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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 8, 2020 at 10:57 AM
    #1
    ColinClive

    ColinClive [OP] New Member

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    Joined forum today. Felt compelled to both vent and warn existing owners or those contemplating getting the KDSS option. I bought my Trail Premium new in 2015 with the KDSS option. In hindsight a BIG mistake. So, here I am 5 years later. KDSS light came on. Took it to the dealer for a diagnostic. The housing assembly stabilizer control is leaking. Why you might ask? Because the external housing as designed allows mud and in my case being in PA; salt to pack the housing full. Result, corroded through ergo the leak. Quote to repair? $4,256.00. On an $1,800.00 option? Why in heaven's name would Toyota not warn owners of the need to flush out the housing to prevent mud and or salt from packing the area around the assembly? Why would any owner think they needed to do that unless they mud bog? My driving consists of highway and dirt roads. That's it. My situation is one of "premature failure." At least under the circumstances as I have described. I call BS on Toyota. They need to issue directions to flush the housing periodically to every owner with this system. Pure and simple. So....KDSS owners.....flush your housing sooner rather than later. And frequently.
     
  2. Jan 8, 2020 at 11:02 AM
    #2
    thirdyota

    thirdyota shouldn't be trusted

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    Wow... sorry to hear this. That sucks!

    Makes me glad I don't have KDSS.
     
  3. Jan 8, 2020 at 11:07 AM
    #3
    4Runner fun

    4Runner fun Just the beginning...

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    Sorry to hear of your problems! That sounds insane. One would have the same problem in the entire salt belt. Hopefully it will turn into a class action & you can get reimbursed.
    We are KDSS free but thanks for the warning.
     
  4. Jan 8, 2020 at 11:20 AM
    #4
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    Thank you for that information! I'll make sure to keep an eye on it.

    Still glad I have KDSS :)
     
  5. Jan 8, 2020 at 11:45 AM
    #5
    Dillusion

    Dillusion Resident A**h***

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    So we blaming Toyota now and not salt eh.

    Guess its their fault when the bolts rust too.
     
  6. Jan 8, 2020 at 11:53 AM
    #6
    4Runner fun

    4Runner fun Just the beginning...

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    Dear Mr. Dillusional,
    I have a great bridge in Brooklyn for sale with your name on it. Let me know if you are interested. Since all you do is waste others time.
    Get :help:!
     
  7. Jan 8, 2020 at 12:26 PM
    #7
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    I tend to agree with @Dillusion here. It's definitely worth keeping an eye on. But, this could also be a result of a lack of upkeep. In areas where the roads get salted, or if you drive down dusty roads, or in mud, you have to constantly be washing your vehicles to clean out the crud that builds up.

    @ColinClive , could you take a picture of the buildup in the accumulator and post it here? I would like to know what I'm looking for.
     
  8. Jan 8, 2020 at 12:36 PM
    #8
    4Runner fun

    4Runner fun Just the beginning...

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    So if Toyota designs a water trap that causes rust in a particular area; it is your job to find every area that can retain moisture?
    If Toyota has a housing below the vehicle that is sensitive to material, it sounds like they should have designed a way for that housing to drain & not stay packed with snow/salt. At the very least, shouldn't there be a caution to the customers to keep that area cleaned out? This sounds like a design flaw!
     
  9. Jan 8, 2020 at 1:16 PM
    #9
    4X4Runner

    4X4Runner The Anti Pro, Pro! Staff Member

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    The left coast
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    I’m assuming the OP is referring to the protection plate on around the accumulators on the drivers side frame rail? That’s the only area I can think of where mud and or stuff could pile up.

    not sure about anyone else with KDSS, but whenever I wash mine I shove the hose nozzle down in there and flush it until the water runs clear and after a particular bad trip Offroad or running on snowy roads I pull the plate and wash everything off really good.

    I understand what I do though, isn’t what everyone else does.
    Sucks but its metal and will rust and corrode is not maintained
     
  10. Jan 8, 2020 at 1:43 PM
    #10
    catus

    catus New Member

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    Disagree. There's plenty of places on any vehicle that can trap dirt/salt/sand. I don't need Toyota nannying me to to keep my truck clean. If I suspect that I've picked up crud somewhere it may do harm, I wash that area. The underside of a Runner is a likely place that dirt, etc can accumulate. So, I wash the underside of my truck regularly. Mother Toyota doesn't need to remind me. Else the lawyers will bless us with another 500 page manual no one will read about the dangers of dirt/salt/sand. I would like to see the pictures that Bassguy suggested though. Might be worth an extra wash on my KDSS rig. Thx for the heads up, ColinClive! Sorry you're going through this!
     
  11. Jan 8, 2020 at 1:44 PM
    #11
    TRDPro916

    TRDPro916 New Member

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    Need to educate myself on this KDSS option.. Was it an option or came standard on certain trim levels?
     
  12. Jan 8, 2020 at 1:54 PM
    #12
    Dillusion

    Dillusion Resident A**h***

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    There is tons of god damn places that water can sit. Let me guess design flaw on those as well. We all know salt is going to make shit rust faster. I don't have that problem but I for sure know if I was in one of those states I would check under my 4R 10x more than I do now.

    Not to mention class action law suit? From one person making this thread. LOL. Whos wasting whos time here.


    Optional on Trail/Off Road.
     
  13. Jan 8, 2020 at 1:56 PM
    #13
    4Runner fun

    4Runner fun Just the beginning...

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    I am not saying that the bottom of the vehicle should be neglected. Quite the opposite. I spend more time washing the undercarriage more than the sides. However, just like you should pull the front skids once a year to clean where you cannot get a sprayer to. This sounds like one of those areas.
    If you look at the bottom of the tailgate there are multiple holes for dust & water to rinse out for when things get in there from when the rear window is down.
    Maybe this is a salt trap like the front skids...
    I am just giving thought & possibilities. Not trying to argue! :cheers:
     
    catus[QUOTED] and Thatbassguy like this.
  14. Jan 8, 2020 at 2:08 PM
    #14
    Jynarik

    Jynarik I like boobies

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    Unfortunately when you choose an electronic suspension option, you run the risk of costly repairs. Shit happens. Sorry it happened to your still fairly new truck.
     
    WallyT4R likes this.
  15. Jan 8, 2020 at 2:15 PM
    #15
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    I appreciate @ColinClive pointing this out. I'll be paying extra attention to this from now on, and I will make it a point to remove the cover and clean/inspect every spring and fall.

    It does suck to have to worry about it, but it's a small price to pay for such a great option.
     
  16. Jan 8, 2020 at 2:32 PM
    #16
    glwood54

    glwood54 Stop making me buy stuff!

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    In lieu of repairing it, is it even an option to replace it on a KDSS equipped rig?
     
    vonfatman likes this.
  17. Jan 8, 2020 at 2:41 PM
    #17
    Dillusion

    Dillusion Resident A**h***

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    Pretty sure they are replacing said part. Its over 1K for the part only.
     
  18. Jan 8, 2020 at 3:01 PM
    #18
    glwood54

    glwood54 Stop making me buy stuff!

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    My question is whether it can be replaced by a non-KDSS sway bar system.
     
  19. Jan 8, 2020 at 3:02 PM
    #19
    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
    KDSS came on the 5Th Gen Trail Editions in 2010, trail premiums and now only on the TRD Offroad and TRD Offroad Premium. I believe it was put onto the overseas landcruisers around 2008ish.
    It’s a beefier swaybar that’s connected directly to the lower control arms up front and rear axle. They are linked by hydraulic lines, accumulators and hydraulic cylinders that work together to minimize body roll during Norma driving and evasive maneuvers as well as increase articulation when off road.

    https://youtu.be/NLF6n3nMwww
     
    The last breed, A&P, DRobs and 2 others like this.
  20. Jan 8, 2020 at 3:04 PM
    #20
    4X4Runner

    4X4Runner The Anti Pro, Pro! Staff Member

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    It totally can. They system for ant dependent upon anything and can be deinstalled without adversely affecting other systems or electronics. You’ll just have the light in the dash. I believe the spindles on KDSS equipped vehicles are the same as non equipped and you’d have to source all the parts to install and OE non KDSS sway bar
     
    Hiluxforever and WallyT4R like this.
  21. Jan 8, 2020 at 3:08 PM
    #21
    TRDPro916

    TRDPro916 New Member

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    Thanks! Very helpful video clip on KDSS. what type of maintenance is involved with KDSS? Drain and refill fluid?
     
  22. Jan 8, 2020 at 3:17 PM
    #22
    4X4Runner

    4X4Runner The Anti Pro, Pro! Staff Member

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    The left coast
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    None. It’s a sealed system. Opening it up will create all sorts of problems and if any service needs to be done to it, I’d highly recommend it go in for service at a dealership.
    I had a 2010 Trail Edition that had KDSS that was problem free until 86k miles when I traded it in for a Subie.
     
  23. Jan 8, 2020 at 5:21 PM
    #23
    Oldtoyotaguy

    Oldtoyotaguy Paid cash for it

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    Could someone take a photo of the area that needs flushing? I love my KDSS, it doesn’t sound like a big maintenance issue to wash it off if I know what I’m doing.
     
    Last edited: Jan 8, 2020
  24. Jan 8, 2020 at 5:35 PM
    #24
    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
    Under the drivers door on the outside of the frame. You’ll notice some piping running behind a thick steel cover. That’s it.
     
  25. Jan 8, 2020 at 5:50 PM
    #25
    Oldtoyotaguy

    Oldtoyotaguy Paid cash for it

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    Thanks, I guess you just need to blast the heck out of that area with a pressure washer? That’s it?
     
  26. Jan 8, 2020 at 6:27 PM
    #26
    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 forget how many bolts it is...two I think. Pull the cover and wash away. Maybe get a soft bristle brush to agitate the dirt and grim and wash away
     
    Oldtoyotaguy[QUOTED] likes this.
  27. Jan 8, 2020 at 6:57 PM
    #27
    Bodie the Dog

    Bodie the Dog Danger Ranger!

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    Seems like vehicles, especially SUV's, should be engineered to be as mud/water resistant as possible. My tailgate keeps filling with mud, due to the three drain holes at the base of the hatch window, and the 4runner vortex that sucks in dirt. The mechanic asked if I have done any water crossings, lol. I don't think it is reasonable to ask the end user to periodically disassemble their tailgate in order to clean it out, but that is what Toyota told me to do. They did replace the rear window motor once under warranty. But as an end user we can't possibly know which nooks and crannies to clean.
     
  28. Jan 8, 2020 at 9:36 PM
    #28
    4X4Runner

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    The left coast
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    Mad driver mod. OME Suspension. 285/70R17 BFG AT KO2
    :facepalm:

    It’s not electronic. It’s hydraulic. Two cylinders, one front, one rear. Piping, accumulators, big ass sway bars. Only thing electronic on it is the sensor that tells you something is wrong.
     
  29. Jan 9, 2020 at 5:23 AM
    #29
    Ironguy

    Ironguy New Member

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    sorry to hear your bad news. Good info for the rest of us.
     
  30. Jan 9, 2020 at 5:28 AM
    #30
    MyWyfsRnnr

    MyWyfsRnnr Have you seen the mall?

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    These are the KDSS covers... Hope this helps

    IMG_20190613_185231.jpg IMG_20190613_185234.jpg IMG_20190613_192503.jpg
     

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