KDSS existing or new owners BEWARE!

I realize I'm late to this party, but I had exactly the same issue as the OP here, 2015 Trail premium, 85k, KDSS light on, $9k repair in 2023. Warranty refused to cover it, too rusty. This should be included in the regular maintenance of vehicles fitted with KDSS! Bottom line, they service and check everything else. I am pretty mad. I do not believe that owners should be responsible for taking off covers on the undercarriage and cleaning it. Some people yes, will do it, but on the whole the owner should not be responsible for it. This problem has completely destroyed the value of the truck.

 

I doubt Toyota will warranty it. Even if its not rust and started leaking from the rams it will be treated as normal wear and tear and its another hydraulic system like suspension same as they don't cover XREAS. Only difference KDSS is working only under 12mph (if I'm not mistaken), so less duty cycle vs suspension work all the time. If I'm not mistaken if its just leaking from rams it was relatively cost same as high-end suspension job, I think it was $1800 for the part.

 

and where are the actuator connections?

 

Is it better to apply "fluid-film" to prevent the corrosion that some people may have? It may also help with the cleaning process for next time as well.

 

I haven't done this, but I could definitely see the benefit.

 

I think it’s reasonable for a vehicle that is routinely and solely serviced at a dealership for its lifespan to have them service this part. But, if a dealer can say to me “we need to change your oil pan because whoever you got your oil change with cross threaded the drain plug”, and tried to get me to shell out $500 when they had serviced my Venza for last 3 years, then I doubt this will ever happen. Some places just can’t be trusted, which really infuriates me.

 

I just pulled the skid off my KDSS valve block, 2019 with 40,000 miles. I have religiously pulled it twice per year and applied Fluid Film and now Wool Wax. My truck lives in Maine so it sees salt/sand and plenty of dirt roads. The unit was dirty with grime from the last Wool Wax treatment but it wipes up clean and there is zero corrosion. So spraying it with an undercoating wont keep it clean but it will prevent corrosion issues for sure.

 

No issues with mine. I wash it regularly and used surface shield. Same as above. There’s grime but it wipes away with no rust. I spray it twice a year. Once after winter and then before winter months. Live in the Midwest where the salt during the winter.

I have RSG shield. It does not prevent dirt from getting in but is better protection than OEM.

 

Just out of curiosity did you go through with the repair? If so, was the entire system replaced for the $9k? I’d assume both hydraulic rams, accumulator, and all lines were replaced?

 

I totally agree with you. There is no reason why removal and clean up of these important components can't be part of regular servicing in regions where severe service occurs. Toyota just doesn't get it, I guess. Not everyone has the wherewithal or inclination to roll around under their vehicle and perform this important maintenance. And, I can't believe that the whole system failed! Wow, the chances of everything needing replacement at exactly the same time must be the ultimate in planned obsolescence engineering, lol. I'd definitely get another opinion from another dealer, and then just replace the parts that need replacing. Good Luck, modcat.

 

Is the rust only on the KDSS system? Or, is the entire frame rusting?

I agree that there should at least be a note in the manual about maintaining the accumulator. Many failures seem to be caused by debris building up in the accumulator skid causing corrosion.

Overall, I think it's a brilliant concept. But, it certainly could have been executed better. I believe the next version will eliminate some of the hydraulics, so hopefully it will be less likely to fail.

 

Exactly! I don't know if it is the whole system, it could just be the actuator but dealerships always operate that way, replace everything. I have an appointment with my local 4x4 shop and see what he thinks can be done.

 

images from the shop

 

I did not go through with the repair, seeking other opinions.

 

Yuck! It looks like the frame rail is pretty rusty also.

How is the rest of the underbody?

 

I just saw the picture above and....

 

Not good. I'll get a pic sometime

 

Apparently all the dirt accumulated in the skid plate is full of hydraulic oil. i asked them if they cleaned they said they didn't want to take off the cover thinking they might break the bolts. I would think they would at least try to clean it out. So this means the actuator is leaking a lot of fluid.

 

Damn. I'm sorry to hear that. I think if mine were that far gone, I'd delete everything and take slower turns. You could try rinsing it out with a hose, but it seems pointless as the damage is done.

 

Although the warning light is on and the system is severely compromised it still drives fine, still handles well with no body roll.

 

That's good, then. Keep us posted if you decide to get any more quotes.

 

Would anyone know if XREAS might have similar problem. If I am not mistaken there is also some kind of reservoir underneath. Anyone would have any idea where under the truck?

 

XREAS Is similar only in that it is hydraulic. The 4 shocks are all linked by hydraulic lines. This system can be removed and replaced by aftermarket shocks, with no dash light to show up once it is removed. Most replace it if it leaks.

 

Just found this thread. Talk about good timing. Just took delivery on a 4R with KDSS.

 

Nice!

Congratulations on your new vehicle! Hopefully, with some maintenance, you'll never have to deal with the problems that some people have run into.

 

Thankfully I am no stranger to frame maintenance due to having a 2nd gen Tacoma aswell.

 

the rock rail was physically in the way of the KDSS cover?

 

Yeah, unless you modify it (I haven’t done this, but good idea) you need to loosen the rock rails to fully remove the cover. There just isn’t enough clearance to slide it out of its hole otherwise, as the little wings hang up as the kdss skid runs into the rock rail on the other side.

 

anyone on here have a problem free KDSS and high odometer reading on their 4Runner??

 

Not really high yet, but 95K on my '19, and so far no problems. I've definitely been putting it through its paces, too.