Shocks/struts

Hi, I bought a preowned 2013 Toyota 4Runner Limited. When I took it to dealership service for checkup they discovered one shock leaking and said I needed to replace all 4. The shocks were Bilstein 5100's. They said all 4 had to be replaced.... they replaced with new Bilstein X-Ray system... not sure if they are 5100's or 6112's.

My question to all of those that have been discussing these shocks... did I overpay
$5000 for parts and $1600 for labor.

I'd love to hear others experiences.
thx
Babs

 

Yeah they did you raw with no lipstick.

 

Show your receipt. I don't think any Bilstein shocks are that expensive. If they put brand new Xreas system back in, then maybe that much.

 

I've never heard of anyone willing to pay the price to replace an XREAS system and I didn't know any of the Bilstein shocks were XREAS compatible. You can buy an awful lot of suspension for that kind of cheddar.

 

Did they install top shelf long travel suspension? They better have for that price!
Are you sure they did not install a new XREAS system in addition to new suspension?

 

Damn near 7k?? I need to see receipts lol

I did Dobinsons IMS "long travel" shocks and springs, full rear trailing arms and UCA's for less than half of that...



Edit: If they replaced the XREAS system I could see it being pretty dang expensive. But I didn't know Bilstein had XREAS compatible shocks...

 

shaite, it seems they milked you.... unless OEM x-reas then it is in that ball park.

 

Yes, they did install new x-reas system but they put X-Ray system and only learned this when I first saw this on the receipt. I've called Toyota SE to see if they can help have a conversation with dealer.. so we'll see. thanks everyone!

 

Not X-Ray, XREAS.

 

^^ OP, Could you elaborate on that? I'm not sure what you mean.

XREAS is an integrated system of shocks and cross-linked fluid dampening where the "plumbing" is attached to the shocks.

It's confusing you said you replaced 5100s on a 2013 limited. That would suggest someone had already abandoned the original XREAS system and installed 5100s which are not compatible with your stock XREAS.

If they installed 5100s or 6112s at that price they fleeced you, real bad. 6112s are significantly more expensive than 5100s but even those are more like $1,350 and $1,600 would be at least twice what it should be for installation.

 

That's definitely crazy expensive, like on another planet expensive. But if they custom made some Bilstein "X-Ray" system i am surprised it's not $15,000 since there is no such thing.

 

Wish this post started before Toyota dealership screw you, showing us pics what you have and which shock is leaking.

I have removed my XREAS system and installed aftermarket to lift my 4Runner Limited. Now If I want to go back to XREAS may be it would cost closer to $5000 for parts and $1600 for labor.

If yours had leaking XREAS and you are open to go aftermarket Bilstien5100 all around with factory springs my guesstimate would be more like $500parts and $750 labor at a highend Toyota specialized 4x4 shop. And after that when Bilstien5100 leaks, you only need to replace just the one leaking.

 

WOW.....I have a bridge I can sell you too. You approved that much for shocks? Simply amazing! You didn't even get a second opinion? Or shop around? There has to be more to the story. Post a copy or cell phone picture of receipt.

 

Oh they called back and said they can run it through the wash for another $200, should they go ahead?

 

What was that famous P.T. Barnum quote? Hmmm...

 

I’m not sure if there are any government organizations that could help you out here, but it sounds like it’s one notch short of highway robbery. The only exception being if they actually replaced the entire X-reas system. Maybe the dealer was saying that bilstein makes the factory X-reas shocks?? Not sure if that’s true or not.

What’s odd, is that 1600 for labor isn’t that far off for regular shock replacement. I would have expected more for labor if they replaced x-reas, since it’s not as simple to install and set that up.

But, If they used aftermarket shocks instead of factory OE X-reas parts, the price for parts does not make sense. There aren’t too many aftermarket shocks that are anywhere near that expensive.

On the off chance that they installed top of the line aftermarket shocks, you might be able to recoup some of that by selling them, and then having normal shocks installed. I wouldn’t have a dealer do that job however, find an independent shop instead.

 

Did they give you a quote beforehand?

 

Welcome Babs

 

AHHHH apparently you are in shock still laying on floor somewhere. If you ever come to a follow up would be nice.

 

That's hilarious.

 

Hey everybody thank you! I even enjoyed some of the flak I got for possibly overpaying and not asking questions first..lol!!.. and yes they gave me a quote before the work. My bad for not researching before I agreed to have work done.

Let me explain a little about me. I had 2004 Toyota 4Runner Limited which I drove for almost 150,000 miles. I never had a bit of trouble... I even pulled a Uhaul with furniture 3 times 345 miles without a problem. I had this car until 2018 during a really bad storm when a huge tree fell in front of me and I ran right into it. I was fine but car was totaled. Since I prefer the smaller (older) 4Runner models I continued to look for another pre owned car. At that time, I could have bought a new one for less money... so I settled for a Suburu Outback... which I liked but still wanted a 4Runner. So Sept 2023, I finally found one on a used dealership lot, a 2013 and for a really low price, great condition and low mileage. So I jumped on it. I did not experience any issues but took in for a check up in Aug 2024. This Toyota dealership found the leaking shock. I even have a picture.... so that is where my story begins or maybe ends. I have reached out to Toyota SE to see if through their investigation something could possibly be done to correct any over charges, if that is what actually happened. The most interesting part to me that has come out is re the Xreas system.... they never used that term with me and on my invoice - it says X-Ray system... this is a little puzzling .... and after doing all this research I've just noticed my receipt is not even in my name or address..... so if I don't get financial relief, just being a part of this forum and providing this write up has been invaluable !! Thanks again to everyone.

 

See this thread. Look at the images and diagrams then crawl under and see what you have.

https://www.4runners.com/threads/4runner-limited-buyer-beware-x-reas-suspension-fails.7894/

At this point, I'm hoping you find an OEM Xreas system for the money you paid. I would not have gone that route but there is nothing wrong with bringing it back to factory spec if you are happy to spend the money.

 

OH and by the way....my shocks are red.... does this mean anything to y'all out there? And I still haven't confirmed if they are 5100's or 6112's.

 

Jesus H Christ

 

If you were overcharged you have some good options to recover the excess charges. Hopefully you have a credit card invoice or canceled check. I had a dealership print out invoice with previous owner info once, not a big deal.

 

The xreas shocks on my limited are red. For that price I’m guessing they replaced the whole system.

 

They probably just mispelled
X-reas. Seems like you paid for the factory replacement, which is very expensive. At least x-reas is a well regarded system.

 

Next time, come on here and ask your question before you approve work on your vehicle. We'll steer you in the right direction.

We could have saved you $5k on this one.

 

I second that also have X-Reas and shocks are red.

On a positive note it's a good system and you should be good to go for a long time.