XREAS Troubleshooting/Assessment

[Jeremy03Sport]

Running over 170k on 03 sport and can tell ride is not what it used to be. good bit of corrosion under body from years in michigan. seems like i feel more bumps than past. feel little diving on drivers side on heavy braking. Wondering if XREAS is in need of some repair. How to troubleshoot system to determine what may be in need of repair, and once I have full scope, understand if I can repair existing, vs. replace with something other than XREAS.

Searched for a little while but didn't find any threads on topic. Suggestions?

 

[Bossman]

Here are some threads that might be of help to you (I've posted in these threads and have experience with the XREAS failure):

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/169346-xreas-shot-2008-limited.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/169839-salvage-xreas.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/169116-xreas-shocks-rusting-badly.html

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/158317-xreas-confusion.html

 

[ben550]

Running over 170k on 03 sport and can tell ride is not what it used to be. good bit of corrosion under body from years in michigan. seems like i feel more bumps than past. feel little diving on drivers side on heavy braking. Wondering if XREAS is in need of some repair. How to troubleshoot system to determine what may be in need of repair, and once I have full scope, understand if I can repair existing, vs. replace with something other than XREAS.

Searched for a little while but didn't find any threads on topic. Suggestions?

I've read multiple times that the typical shock life is about 50k-70k miles... that being said it sounds like your shocks could use replacing. I have an 06 Sport with xreas which has similar characteristics to what you are describing. I have 161k miles on the original xreas system. I can pretty much tell it is in need of replacing. I cant see leaks in the system but the ride is much more boatlike than it should be.

I'd start looking at replacement options as I am doing. Im looking at bilstein 4600s or 5100s or SR5 OEM shocks/struts

Front Struts: http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/kyb-front-gas-strut-341340/19171736-P
Rear Shocks: http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/kyb-rear-gas-shock-344410/19171743-P

30% off Coupon Code : WD512

Just under $300 for the 4 after the code. Bilsteins won't be much more expensive though, so you might want to take a look at them too.

Bilstein Package: http://www.amazon.com/Bilstein-Shoc...424281116&sr=1-5&keywords=4runner+shocks+5100

Just over $400.

 

[M1911]

From what I understand, you really can't repair XREAS. Either you leave it as is or you replace all four shocks. The most cost effective replacement is standard shocks, not another set of XREAS.

 

[GLP]

I just got new shocks and diconnected XREAS without any problems (my suspension was pretty shot at 103k miles). Toyota dealer told me i needed to repair or replace XREAS because it interfaces with the VSC and ABS systems and that everything would be messed up if I disconnected XREAS .... none of it was true.

 

[d_clark]

The XREAS confusion link Bossman posted is good info.


While you can replace the shocks with the correct procedure, if you replace the lines, you are looking at a ton of money.

I had a shop replace my XREAS with a lift two years ago. They left the lines in place, and I got tired of looking at them, so I yanked all the lines out.


As has been recommended a few times, I would lean towards the Bilsteins and be done with it.

 

[alaskaman]

I replaced the left/right circuit at 97k under warranty. It was easy to spot the leak prior to the fail. Cost $650.00 at the dealer. I really like the XREAS and probably will replace the right/left when it has trouble. I rarely drive quickly in corners but when I need to push it the system balances the vehicle very nicely.

 

[Jeremy03Sport]

Thanks for all the replies. Very helpful.