again!
FJ springs and Bilstein 5100 shocks sound like a nicer combination but I may have to economize... But I may get lucky and find the FJ springs somewhere.
Thanks again!
lightfreak
New member
Changed my xreas out at approx 290K km.
Changed all the springs too as the fronts were noticeably sagged and rusty
Changed all the springs too as the fronts were noticeably sagged and rusty
Anyone have experience with MOOG springs? Summit Racing (near me) has F/R FJ pairs for about $60 a pair. Also, I'm thinking I could install 5100s in the front and 4600s in the back. Not sure that's advisable, though...
Spoke to the garage service manager yesterday to let him know what I had found and he suggested they could replace just the rears... I had to tell him that's not possible due to the way the system is set up. Never reassuring when you know more than the mechanics...:faint:
Guess I'll buy some springs with the money I save by doing the job myself.
Thanks again for your responses.
snowman340
New member
I replaced mine at 145,000 miles. Its nice to not sway all over the road. Don't know what you are missing till you change it.
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