HELP(is estimate reasonable?): Replace Rear Differential $2520

V

vjp33

New member
First off, just want to thank anyone in advance for taking the time to read this post. I'm an admitted n00b when it comes to 4Runners and cars in general, but utilize message boards on other topics (that i'm more familiar with) for honest and unbiased opinions when it comes to said board's subject matter.

I figured I'd give this a shot and see if someone wouldn't mind helping a fellow 4R owner out who needs some guidance.

Just brought my 4thGen 2003 4R LTD 6 Cyl 4.0L, 148k miles into the local Dealer due to a LOUD clicking noise in the Passenger Rear side. The sound would increase in volume and frequency as I would accelerate the car.

I received an estimate (this is the actual details in the email from the dealer):


"1) Differential carrier ( has a broken tooth on rear carrier ) $2519.70 ( parts and labor )"

I've done over an hours worth of research in terms of trying to figure out if I'm getting screwed on this quote and all I've been able to find is from AutoMD... which says that replacing Rear Differential starts at around $1,793...and this includes parts and labor.....

PLEASE help me out and give me ANY advice on this. I'd really appreciate it. Thanks in advance!
 
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H@## NO.

First, if the noise has been isolated to one side
a LOUD clicking noise in the Passenger Rear side.
Click to expand...
it could be a wheeling bearing or something with the brakes. The differential is in the middle of the axle.

Second, check the diff gear oil for metal particles. If there is a broken tooth on the ring or pinion gears you will find evidence in the gear oil and on the magnetic plug.
And if it turns out there are broken teeth, you just replace the ring and pinion gears, not the whole diff.

You need to get the heck away from that place and get a second or third opinion.
 
fourwd1 said:
H@## NO.

First, if the noise has been isolated to one side it could be a wheeling bearing or something with the brakes. The differential is in the middle of the axle.

Second, check the diff gear oil for metal particles. If there is a broken tooth on the ring or pinion gears you will find evidence in the gear oil and on the magnetic plug.
And if it turns out there are broken teeth, you just replace the ring and pinion gears, not the whole diff.

You need to get the heck away from that place and get a second or third opinion.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info fourwd1. Like I said, I am a n00b when it comes to all of this, and was lucky enough to have inherited the car from a family member...unfortunately they really didnt take great care of it and now I'm suffering as the car gets closer to 150k miles.

I'm getting on the phone now with the dealer to get more specific information of why they are telling me i need a brand new differential, especially given your information above. Thanks again and ill have an update later.
 
Update

Just got off the phone with the repair customer service rep at the dealer.

The CS rep said that the technician had reported that there was a broken tooth within the rear differential (as in the middle) and that is why the entire thing needed to be replaced (my original question was "why does the entire differential need to be replaced if the noise was isolated to one side").

I then reiterated how something like this could go unnoticed during my last checkup (brought it in this past May) and she replied that its something that can be worn down over time. I again made the point that the sound was isolated to the right rear side of the car, and that i was expecting a replacement of the ring and pinion gears due to the cracked tooth/loud noise on one side in the rear of the car (not an ENTIRE replacement of the Rear Differential). This was met with a tiny bit of hesitation, her reiterating that the crack is in the middle of the rear differential and thats why it needs to be replaced....she then said for me to give her 30 minutes and she will get the technician on the phone to talk to me more specifically about it.

So... for those who actually know about these types of situations.... what am i to expect from the technician at this point? Is he going to get on the phone and already be pissed because I'm questioning this? What specific detailed questions can I ask to actually get an honest straight answer/explanation that would actually require a replacement of the rear differential??? I guess thats my biggest question at this point.... what sounds and from where as well as other symptoms of my 4Runner would show if i truly needed a rear differential replacement (and since its dealer, it'll be brand spanking new... not salvaged...)

Thanks again for all of your help!
 
MikesToy said:
Do you have a 30-day warranty or any warranty at all? :confused:
Click to expand...

Warranty on what... the repair?? I'm confused with your question. Its from a dealer so i'm assuming there is some sort of warranty IF I decide to follow their advice and have the repairs done.
 
Update #2

Sooo after another call with the great people of Toyota, I still have yet to rectify my situation. The representative (remember i was told i was going to speak to the technician which did not happen) ended up telling me that its a broken tooth in the middle of the rear differential...... the whole thing smells fishy to me at this point.... and i asked about the noise being isolated to one side... and the representative said that they'd "double-check" the rear differential liquid to see if there are any remnants of metal.... so im waiting to hear back on this now...... any help from anyone is greatly appreciated..

has anyone here had a rear differential replaced before? what were the circumstances?
 
vjp33 said:
... ended up telling me that its a broken tooth in the middle of the rear differential...
Click to expand...

So, they have x-ray vision ??

has anyone here had a rear differential replaced before? what were the circumstances?
Click to expand...

I've trashed several R+P gears through the years, wheeling takes it's toll.
Never had to replace the diff, I just pull the diff out and take it to a shop to have a new R+P installed (that's the only thing I don't have the equipment and experience to do), then re-install the diff.

If your warranty covers it, great. If it doesn't, you could look for a local 4WD shop. They should have plenty of experience replacing R+P gears.
 
is this sound at all times. does it only happen when your braking, does the sound increase with speed, is it louder going right, is it louder going left??

when rear ends take a dump its a harmonic sound almost like a wheel bearing but alot louder.. ive seen a couple that will click but it is very loud when they do.. my dealer gives you 2 options a new/remaned toyota rear diff or one out of a salvage yard.. 99% of our customers go with the salvage yard option.. i would say call surrounding dealers and get prices.. if it is a miss diagnoses the dealer will eat the costs..
 
Hi everyone this is me once again. Just got back from long holidays...I also have a problem with regards to auto repair estimate for my rockstar. Last week, my 4 runner 98 struggles and according to the local mechanic, that was an alternator problem. would anyone here know how much an alternator repair cost? On the other hand, i have no idea about what vjp3 was talking about...sorry bout that.

Toyota1998_4Runner_1.jpg


Any help would highly be appreciated! Thanks. :bigok:
 
vjp33, don't know if you have gotten your rear end fixed yet or not, but I would take it to an independant shop that specializes in Toyotas. There must be one in your area and see what they say. The dealer will always be more $$.
Also, most dealers just replace the whole unit rather than take apart and repair or replace parts.
 
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