I have an 03 Limited V8 4WD with X-REAS and no Rear Height Adjustment with 87K miles all highway. When in for an oil change, they called to tell me the front shocks were leaking. Not noticing anything, but believing them, they told me I had to replace all 4 so I said yes.

I picked up the truck and as I drove away I started to feel out of control. When I hit any bumps, the steering bounced an inch or two left and right and when I hit a few certain speeds 55 and 68, but not 58 to 62, the car steering would start shaking.

After research and pulling the X-REAS info off the Service Guide for Toyota, it said that you can service once, but if there is a leak, the entire system including tube assmby and control absorber must all be replaced since the oil is pre-filled. The service shop only replaced the shocks.

I called the dealer and they said not only do they not stock the shocks, that they have only seen problems after accidents or off-road abuse.

Any thoughts?

 

It sounds like they botched the install, most likely disconnecting the small fittings without the check valves, leaking out more fluid in the process.

There are a lot of owners who have removed the system, including me. You may be able to salvage with some help.

 

Just chuck the system. I installed Blitzstein (sp?) HDs and notice almost no difference.