2016 4runner struts

Recently purchased a ‘16 4Runner w/100k miles. There’s some grime and grease on the front struts, which I was all prepared to have them replaced as I purchased the parts and made an appointment. To my surprise, I was told they look fairly new and that the grime/fluid is most likely factory under coat and/or fluid film and there are no cracks or leaking showing. He even sprayed to check for cracks or small air bubbles and saw no signs. The drive is rather smooth for a 7 year old suv with 100k+ miles, yet it’s driving me nuts thinking, “ what if it’s a leak”. Any experience or opinions?

 

^"Factory under coat and/or fluid film" when the surrounding frame is bone dry?

You can always wash the area with a degreaser and observe if the shock gets wet again. It looks like a leaking shock from this one photo.

You have XREAS shocks, evident by the hydraulic hose connecting the shock to lines on the frame. Take it to the dealer for an estimate if you want amusement (it's $3-4k to replace the whole sealed system with OEM parts). Most people just snip the lines and replace with regular shocks (KYB, Bilstein, Monroe, etc.)

 

To delete the XREAS system, do I need to replace all 4, or just the front pair if this is what is needed?

 

Front struts on my Sequoia have shown signs of minor seepage for years. I wouldn’t fret about it. You’ll know when they finally give out, they will be dripping with shock oil.

 

It’s not dripping currently and in the month I’ve had it, it looks the same as it did when I got them checked out. Ride is smooth, not bouncy, no other signs. Just unsure if I should wait until other signs come about

 

@3JOH22A I think his point about the spraying is that there is an outline of fluid the frame.. not sure this changes anything..and when he check the shocks for any leaks or cracks in seals, none were evident. Maybe it’s minor enough to not be evident.

 

You would need to replace all 4 shocks because they're x-connected (e.g. right rear shock would lose pressure if you disconnect the left front). If the ride is OK then you can leave it. Replace the shocks when the ride gets too bouncy over speed bumps and railroad crossings.

 

Thanks for the input. I decreased them this AM and will monitor.. honestly, runs extremely smooth over bumps in the road, speed bumps, etc… no noises, no uneven wear on the tires.. I’ll keep my ear and eyes to it and replace 4 when necessary (not that you care about my plan, talking aloud lll).. thank you

 

If you cut the lines to the XREAS system, you need to replace all 4. They are cross connected, front to rear. Just do yourself a favor, and get rid of the whole mess.

 

By the looks of it, you might want to check on that UBJ as well.

 

I have a 2019 Limited and my front shocks look about the same. I noticed the seeping about a year after the bumper to bumper warranty expired (~28k miles) and was initially concerned. I have been monitoring, it doesn’t appear to be getting worse and the ride has not deteriorated that I can tell. I’m not wanting to replace what’s not necessary but will replace the system when/if I start noticing drops in my parking stall.

 

2016 with 100k, that xreas is on the path to failure either way. You'll want to plan on ditching the system and replacing all 4 sides, it shouldn't be a huge deal though. I suggest https://dobinsonusa.com/search.php?search_query="ZRQWM~"&make=Toyota&model=4 Runner 5th Gen&years=2010-2023 if you can swing it it. They sell budget strut pairs for that work with the factory springs, or you can go for a small lift while you're at it