4RUNNER LIMITED BUYER BEWARE X-REAS SUSPENSION FAILS

Get someone who knows the vehicle to offer you a repair--there's no mechanical difference between this 4R and any of the other 5th gen 4Rs (except maybe those with KDSS) when it comes to suspension.

 

From what I've read, many people are happy with a simple, non rebuildable set like the Bilstein 5100s. These are easy to come by and pretty cheap and most off-road shops will be able to get this done easily. Some argue that King offers the best quality ride (which is a conversation in itself) but it's not unreasonable to "split the difference" between the cost of the XREAS and the basic replacement and buy a higher quality replacement. Most of these are rebuildable suspensions, however, and so require their own maintenance. And maybe replacement is the time to lift, but then again lifting creates its own issues and you're changing the handling drastically from what you know about your vehicle so make sure that's the right choice for you.

 

Unfortunately my 2015 4Runner Limited Xreas suspension system has met a similar fate. I do absolutely NO off roading. Purchased my 4Runner new in 2015 to transport musical gear. Warranty expired Sept 2018. Brought it in for my 40K check up and was told that both front struts needed to be replaced ($2,468.00) which means I need to replace the entire Xreas system??? And get this....I only have 39,000 miles of city and freeway driving. I plan on calling Toyota's Corp Customer Care (800-331-4331) to plead my case and see if they offer any replacement cost money.

I appreciate everybody's advice on this thread and was wondering if some of you could help answer some questions.

1. Does anybody know of a great mechanic in the Los Angeles area that has experience in replacing a Xreas system on a 2015 4Runner Limited, 2 wheel drive?

2. I was thinking about going with a new Bilstein system. Which model suspension kit should I go with that offers a better ride than the Xreas? If I'm replacing my current suspension I might as well get a smoother ride. Again. I am only driving city streets and freeways. No off roading.

Thanks for your time!

 

I had my Xreas suspension replaced with a conventional Bilstein setup last week. The ride is definitely more truck-like now -- stiffer and bouncier, but I'm fine with that (it's a truck, after all). No clue about what LA garages will charge but I had the work done in Colorado by a regular garage (not a 4-wheeler oriented shop) for $1500.

 

I am not familiar with the shops in L.A. but if you travel to the San Diego area i am sure The Truck Shop can take care of You. Talk to James, he is a great guy.
Phone:
858.408.0314



Address:
8660 Miramar Road, San Diego, CA 92126



Email:
service@sdtruckshop.com

 

Thank you mte67! Did your new Bilstein kit come with a warranty?

 

Thank you SlvrSlug!

 

No problem my friend, i take my truck there for everything.

 

Hi again mte67. Congrats on the new suspension! I am also looking at Bilstein. You mentioned "The ride is definitely more truck-like now -- stiffer and bouncier". Could you please tell me which Bilstein model number shocks you went with?
I would like to get a smoother ride. I don't plan on doing any off roading. It was recommended that I get the Bilstein 4600 shocks and struts. Is that by chance the same kit that you received.
Thanks again for your time!

 

i swapped my xreas to the oem trd pro bilstein suspension. it's night and day how it rides now. it has a firm but yet stronger feel to it. i believe there's an identical setup FS here.

 

BILSTEIN, X-REAS REPLACEMENT KIT NEWS!!!
Hi everybody. I just wanted to share some news that I received yesterday from a rep at Bilstein's Southern CA headquarters location https://www.bilstein.com/us/en/about-us/locations-and-contact/ (1-800-537-1085).
The rep told me that Bilstein is working on a X-reas replacement kit being available for purchase during the 1st or 2nd quarter of 2020!

I hope this happens!!!

 

I got both valances and hood scoop painted a satin black.

 

UPDATE!!!!
Hi again everybody! I just wanted to include the end result to my original post. I'll try to make it short. Turns out that my car WAS NOT out of warranty. Found my sales contract and it clearly states that I purchased the Platinum 100K/6 year/0% Deductible extended warranty. For some reason in Toyota's computer system it showed that I had the basic warranty.
X-REAS OWNERS BEWARE!!! If your truck is OUT OF WARRANTY and only a portion of your X-reas system is leaking, Toyota recommends replacing the entire system at your expense. (What happened to "If it ain't broke, why fix it???") BUT!!! If your truck is STILL UNDER WARRANTY they will only replace the leaking/faulty parts. Not the entire system like they recommend if your warranty has expired.
Before discovering that I had the extended warranty I was in contact with Toyota Corp to plead my case. I also told them about this forum to explain that a lot of people share the same problem with the X-reas system. In their words they "encourage" me as well as people on this forum to file a complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to inquire about opening an investigation which could lead to a possible recall on the X-reas system. So I did just that by filing a complaint online. Here's the link: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls I spoke with a rep at NHTSA who informed me that there is no quota for starting an investigation so I hope my effort pays off!
End result: I had half my X-reas system replaced with $0 out of pocket costs, but I only have 2 more years left on my warranty.
I hope my experience helps those who need it.

Thanks for reading!!!!
Happy Holidays!!!

 

Because these trucks last so long this forum feed will live forever.

i have to Chine in on this issue even though it’s two years later.

i bought used 2011 limited 85k miles 4 years ago. While having brake pads replaced they noticed a leak in the XReas system. No leaks in my garage. I was surprised. They checked with Toyota and they said it would be $5,000 because it’s an integrated system. Once ruptured the system is compromised and has to be entirely replaced and they are the only ones that can do it.

They put on shocks recommended for Tacoma and I was bouncing all over. They then put fox on the front and it felt ok. But without the XREAS system you can feel the small micro rocking left and right. It’s minimal but when you’re used to XREAS and it’s not there you can feel the side to side mini bounce. So I assure you the original post guy isn’t crazy. I get it. You pay top dollar- get extended warranty and the manufacturer replacement cost is still too high. At least meet in the middle especially before 50k miles

Over the years ive considered paying for the XREAS install.
it’s one of those things that bothers you as a daily driver. It Just eats at you because of the cost. But Keep asking yourself Can I live with this? The XREAS cost has fallen from 5k to 3k as of 2019.

alternative is go for bilstein shocks but then I ask myself I’m not an full time boulder off-roader just want the comfort

going to check again on the price maybe it’s gotten a little lower or maybe just sell and get another, thanks Toyota

 

Have a 2003 Sport Edition, owned since new. 217k miles. Xreas lasted to 213k then started showing leak in back passenger. First need to do anything with suspension.

 

I just picked up the wifes 2016 T4R Limited today from the dealership for this issue. They called with a $5000 estimate and I told them to park it! Going to a local guy that is a Toyota offroad guru, expect less than $1500.
That Xreas system is pure junk!!!!!

 

I am in need of it right now

 

I have the same issues as most others, 2016 4Runner Limited Xreas system started leaking at 64,000.
Looking over a bunch of posts trying to see what people used to replace them, no luck yet.
my local dealer gave me a cash price of $4300 when he told me they were not under warranty. I went home and pulled the file and we have a 3rd party extended warranty good for 10 yrs/100,000 miles w/ $200 deductible that covers struts. Take it back to the dealer and leave it, the 3rd party warranty decided they would cover the struts and reservoir but not the rear shocks. I get a phone call that my part will be almost $900 and the warranty will cover $4000. The dealership changed its price when the warranty came in! I told them to park it and we picked it up this evening, going to a local Toyota offroad guru next week for an aftermarket system all the way around. It is just a commuter, would like a nice ride but $5000 is ridiculous!

 

LOL, Toyota has been installing XREAS for nearly 20 years, it's not junk. Is it expensive? Yes. Is yours leaking and needs replacing? Maybe. Should you replace it with an aftermarket system? Almost certainly.

 

Seems to be a lot of conjecture floating around the x-reas and there is a lot of partial information people seem to be missing.

1. X-reas system is a closed circuit system much like your brakes, hence the large price tag for either removal/recharge of the suspension.

2. Replication of the x-reas comfort and roll will most likely be unattainable if using lower end after market parts (ie bilsteins, dobinson, even the Toytec kit.
For a true replication, you’d most likely need valving for the shocks.


3. Options for replacement include, OEM 4Runner struts (these should be around 80-160 a piece from manufacture), Bilstein 5100, and other name brands. For you 4th gen runners out there, the 3rd gen Tacoma suspension is a direct swap (except the eye hole in the rear shock mount).

4. I’ve replaced the x-reas system on multiple 4th gen 4runners. It takes about 20-30 to fully remove the system. If I had to recommend something for you daily drivers, Bilstein are cheap and easy to install (the 3rd gen tacos use Bilstein hence the direct swap - this would be cheapest option as they sell on Craigslist for about 100-200 for complete suspension). Ultimately, buy for what your intended use is, most of us don’t haul ass down washboard roads daily and thus require the basic for enjoyment!

hope this helps

 

Hi guys! I know this post is super old but wanted to give you an update on my recent experience. I have 2017 4runner limited 40120 miles. My brother and I were thinking about adding a lift kit and new All-train tires. We started researching and came upon this thread.
I just wanted to thank the original poster because it's absolutely true. I went in to get my breaks done recently at my local Toyota dealership in California (Putnum Toyota). I mentioned this thread to my SA and wanted him to check on my XREAS system. When I went in to pick up my car, the SA did mention the front suspension is leaking and they will need to replace the front and the back suspension (because they are interdependent).
I did purchase an extended warranty when I initially bought my baby.
The SA mentioned he will call Toyota to see if it's covered under that warranty. I just got a call from them yesterday and they mention Toyota agreed not just to replace the two but all four. Clearly, this is an issue Toyota knows about. So, moral of the story, either spend the $$ and buy an extended warranty or realize that Toyota's build quality isn't the same as it used to be. Again, thank you @tkmarch1.

 

I registered here to just come to this thread and state that I too have failing x-reas in my 2016 Limited. Never taken off road. Wife drives this car. Right at 100k miles. I'm not sure what to think at this point. Yes, it does take a little abuse as it is supporting the entire truck but so do other suspensions. The whole 'under pressure' is a little suspect to me as the hydraulic brakes are also a closed loop system and I have never encountered leaking brake lines. Just crap now...Trying to decide what direction to take.

 

100k is pretty good for shocks. I'd buy Bilstein 5100's and be done.

That's the plan for our Limited when the XREAS fails.

 

^ I guess I got spoiled with our other 3rd gen runners. Never had issues... just hit 300k miles.. Replaced the factory suspension about 50k miles ago on it. 100k on our 2016 limited in my mind is still young for a toyota and should be be breaking like this.Shrug

 

Like BgBmBoo says above, 100K miles is a nice run for shocks. Doesn't matter whether they're XREAS or not. And the solution is to do what anyone with regular shocks would do -- replace them with something decent like the Bilsteins.

Now, failing at 40K miles, as Yotagurl describes above -- that's disappointing. I can't help but be the tiniest bit suspicious of the dealership since they identified this supposed leak only after the owner flagged the concern. But no question, others have also reported leaks with relatively few miles. So no question the system doesn't consistently last long enough.

 

EDIT: I screwed up the quote function and accidentally combined my comment with the poster's comment. LOL. Here's what I wrote:

I get it. I think an important distinction here is that most regular shocks prob stop working well at around 100K miles, but you don't necessarily notice it cause they're not leaking oil on your driveway. When XREAS goes bad it's a bigger deal.

 

That is a good point. Maybe because of this and the gradual change in ride over the failure.

I've got a lifetime powertrain warranty which includes the transfers cases and transmission. So the truck is set for a lifetime minus these dang shocks. I can't believe the cost hasn't come down any for this system in the last several years.

 

I great price alternative would be KYB front and rears from rockauto. The combo is about 250 and it would be a simple installation although without assuming, the XREAS removal gives some people difficulties.

cheers!!

 

First, thanks to all of you for the great information on XREAS. Unfortunately, I recently developed a clunking sound that continually got worse over a week on my 2011 4R Limited. Northern Virginia Toyota dealer diagnosed issue as a complete suspension (XREAS) replacement required and noted there was air in the lines. $4,400 would be the damage, minus a $500 discount, which seems to be par for the course. I said no thank you and took to a indy mechanic specializing in european and japanese cars. While indy mechanic works on Lexus GX460 regularly, this was his first time changing shocks/struts on 4R with XREAS. I should have second guessed the decision, but he ended up replacing all shocks/struts with replacement OEM for less than half of Toyota's quote. But, he didn't touch the rest of the XREAS system (lines or center control absorbers).

After a few days, I could still hear a light clunking sound when going over small bumps at low speeds. And, then it gradually starting getting worse. I don't hear much at higher speed, don't have nose diving, bouncing, or any other issues, just the noise, which I can best describe as driving over a loose manhole or metal plate in the street. My assumption is this could be air in the lines (as Toyota had said) which I understand can't be bled, only replaced completely with new tubing/control absorbers. But, I am a bit concerned having the indy mechanic do this (both for inexperience and cost, which may end up being close to what total job Toyota had quoted). I am also concerned to know if replacing these lines/absorbers will put more air into the system with the new shocks/struts he already installed. I would hate to spend more for the entire system to have been replaced, but it not work properly because it wasn't all installed at the same time. I have read quite a bit on here about ripping out XREAS and replacing with Bilstein 4600 (stock is fine for me - don't need adjustables). But, I already bought/paid for installed new XREAS shocks/struts all around and am at a crossroads of what would be the best option. Would it be feasible that mechanic could replace the lines/absorber without creating more problems with the hydraulic system, given the new shocks/struts had been working with the old lines/absorber, with air in the line?

Thanks in advance to all you gurus providing sound advice!

 

If they swapped out just the dampeners and not the entire system they more or less just took your money.