How bad is the dealer gonna F me...? - Toyota 4Runner Forum

TheJokingExplorer · 07-25-2024, 10:14 PM

Ive had my 2017 4runner for about seven years never with any problems. A few weeks ago my drivers side rear brake started squeaking only when I would brake. No problem this has happened before just replaced pads and it was back to normal. Normally, I would jut replace the pads myself but I just didn't have time so I dropped it off at Toyota. Next thing I know they send me a link to look at repairs saying my rear axel is bent and it's gonna run about 2k. Vehicle drives fine, no vibration and nothing is leaking. Ive never wrecked the vehicle so idk how the axel would get bent... Anyone have this happen?

MZ2215 · 07-26-2024, 09:31 AM

I'd say time for a 2nd opinion. I had my local Toyota dealer tell me they couldn't align my '15 because the cam bolts were froze (despite previous alignments being done twice in the last three years) and that they'd need to cut the lower arms off and replace them at a cost close to $3k. Independent shop had it aligned in 40 minutes.

fkheath · 07-26-2024, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheJokingExplorer

Ive had my 2017 4runner for about seven years never with any problems. A few weeks ago my drivers side rear brake started squeaking only when I would brake. No problem this has happened before just replaced pads and it was back to normal. Normally, I would jut replace the pads myself but I just didn't have time so I dropped it off at Toyota. Next thing I know they send me a link to look at repairs saying my rear axel is bent and it's gonna run about 2k. Vehicle drives fine, no vibration and nothing is leaking. Ive never wrecked the vehicle so idk how the axel would get bent... Anyone have this happen?

Get a second opinion.

Also get specifics. What is actually bent? When people say "axle" they usually mean the tube from the differential to the wheel, but it could also be the axle shaft. Or something else? Have them point to the exact part on the parts diagram.

I've never heard of a 4Runner rear axle getting bent.

Edit: The more I think about this, the more I think something fishy is going on. You go in with just a squeak when braking, which usually means glazed pads, rotors, or parts not lubricated right such as pins where the pads slide. Then they tell you the "axle" is bent and will cost 2K.

TheJokingExplorer · 07-26-2024, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fkheath

Get a second opinion.

Also get specifics. What is actually bent? When people say "axle" they usually mean the tube from the differential to the wheel, but it could also be the axle shaft. Or something else? Have them point to the exact part on the parts diagram.

I've never heard of a 4Runner rear axle getting bent.

Edit: The more I think about this, the more I think something fishy is going on. You go in with just a squeak when braking, which usually means glazed pads, rotors, or parts not lubricated right such as pins where the pads slide. Then they tell you the "axle" is bent and will cost 2K.

I think they are talking about the axle flange?(correction, it must be the axel shaft) Here is a link to the video Toyota sent me showing the rotor out of alignment.
https://imgur.com/a/6fGPBdi

El Dusty · 07-26-2024, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheJokingExplorer

I think they are talking about the axle flange?(correction, it must be the axel shaft) Here is a link to the video Toyota sent me showing the rotor out of alignment.
https://imgur.com/a/6fGPBdi

Thread below should help.

Bent rear axle...are you kidding me?!

Your video shows the axle flange runout being measured which would indicate a bad axel with a bend between the axle shaft and flange. Needs replaced if it exceeds the tolerance.

Are your rear tires wearing weird at all? That would confirm the issue. Since you potentially have a bent flange an alignment wouldn't tell the whole story because as it rotates it would change angle.

Let us know.

fkheath · 07-26-2024, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by El Dusty

Are your rear tires wearing weird at all? That would confirm the issue. Since you potentially have a bent flange an alignment wouldn't tell the whole story because as it rotates it would change angle.

Let us know.

You can't do a wheel alignment on a car with a solid rear axle, like the 4Runner.

fkheath · 07-26-2024, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheJokingExplorer

I think they are talking about the axle flange?(correction, it must be the axel shaft) Here is a link to the video Toyota sent me showing the rotor out of alignment.
https://imgur.com/a/6fGPBdi

What are the units on the dial gauge? If the run out is small, you can probably live with it. If the run out is large, I would think you would have a vibration when you drive.

TheJokingExplorer · 07-27-2024, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fkheath

What are the units on the dial gauge? If the run out is small, you can probably live with it. If the run out is large, I would think you would have a vibration when you drive.

Good question and I don’t know. It seems the new brake pads got rid of the squeeking when I brake. However, I do have some squeeking when the rear drivers side suspension is compressed but no vibration.

fkheath · 07-27-2024, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheJokingExplorer

I think they are talking about the axle flange?(correction, it must be the axel shaft) Here is a link to the video Toyota sent me showing the rotor out of alignment.
https://imgur.com/a/6fGPBdi

My bad. Not right what I posted.

TheJokingExplorer · 07-27-2024, 12:54 PM

No abnormal wear pattern on my rear tire.

rdruss · 07-29-2024, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheJokingExplorer

No abnormal wear pattern on my rear tire.

Then you are good to go, get your brakes done somewhere you trust other than dealer or find the time to do yourself.

El Dusty · 07-29-2024, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fkheath

You can't do a wheel alignment on a car with a solid rear axle, like the 4Runner.

I understand that but reading an alignment on the rear axle on a 4runner would still describe camber problems like a bent axel housing or bent axel flange. Like I said it wouldn't tell the whole story.

apc9199 · 07-29-2024, 12:13 PM

If that is a metric indicator, your total indicated runout is around .1mm or less than .005". I don't know what factory spec is but I wouldn't let them touch my vehicle over this issue. Get the brakes done and continue to happily drive your vehicle.

El Dusty · 07-29-2024, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apc9199

If that is a metric indicator, your total indicated runout is around .1mm or less than .005". I don't know what factory spec is but I wouldn't let them touch my vehicle over this issue. Get the brakes done and continue to happily drive your vehicle.

If it was measured at 0.1mm runout then this would be close to double the allowable per the manual. It is a ridiculously small tolerance.

With 0.05mm runout on a 6.5" flange it would be at a 0.017° angle. With 0.1mm of runout it would increase to .0347°.

SocalSam · 07-29-2024, 04:38 PM

You know your truck's driving and wear characteristics better than any service ticket writer or grease monkey who test drove around the block. Trust your instincts when dealing with these people.

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