03 4runner problems

[cman]

I have been having nothing but trouble with my new 4runner v8 4x4 SE, first the rear axle seals were replaced 3 times and it is still leaking and now that it has over 12,000 miles on it I can't lemon law it, (PA has a 12,000 mile lemon law limit) and all toyota will do is replace the seal.
Now the tranny is giving me problems when I come to a stop and step on the gas even if I have been sitting at a light for 30 seconds I hear a clunk in the tranny almost like it's not all the way in first gear, it even does this when the A/C kicks on I'm guessing that the higher idle from the A/C makes it downshift.
Also when I stop at a light and sit there if I let up on the brake I can feel it clunk into gear by moving up ever so slightly, and of course I have taken it back to Toyota and they said that there is nothing wrong with the tranny. I also drive this normal no harsh acceleration or offroading, my old 97 4runner I traded in had over 250K on it and was in perfect shape...I really like this car and I am really tired of being in rental cars on 5 different occasions.

 

[Biff]

That sucks. Keep on top of the dealer, and give them as much hassle as the rig is giving you.

 

[toybox]

I thought that clunk problem had something to do with the slip joints and the driveshaft? I'm not saying that is your problem but it sounds similar and a little greasing fixes it. I would start there. It may be just that simple. I hope it is though for your sake.

 

[o9stealth5]

i duno if i'm just making this up or not, but i remember something where if the dealer tries to fix something three times that's covered under warranty, and they still can't fix it, you're supposed to get a new car. (relating to those leaking seals)

 

[cman]

Does anyone have anymore info about the greasing of the driveshaft? I would like to give that a shot. As to the Lemon law if they don't do all 3 repairs before 12,000 miles your screwed, but they still have to fix it under warranty

 

[toybox]

cman, search the problems forum. I'm sure it was discussed here under one or more threads.

 

[darktiger]

I'd say keep on bugging your dealer, or go to a different dealer...........

 

[TechWrench]

Does anyone have anymore info about the greasing of the driveshaft? I would like to give that a shot. As to the Lemon law if they don't do all 3 repairs before 12,000 miles your screwed, but they still have to fix it under warranty

I won't go into the whole detail thing, do a search for drivetrain clunk, but in short, lubricating the rear drive shaft slip joint will usually solve the problem. There is a ZERK fitting on the slip joint to apply grease using a grease gun. 10-15 pumps of grease and a day or two to work in should take care of it. Or take it back to the dealer and have them do it.

 

[Good Times]

If the problem is soo severe that Toyota is unable to make any of the necessary repairs, I'd suggest taking it to arbitration. Maybe they might be able to do something.

Not sure as I"m not a guru when it comes to stuff like this but I've read taking it to arbitration helps to get problems fixed if not replaced.

 

[Mark86]

i duno if i'm just making this up or not, but i remember something where if the dealer tries to fix something three times that's covered under warranty, and they still can't fix it, you're supposed to get a new car. (relating to those leaking seals)

I know it is true in New Jersey because my mom's X5 was lemoned out after 15,000 miles due to the self-leveling suspension dropping while the car was idle. The dealer tried three times to fix it but they were unsuccessful. The dealer was acutally very nice and it went very easy. I am not familar with the laws in the other states though!

 

[uwf]

Hey cman,

that clunk sounds like the driveshaft. I am do for my 10,000 mile service and that clunk is starting to develop. In your owner's manual on the section for recommended maintenance, every 5,000 miles is says what joints to grease. If you haven't had the dealer do the scheduled maintenance then with over 12,000 miles, then you are WAY overdue. Check that out.

If they can't fix the rear axle leak, then take your truck to a different dealer. That problem keeps happening because someone is not doing the job right.

Anyway, good luck with your truck. I hope that everything works out.

Joseph

 

[xcalibur]

sorry to hear that man

Cman, i am sorry to hear about your problems. I really hope it all works out. I think the guys here are right when they say don't give up, keep trying, arbitration sounds like a great idea if all else fails.
I know it must suck after having such a reliable Toyota as you did before. I know my 1991 in the garage has always been very dependable and i should have sold her already but i keep putting it off, 110,000 miles over 13 years and never one problem. Been sold on Toyota ever since.

 

[EDGE]

My truck clunks but after 15,000 miles it is almost gone, read somewhere that the driveshaft splines have to wear in and after they wear in the clunk which is the driveshaft sliding forward and back will go away, the lexus fix for it was a new driveshaft with different splines but it still clunks a little cause it has to wear in.

I have done nothin but oil changes ever 5k

 

[bernieman]

You are not the only one. I have the same problem till now and I have 25,000 on mine. I took it the dealer and they said it does not show in the computer. When should do something about this!

 

[bulldog-yota]

Search and you will recieve! The driveline clunk is well documented in this forum. The way to fix is to have it greased up. Bob has done a great job on documenting this.