wb2fcr
New member
I'm looking for opinions on how to handle an issue I have with my 2005 4Runner...
About a month ago the battery indicator on the dashboard came on so I took it to the dealer who's been doing my repairs for 5 years. They replaced the battery. The light came back on about a week later and they then replaced the alternator. The light has not come on since.
Last week I go on a camping vacation with the 4Runner 4-5 hours from my home. After a couple of days camping I notice the power steering is getting tough so I check the level. No power steering fluid. Luckily I find another nearby Toyota dealer and get my truck there. They tell me the serpentine belt has started to shred and pieces have damaged the power steering seal causing the leak. They will have to replace the belt and power steering pump. $$$
They had to order the parts, so I had to leave the truck behind and wait for it to get repaired.
I thinking of going back to my local dealer who replaced the alternator and ask for their help with the repair bill. I wonder if they botched the alternator replacement (which involves the serpentine belt ?) and it caused the belt failure. I now question their technical ability to do repairs. I think the fact they replaced the battery without checking the alternator on my first visit demonstrates this.
Any thoughts?
About a month ago the battery indicator on the dashboard came on so I took it to the dealer who's been doing my repairs for 5 years. They replaced the battery. The light came back on about a week later and they then replaced the alternator. The light has not come on since.
Last week I go on a camping vacation with the 4Runner 4-5 hours from my home. After a couple of days camping I notice the power steering is getting tough so I check the level. No power steering fluid. Luckily I find another nearby Toyota dealer and get my truck there. They tell me the serpentine belt has started to shred and pieces have damaged the power steering seal causing the leak. They will have to replace the belt and power steering pump. $$$
They had to order the parts, so I had to leave the truck behind and wait for it to get repaired.
I thinking of going back to my local dealer who replaced the alternator and ask for their help with the repair bill. I wonder if they botched the alternator replacement (which involves the serpentine belt ?) and it caused the belt failure. I now question their technical ability to do repairs. I think the fact they replaced the battery without checking the alternator on my first visit demonstrates this.
Any thoughts?
