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KDSS existing or new owners BEWARE!

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by ColinClive, Jan 8, 2020.

  1. Jan 9, 2020 at 6:22 AM
    #31
    Jynarik

    Jynarik I like boobies

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    What do you think controls the system?
     
    RayCon likes this.
  2. Jan 9, 2020 at 6:27 AM
    #32
    Oldtoyotaguy

    Oldtoyotaguy Paid cash for it

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    Yeah, that definitely looks like it needs to be clean and shiny for longevity. Thanks, everyone, great info and heads up!
     
  3. Jan 9, 2020 at 7:30 AM
    #33
    4X4Runner

    4X4Runner The Anti Pro, Pro! Staff Member

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    The left coast
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    Mad driver mod. OME Suspension. 285/70R17 BFG AT KO2
    I’m not sure I understand. KDSS is a purely mechanical system of interconnected hydraulics. Nothing controls the system, it operates when the vehicles is Offroad and there is wheel articulation. On road the force of the hydraulics contained within the front/rear cylinders and accumulators work against each other and minimize body roll.

    Did you watch the video I posted?
     
    Hallzilla, 2Toys, Thatbassguy and 2 others like this.
  4. Jan 9, 2020 at 7:43 AM
    #34
    Oldtoyotaguy

    Oldtoyotaguy Paid cash for it

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    Pretty cool video. Land Rover claim that the new Defender is more advanced with their air suspension system and multiple ECMs. I guess time will tell.
     
  5. Jan 9, 2020 at 7:45 AM
    #35
    4X4Runner

    4X4Runner The Anti Pro, Pro! Staff Member

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    The left coast
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    That sounds like a lot of stuff that can go wrong. Multiple ECM’s and air pressure which means air compressors somewhere. At least this system is piping, oil, cylinders and valves...and sealed
     
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  6. Jan 9, 2020 at 8:20 AM
    #36
    catus

    catus New Member

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    I'd keep the covers on 1. So Toyota can't say I caused a problem by removing them, ie, "you removed the protection we provided", and 2. in case something gets kicked up underneath the truck while driving. But, I think I'll add removing the covers occasionally to check it out and clean it as needed to my list o' 4Runner chores too. Thx for the pics, MyWyfsRnnr!
     
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  7. Jan 9, 2020 at 8:22 AM
    #37
    Oldtoyotaguy

    Oldtoyotaguy Paid cash for it

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    Yeah, I agree. Covers are generally a good thing, even on road. Stuff takes a beating under there for sure.
     
    The last breed likes this.
  8. Jan 9, 2020 at 9:42 AM
    #38
    Dillusion

    Dillusion New Member

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    Then they would say you let the dirt and salt in.

    Can't win here I think regular cleaning is the best bet.
     
  9. Apr 23, 2021 at 6:15 AM
    #39
    RayCon

    RayCon New Member

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    TRD skidplate and rims, Greenlane sliders, Bilstein shocks, K&N intake, Thule, Philips LED, BFG KO2s,
    Inspected both shields yesterday. Rear one was packed with humid mud, front one ok. Drilled several extra 1/2” holes in both guards, cleaned them out well and the system components, smeared grease all over including the KDSS system. Put anti-seize on the 4 nuts. Will be designing and installing some kind of mud flap just forward of the rear shield in order to prevent mud from the front driver side tire flinging mud onto the shield. Will definitely be removing shields and cleaning it all out every spring and fall as well as spraying Fluid Film all over.
     
  10. Apr 23, 2021 at 6:42 AM
    #40
    Cowboy59

    Cowboy59 Enjoy the Adventure

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    I recently added rock sliders to my 4R with KDSS, and during the process had to remove both covers. There was a small accumulation of dirt and a few small stones. I thoroughly cleaned them before replacing them. Any time I return from an off-roading adventure, I do a thorough cleaning of the vehicle and pay special attention to all under body components. One area that can become particularly packed with dirt is the area between the body and rear wheel well in front of the tire. There is an uncovered area behind the black molding that can become caked with mud and dirt that is not cleaned by simply hosing out the wheel well. You need to go inside the wheel well with your hand and point your hose or brush back toward the exterior of the 4R.

    Also, if you have a factory covering under the engine, where you would put an actual skid plate, that area can accumulate a lot of dirt, due to the small mesh screen in the front of the covering. Another potential area for rust.

    Sorry to hear your KDSS is in need of repair as a result of dirt and salt. Thankful that I don't live in an area where roads are salted.
     
  11. Apr 23, 2021 at 8:35 AM
    #41
    Bodie the Dog

    Bodie the Dog New Member

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    After Op's warning, I checked mine. It was a clay brick.

    kdss dirt.jpg
     
  12. Apr 23, 2021 at 8:39 AM
    #42
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    Thank you for posting this! This motivates me to check mine sooner than later.
     
  13. Apr 23, 2021 at 12:02 PM
    #43
    koukimonster

    koukimonster DYNO4

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    I hate to hear this.

    Tough situation, for sure. Valid arguments from both sides.

    This adds nothing, but I feel that if you have a vehicle you plan to keep past its warranty period, you should either become intimately familiar with it, or find a mechanic whom you fully trust. Spoiler alert.. sadly, your Toyota dealer is likely not that mechanic. Through either of those avenues, your KDSS system would have been identified and maintained enough to (hopefully) avoid this situation.

    If you actually read the 4Runner's Owner's Manual, you'll see that they've already lawyered up and require an insane amount of maintenance when taking her off-road. I do find it funny, though, that they claim you need to check the tightness of EVERY chassis bolt, but fail to mention anything about paying special attention to the KDSS system.

    This is my first truck, and I was already spraying down the entire underside after each off-road trip, especially if mud or tall grass were involved. That said, I didn't pay any special attention to any areas in particular.. I just made sure I was thorough and hit everything I could, and let the water run until it came out clear. Well, upon installing my new suspension, I quickly found a few suspect areas that I'll definitely have to keep an eye on. One in particular that's crazy to me is the LCA. Each LCA basically has a swimming pool built-in that's deep enough to hold 1/4 lb. of mud.. and because it's deep, the mud at the bottom takes very very long to dry out, if at all. So it stays moist and packed in, despite thoroughly hosing her down, and driving on the interstate.

    If I lived in a state that used various chemicals, etc. on the road in the winter, I'd look at it the same way as off-roading. Anything but rain-water and air can easily cause concern...
     
  14. Apr 23, 2021 at 12:53 PM
    #44
    TrailGuy2016

    TrailGuy2016 New Member

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    HOLY BLEEP.

    Super happy my Trail Premium doesn't have this option, apparently (I don't rock-crawl).
     
    Bodie the Dog[QUOTED] likes this.
  15. Apr 23, 2021 at 1:47 PM
    #45
    ElectroBoy

    ElectroBoy Ad astra

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    Thanks for the tips. Mine weren’t anywhere near as bad as Bodie’s. But the large cover held a good quantity of Arizona and Utah red sand/mud. The little cover had just a few pebbles in it.
    3FF815D8-EF34-4D04-9862-451DEAA04040.jpg F86E1C5A-0ED0-4352-BB63-F5CA0428F862.jpg
     
  16. Apr 24, 2021 at 10:21 PM
    #46
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    Finally checked mine yesterday. I definitely need to check it more often. This will become a standard part of my post off-roading routine

    20210423_180409_HDR_(1).jpg

    20210423_180338_HDR_(1).jpg

    20210423_180327_HDR.jpg
     
  17. Apr 24, 2021 at 11:52 PM
    #47
    Taco4R

    Taco4R New Member

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    Okay but can't you just unbolt KDSS and bolt on the SR5 sway bar for way less money? It's a completely passive system with no electronics right? Converting back to standard sway bars can't be that expensive.
     
  18. Apr 25, 2021 at 1:00 AM
    #48
    ElectroBoy

    ElectroBoy Ad astra

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    Yow. This looks like a real deficiency in the Toyota design of that large cover. The forward-facing end is open and it allows junk from the front tire to be slung into the top opening. I’m going to try to rig up some sort of mud flap up there to deflect dirt and stones away.
     
  19. Apr 25, 2021 at 2:26 AM
    #49
    ThePnsh3r

    ThePnsh3r New Member

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    Unfortunately - this is old, very well documented news. Servicing the system is a major PITA too once you break the seal.
     
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  20. Apr 25, 2021 at 4:47 AM
    #50
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    The system should never need any service. And, the "seal" should never be broken unless there is already an issue.
     
  21. Apr 25, 2021 at 6:29 AM
    #51
    Oldtoyotaguy

    Oldtoyotaguy Paid cash for it

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    Pulling off 4 bolts once a year after a salty, slushy, sandy winter is no big deal for me. I’m just surprised Toyota doesn’t include this as a regular service item. But as a weekend warrior, I don’t mind. It’s worth it to have kdss. Great system. I wouldn’t change a thing. Mine is going to last forever if I keep it cleaned up like I’m doing now. I like to give everything a quick spray of fluid film before I put it back together. It takes about 30 minutes tops.
     
  22. Apr 25, 2021 at 4:25 PM
    #52
    captrussia253

    captrussia253 New Member

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    Damn mine didn’t have that much dirt in it haha. This seems like it should be in the owners manual and part of a regular maintenance procedure. I’ll be doing it once every oil change now. I had to cut the two slots off the bracket to remove the cover due to the factory rock rails.

    78147465-74FC-4AD8-B108-5B0B4907C143.jpg
    BAE24B64-018F-437F-B9BD-6071F1AA8AF9.jpg
    986FB187-8094-4CC1-A26B-93BFD6D5B1F1.jpg
     
  23. Apr 25, 2021 at 5:43 PM
    #53
    canadian.bacon

    canadian.bacon H9 halogen is the best led bulb

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    i will soak it next time in FluidFilm or similar antirust stuff. Easier to keep the moisture away and manual cleanup twice a year.
    Thanks for the heads up. Some of those pics are kinda scary.
     
  24. Apr 25, 2021 at 9:04 PM
    #54
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    Agreed! This could save people from failures and the associated repair bills.
     
  25. Apr 26, 2021 at 12:40 PM
    #55
    coblyat

    coblyat New Member

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    I've only had my (new to me 2014 Trail Premium) offroad a few times now and I figured this out quickly. It's too easy to pop two bolts loose and wash the mud clear when you go to clean the undercarriage. I think I spend more time washing dirt off the underside of the car than the shiny bits. Keeps everything a lot cleaner and easier to work on as well.
     
  26. Apr 26, 2021 at 1:55 PM
    #56
    Toyota.ARK

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    Honestly, the real miss here is on Toyota's 2 year free Toyota Care and not including guidance to the dealership on their process for the "multipoint inspection." When the dealer has the vehicle in for service, and the vehicle is equipped with KDSS, there should be a touchpoint on these; no questions asked. I would imagine a dealership who services the truck and promises they perform a multipoint inspection which includes the undercarriage, may be responsible for your loss legally.
     
  27. Apr 26, 2021 at 2:14 PM
    #57
    Living the dream

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    Couple bolts to take it off and clean it out, JMHO not a big deal for the benefits of KDSS. Agreed that Toyota should warn you about it, but they also don’t tell you not to splash water or mud into the poorly designed ABS actuator connections that have forward facing exposed electrical gang connections at each rotor. Gotta help the Toyota techs keep their families fed. KDSS has been around for sometime, Lexus has been using it for many years and most Toyota Landcruisers and other vehicles that are manufactured in Australia
     
  28. Apr 26, 2021 at 3:53 PM
    #58
    coblyat

    coblyat New Member

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    Who's responsibility is it here? We're the ones buying the 4runner and taking on the responsibility. Nobody knocks on your door ready to tutor you when you have a kid; you have to put the effort in to learn about care and feeding.

    Easier than an oil change.
     
  29. Apr 26, 2021 at 4:06 PM
    #59
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    Especially with these new cartridge filters! :D

    Agreed, though. Mine will be getting removed for post-shenanigan cleaning sessions from here on out. I always try to hose it out, but apparently I haven't been doing a sufficient job.
     
  30. Apr 26, 2021 at 4:07 PM
    #60
    coblyat

    coblyat New Member

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    Haha, yes I need to look into that.
     
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