06 4Runner Sport
I have had no end of problem with the drivetrain/ rear end on my 06 4Runner Sport.
At about 40K KM it was sitting outside one night during a cold snap and when started in the morning and put into reverse to get out of the driveway the rear end toasted - and I mean toasted. Busted crown and pinion! After three callbacks to the dealer they finally "could hear it" and the rear end was replaced on warranty - not the whole rear end housing, just the gear sets - and as far as I know no bearings etc. I assume their work removed any floaty/ grindy bits but who knows. Maybe something is out of alignment on the axle?
So skip forward two more winters to about 80K KM and again I am having grinding or drivetrain noise starting when it was cold (a -30 DegC spell again). This time it sounds like a grinding noise when coasting to a stop both with brakes on and with them off, with engine braking in drive and when the drivetrain is placed in neutral. Over Christmas, one more trip to the dealer and ~$300.00 for greasing and fiddling around and they couldn't hear the noise during road test. At the time I took it in, the gas mileage was also unreal - like something was sticking and overheating (that burning smell). I checked parking brake but it seemed to be off. But since back from the dealer mileage is OK however the grinding noise is still there. And of course - IT'S OFF WARRANTY ha ha . . .
I gotta say, didn't have this trouble with my Audi Turbo Quattro's drivetrain and never had it with Jeep Grand Cherokee or any other 4X4 we've owned over the years. All were driven over the same roads. For now I guess the 4Runner'll have to be run to destruction and it'll end up as a hanger queen - I must say it really gives me pause (this and the silly traction control you can't turn off in deep snow - come on guys this is Canada!!!) as to whether I'd buy another 4Runner or FJ.
If anyone has any ideas I'd really appreciate any input/ experience/ suggestions from others.
Disappointed in Calgary, Alberta
I have had no end of problem with the drivetrain/ rear end on my 06 4Runner Sport.
At about 40K KM it was sitting outside one night during a cold snap and when started in the morning and put into reverse to get out of the driveway the rear end toasted - and I mean toasted. Busted crown and pinion! After three callbacks to the dealer they finally "could hear it" and the rear end was replaced on warranty - not the whole rear end housing, just the gear sets - and as far as I know no bearings etc. I assume their work removed any floaty/ grindy bits but who knows. Maybe something is out of alignment on the axle?
So skip forward two more winters to about 80K KM and again I am having grinding or drivetrain noise starting when it was cold (a -30 DegC spell again). This time it sounds like a grinding noise when coasting to a stop both with brakes on and with them off, with engine braking in drive and when the drivetrain is placed in neutral. Over Christmas, one more trip to the dealer and ~$300.00 for greasing and fiddling around and they couldn't hear the noise during road test. At the time I took it in, the gas mileage was also unreal - like something was sticking and overheating (that burning smell). I checked parking brake but it seemed to be off. But since back from the dealer mileage is OK however the grinding noise is still there. And of course - IT'S OFF WARRANTY ha ha . . .
I gotta say, didn't have this trouble with my Audi Turbo Quattro's drivetrain and never had it with Jeep Grand Cherokee or any other 4X4 we've owned over the years. All were driven over the same roads. For now I guess the 4Runner'll have to be run to destruction and it'll end up as a hanger queen - I must say it really gives me pause (this and the silly traction control you can't turn off in deep snow - come on guys this is Canada!!!) as to whether I'd buy another 4Runner or FJ.
If anyone has any ideas I'd really appreciate any input/ experience/ suggestions from others.
Disappointed in Calgary, Alberta
