2004 4runner shop nightmare

4

4runningaround_

New member
Whats up my Friends. Thanks for opening this thread.

My truck has been in the shop for nearly 3 months now with an ABS Brake Booster issue. (2004 4runner SR5) Long story short, the shop my truck is currently at is a shop that I have trusted for the length of time that I have owned the truck, and has performed all maintenance up until this point in a trustworthy manner (or so I thought). After a bunch of BS and being told my truck will be ready "tomorrow" and its "Being worked on as we speak" I've been suckered into a 2 month long nightmare.

Long story short, I've been getting taken advantage of and screwed. I've spent over 6k in repairs including replacing my motor, water pump, injectors and thermostat over the course of 2.5 years. Now, my ABS brake booster..

But is it really bad, or just another way to take my money? I couldn't answer that question since I am not a mechanic. However after reviewing my mechanic "advanced auto care"'s yelp, Im convinced its the latter. (I dont know why it took me this long to look his up his shop online)

https://www.yelp.com/biz/advanced-auto-care-costa-mesa-5?osq=advanced+auto+repair

Anyways, I feel taken advantage of and completely pissed off at this point. If anyone can help guide me to shops in the 92646 area code or surrounding areas, that would be much appreciated as I do not know many shops that work on off-road vehicles that have aftermarket additions.

I am also considering ordering the part (after an inspection and diagnosis) and fixing it myself. If anyone has experience in this area and is local/willing to work on it with me I will pay you and also supply beers as long as we are able to get the job done.

Thanks for reading this post. All input and reply's will be greatly appreciated

Cheers,


- Taylor
[MENTION=32604]4runningaround[/MENTION]
 
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Engine and injectors? That's not very common in these cars.

What's the symptoms that lead you to believe you have a brake issue? The brake boost is not all that uncommon in older 4th gens. They are pricey. Like in the ball park of 2k if I member connrectly.
 
Based on those Yelp reviews, this place is a real shithole.

Why don't you just go get your truck and drive or tow it to another shop or dealer for a proper diagnostic service?

You let them keep it for THREE MONTHS?!
 
Brian3676 said:
Engine and injectors? That's not very common in these cars.

What's the symptoms that lead you to believe you have a brake issue? The brake boost is not all that uncommon in older 4th gens. They are pricey. Like in the ball park of 2k if I member connrectly.
Click to expand...

While driving home from work, I realized the ABS light was illuminated on my dash. While rolling up to a stop, my pedal started to rock up and my truck wouldn't stop like it normally should (almost as if the brake wasn't engaging). I pulled off to the side and parked in a shopping center. Turned my truck off and inspected the brake booster underneath the hood. Everything appeared fine at the surface. After turning my truck back on, there was a loud high pitch noise coming from the dash (along with the ABS light illuminated). I then tried pumping the brake pedal to see if that would help, but only made the situation worse and my brake pedal almost wouldn't budge.
 
Seymore Butts said:
Based on those Yelp reviews, this place is a real shithole.

Why don't you just go get your truck and drive or tow it to another shop or dealer for a proper diagnostic service?

You let them keep it for THREE MONTHS?!
Click to expand...

I know, I'm realizing at this point that I should have been more pro-active or not gave my full trust to the shop. (like I said they have been quick and reliable in the past.. however now Im wondering if the past issues were even legit at all) Unfortunately due to switching careers and money being tight, I've been stuck in a bad situation. When I initially had the engine replaced (from a blown head gasket) the motor came with a 3 year warranty that I paid extra for. Essentially the part is supposed to be covered through warranty which is why I haven't taken it anywhere else. But at this point the amount of time that I haven't had the truck and days of work missed I would have been better off to just pay another shop the $$ it would take to fix it. Taking it to another shop to run a diagnosis/have it fixed seems to be the best option.
 
Your brake system is supposed to be covered by the used engine warranty? That doesn't sound right.

I'd tow the truck out of there right NOW, before these losers steal some parts from it.
 
Seymore Butts said:
Your brake system is supposed to be covered by the used engine warranty? That doesn't sound right.

I'd tow the truck out of there right NOW, before these losers steal some parts from it.
Click to expand...

Yes, or so I've been told. My plan is to tow the truck to my house tomorrow and then order and replace the part myself if I can't find any help. If you or anyone knows of any good sites to add to my research of how to replace the brake booster that would be greatly appreciated.
 
4runningaround_ said:
But at this point the amount of time that I haven't had the truck and days of work missed I would have been better off to just pay another shop the $$ it would take to fix it. Taking it to another shop to run a diagnosis/have it fixed seems to be the best option.
Click to expand...

As I read your thread I remembered of the "sunk cost" concept. Basically that's money you already lost, and there's no way to recover.

What you need to worry now is your future. Is it worth risk losing more income due to not having your truck?

I didn't bother reading the yelp reviews, and from your explanation I don't even have to. If I were in your boots, I'd go get my truck and fix it somewhere else.

Good luck.
 
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