Cam bolts jammed.

[calcrc]

Hi I'm at the shop and the mechanic just showed me that the cam bolts for the front are jammed up tight and its going to cost me some 400+ to cut the old ones out and put new ones so I can install the front coils.

Is it a known problem that toyota has with this ?
I have done about 3 alignements since I got the truck and I don't get how come it jammed up like this. Was it that the dealer charged me for it and didnt do crap, thinking I'm a sucker ?

Kind of pissed of atm. I went with the mechanic and he showed me. He could only lossen 1 the other 3 were welded thight :/

Any onsight would be helpfull. Thank you

 

[Jetboy]

I'm confused. Are you meaning the bolts on the a-arm to adjust the alignment?

If they are seized, it's pretty likely that the last alignment overtightened them with an impact wrench.

What is causing your need for so many alignments?

 

[philsey]

You got receipts? I'd think about going back to the dealer. Barring damage, that shouldn't happen.

Edit: You get printouts from the alignment?

 

[<<<<]

It is hard to crossthread those unless some one was using impact wrench to start them on. I don't see though why mechanic can't get em off. Sounds strange. None of this make any sense.

 

[ST1FLER]

Whoever performed your last alignment needs to unfuq it FOR FREE

 

[calcrc]

Yes to control the alignement. And yes I must have the receipts and the spec sheet somewhere at the house.

Reason for 2 ( my bad said 3 ) alignements is truck was pulling left. So if the dealer overtightened them and now they are jammed, what do I do.

I never liked the thech with his little tablet acting like a prick ( excuse my language ) I don't even go there anymore. Got another dealer closer to my house and is alot more friendly.

 

[calcrc]

I am at the shop currently and the mechanic showed me its jammed tight. Only way is to cut and put new ones.

I will be calling the dealer this afternoon once I finish here and tell them what I think. Politely I hope lol

 

[philsey]

...I never liked the thech with his little tablet acting like a prick ( excuse my language ) .

Way OT, but I never understand why ppl put up with attitude from SERVICE personnel. I call 'em out, nicely for sure, I'm the customer and I will be treated as such. Sry.

I will be calling the dealer this afternoon once I finish here and tell them what I think. Politely I hope lol

Are you going back with the problem still intact? Or fixed, just to complain. If the latter, save your time, they'll just say 'your guy isn't competent', then you got nuthin'.

 

[calcrc]

I will go there with the problem not touched and show it in his face that they messed it up.

 

[delloro]

I never liked the tech with his little tablet acting like a prick ( excuse my language ).

They are on commission. The "service writers" are there to sell service, not to serve your interests. Fuq them for sure if they make you feel one iota apprehensive. Tell them you want to speak to an actual tech or a manager if you don't feel comfortable.

 

[DEERUNNER]

I don't agree. It is a common problem for the cam bolts to rust/freeze and need replacement. If you have had several alignments, that should have kept them loosened. But mud, salt, age, etc. all contribute. Be sure to use anti-seize when they are replaced. $400 is not too bad, they need to be cut, remaining bolts tapped out, new bushings, etc. You could try hitting them with PB blaster for a week or two but that usually doesn't help.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I doubt they over tightened them. Most guys use wrenches on the alignment rack and a breaker bar. If anything they'll probably under tighten them since the torque spec for those bolts is something like 150ft.lbs. Is it possible that the cam sleeve is rusted to the bushings? This happens to even CA vehicles after a whole, I can't imagine four Montreal winters have been good to them. Did they try soaking them in PB Blaster? I do this everytime I do a camber/caster adjustment after I bent the tabs on a three year old Sequoia because the sleeves siezed up.

 

[calcrc]

Hi man thank you for the info. I will try this BP blaster and see. But it might have rusted to the bushings... then I am brucked and have to replace them anyways....

 

[Ducmonsta]

I doubt they over tightened them. Most guys use wrenches on the alignment rack and a breaker bar. If anything they'll probably under tighten them since the torque spec for those bolts is something like 150ft.lbs. Is it possible that the cam sleeve is rusted to the bushings? This happens to even CA vehicles after a whole, I can't imagine four Montreal winters have been good to them. Did they try soaking them in PB Blaster? I do this everytime I do a camber/caster adjustment after I bent the tabs on a three year old Sequoia because the sleeves siezed up.

Thank you. I thoroughly enjoy a reality check from someone who actually works on vehicles vs. some of the general public that seem to want to throw the first stones. It's a good balance in this forum.

 

[calcrc]

Just got home picking up the girls from school. All has been done except the front I went to the store and bought PB Blaster and applied it in the front I hope it will save me 400$ + hehe.

I will check it out tomorrow. It is dark outside so no pics sadly. But I can feel a huge difference with the new brakes ! And they did a super job installing the airlift 1000 and the rear coils so I am still happy.

Can't wait to get the front coils done so that I can say I have a real lift !

Thank you all guys for the help and input. I really appreciate it.

 

[Danimal]

I doubt they over tightened them. Most guys use wrenches on the alignment rack and a breaker bar. If anything they'll probably under tighten them since the torque spec for those bolts is something like 150ft.lbs. Is it possible that the cam sleeve is rusted to the bushings? This happens to even CA vehicles after a whole, I can't imagine four Montreal winters have been good to them. Did they try soaking them in PB Blaster? I do this everytime I do a camber/caster adjustment after I bent the tabs on a three year old Sequoia because the sleeves siezed up.

Yeah, this has been my experience more than once. However, I've had a control arm nut sieze to the bolt on a Thuderbird when I was a mechanic in Chicago. 3/4" impact rated at like 1,000 ft-lbs and it didn't budge. Damn salted roads.

Dan