Recent content by techjockey

I guess my final comment on this is - recommendations for service are just that. However when you surround your recommendation with material lies derived from the service I pay for (inspection and measurement), you are one step from fraud. The remaining step is to inflict loss based on this...

The techs intention was to have the brakes replaced. He wrote "brakes are bad, rec replace." This was not an act of omission or error.

Update: On Tuesday I met the service manager and he and I measured the brakes. All brakes checked out to be 4mm+ in front and 5mm+ in back on passenger. Drivers side were above these measurements - as expected. The've admitted they were wrong and are embarassed. They've refunded the 60$ oil...

Isn't mis-reporting a measurement fraud? Upsell would be telling me I should have my air filter changed or perhaps transfer case fluid replaced when it is not needed. Upselling might even be mis-representing when I needed to replace the spark plugs. Fraud is making or claiming to make a...

During an oil change, a local dealer indicated my 4Runner had 3mm remaining on both front and rear disk brakes. Since this is < 25% remaining brake liner, their recommendation was to replace the brakes reasonably soon. A month later I took the vehicle to a different dealership where we would be...

I agree - more details are helpful. Post Year, Model & driving type/activities. EG Towing, racing... And any exceptional issues or other...

Are you saying we should not poll on any wear item? Where do you get your data?

I have a 06 4runner V8 limited and find the rotors require resurfacing before 30K. This is amazing to me. I still have pads left, but too much vibration in the peddle. So the rotors have to be replaced or surfaced. Where do you stand?

Same problem I have a 2006 Limited. They resurfaced the brakes at 23K & new pads and the problem is back at 53K. They want to charge this time and say the pads have 7mm plus on the front. I think the problem is with the rotors, but I am not sure. They say it is because they are overheating...

Michelin We have Michelin Cross tires and they are great. Good highway and also in the snow.

The Seattle snow is pretty tough this week. We've had a mail truck, a tow truck with the mail truck, a subaru and an Acura MDX all get stuck. 06 4Runner just goes up the hill no problem... :-) Thank You Toyota!!!

Can someone walk me through replacing a lower rear control arm? Sadly a good sameritan helping my wife change a flat decided this was a good jacking point and this is now bent. If possible, please include any torque specs. Much appreciated!

OK - I am all done. I did the engine filter from Napa Auto Parts for $17 -- Looks exactly like the factory original... Decided to do the Dealer oil change and then asked them to lube and retorque the propeller shaft. How much? We will do that for free.... Cool. Rotate tires... $10 Oil...

OK - how much will your dealer charge you. I am coming up on a 30K mile maintenance for our 2006 4WD V8 LTD so I thought I would call around to see the costs: Dealer 1) $700+ Dealer 2) $350+ Dealer 3) $439 As I was doing this, I asked what was included and it turns out lots of things are...

Needed to get the SUV writeoff so we traded in our 04 of same model. Did I mention that I think the 6005 GVW weight rocks for our taxes?! As expected everything is similar on the 06, but improved over the 04. Some comparisons... I am not sure if I like the 18 inch wheels because you do not...