Rear Shocks Round 2

Hey all.

2020 Tacoma SR, around 37k miles.

I had my rear shocks replaced last November 2024 at Toyota because they were leaking.

Toyota is now telling me they're leaking again (roughly 8 months and 4k miles later).

This seems very suspicious to me so I wanted to see what the folks who know way more about these trucks think.

My truck is a pavement princess, it hasn't been "off-road" since 2021. I haven't hit any crazy potholes, either. So I'm not sure what to think.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

Well, are they leaking?

 

I guess? Honestly, the truck is still over there and I'm waiting for them to call me back. I'd like to see it in person.

 

I agree with you it sounds odd.

 

What shocks did they put on your truck? Is it under warranty or are you paying for it?
Some shocks will weep around the seals and that usually isn't a major problem requiring immediate replacement.
Have them send you a picture of the problem they are seeing.

Besides warranty work I never, ever, ever, ever go to a dealer for vehicle work. Dealers usually have the worst mechanics, at least when working on simple repairs, and are just looking for ways to upsell.
Find a good local independent shop that will give you honest advice, they will be way cheaper and they will do a much better job.
You can get the Bilstein 4600 rear shocks for around $150 and they are incredibly easy to install (if your truck isn't rusted,) just need a jack and basic tool set.

 

I believe they put Hitachi shocks on the truck last November but don't quote me on that because I could be wrong.

I only took it to the dealer because my power train warranty is about to expire and I swear I saw my rear diff was leaking but they said it's fine...

Anyways, Toyota just called and they're replacing both rear shocks for free, no charge for anything because I'm within their 1 year, unlimited mile warranty on repairs.

Thanks all for your help. If this happens again and it's outside of warranty, I'll be replacing them with Bilstein.

 

Is your truck undercoated? Any time I take mine in they tell me mine are leaking and then I tell them it’s undercoated and they go oh ok nevermind

 

A second set of shocks leaking with just 4K on the clock, I call bullshit! I would thank them for the intel and that you will take it under advisement (that's consulting speak for fuck off). Then clean up any "leaking" oil you might see and just keep an eye on it. I'm not saying that this dealer is trying to scam you, but then again!

PS: if they actually do need replacing, it's four bolts brother!

 

No, it's not undercoated. The truck has only ever been in Phoenix/Tucson, so I never bothered but maybe I should consider it in the near future.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks this is bizarre. I'm really not sure what to make of it, but I hope it doesn't happen again.

 

Sigh, one more question for y'all.

The service advisor called and said my truck is ready but that he was mistaken, it was only one shock that was leaking. I was under the impression that shocks are replaced in pairs; however, he is saying that since my other shock is still fairly new with low miles, Toyota is only going to replace the one.

Should I be worried about this causing issues in the future? As much as I'd like to replace them myself, I am mechanically inept. I also don't have a garage and it's 110+ degrees outside, so I'd have to wait until the weather cools and find a buddy with a garage and tools to use.

 

No I wouldn’t be worried at all, you should be able to get 50,000mi+ out of them before they’re clapped out. As others said, this should probably be your last time going to the dealer, and when you need to swap them again throw on some Bilstein 4600s and call it a day.

 

I suppose you have an extended warranty or something?