Hello, all.

I just bough a 1999 4Runner LTD. I took it to the dealership to have it looked over, and to help me prioritize any repairs/maintenence, or let me know if there were any other major issues that I hadn't noticed. As there were a couple of things I was already aware of going into purchasing.

Long story short, they quoted me repair costs of close to $10,000 for what they said was a head gasket needing replacement, a power steering rack replacement, and new timing belt and water pump.

I think they have just straight up lied. There is an oil leak of unknown origin, but it doesn't seem as if there are other symptoms that would indicate a head gasket issue. The power steering isn't making any noise when turning the wheel or leaking fluid. The left front wheel does make a clunking noise/sensation that I can feel through the steering column, which after researching, seems to sound more like the bushings need to be replaced than the whole rack. They also mentioned the timing belt and water pump needed to be replaced, which I knew upon purchasing the vehicle.

So with that, I have a few questions:

I'm looking for a reputable shop. I'm looking for a place that is willing to engage in dialogue with me about the car, and not treat me like I'm an idiot, or incapable for having a femme appearance

I'm also looking for feedback about how to prioritize these repairs. The bushings seems to me to be the first thing to look at, since it seems like it could cause a lot more damage/be completely dangerous to drive on.

This forum has been a really valuable resource for me to learn about this car. I really appreciate any input.

Thanks!

Aight here goes...

1: They won't replace bushings in the power steering rack. They'll replace the rack.
2: Did they provide a test result that showed a bad head gasket? Leak down test, cooling system pressure test, dye test (putting a dye agent in the oil or coolant), or a Hydrocarbon content test of the coolant ?
3: Timing Belt & Water Pump is a reasonable repair. If you DO have a bad head gasket, popping the heads off and replacing the gaskets while doing the timing belt and water pump, is only a couple of hours labor more at that point.

They didn't show me any test results about the head gasket. They just pointed to the oil leak as the definitive symptom that the head gasket was failing.

They were billing the head gasket repair at 25 hours, and the timing belt at an additional 8.

Thanks for the info about the other pieces.

8 hours for the timing belt / water pump job? Absolutely NOT. That is a 4 hour job TOPS. Head gaskets, 12 hours TOPS.

I'd suggest a different shop. I'm wondering if the oil leak is the valve cover gaskets, which is a way more common oil leak on the toyota's.

It might be a bit of a drive for you. If you really want a Shop to do the work, I'd suggest Toyota Pro in Concord.

I'm in Hayward and own a performance shop, while we do not offer mechanical services for 4runners I'm a enthusiast (I own 3 of them currently) and would be willing to have a look over you're truck and give you an idea of what's actually in need of work for free if that would be of any benefit to you?

Mike

An oil leak meant the head gasket was bad? Wow... they are trying to fleece you, the leak is not coming from the head gasket (which would leak internally btw and your coolant would look like a chocolate milkshake) if it's visible, it's the valve cover gaskets which is totally different and minor.

I'd either ask to see if some of the local members on here could come help look over your vehicle like the user above, or someone like mtbtim who does the Timmy repair videos. I've helped out a couple of local members as well, but Oakland is a bit far from Sacramento for me.

Thanks for all of the replies. This is all very helpful.

Sorry to tag on to this, I’m new and can’t post my own thread yet.

I live in Oakland and I’m also looking for a Bay Area mechanic. This is a long stretch but essentially I just bought a 98 4Runner SR5 3.4 and I’m suspecting a blown head. It was overheating so I swapped the radiator, cap, thermostat, and fan clutch. Still overheating and noticed coolant missing with no external leak, and white smoke in the exhaust. I bought this car to be my daily and feel pretty screwed now. It’ll take me 6 months to save the money to take it to a shop, so I’m looking to see if anyone knows anyone in the area who has a garage or works independently and has the time to work on it, if I get all the parts. I’ll pay for all labor. I’ll happily take any advice!! Thanks