Stealership Lies- U Joint Issue- Opinions Needed

[LimitedYotaLover]

Sorry- don't know if this belongs here or in the other Warranty Issue/Problem section. (Noob)

Okay- so, I have a 2004 Toyota 4Runner Limited with 339,000 miles on it. Barely broken in. I love her to death. She has NEVER had any major problems until this past week.

I just replaced all of the front end suspension stuff (control arms, etc) at the end of last week because of a funky buzzing sound I hear when driving.

Well- the ride is improved but the buzz is still there. Turns out it is the u-joint and the stealership is trying to tell my fiancé that the u-joint needs to be replaced (I agree with that) but that we should replace the whole drive shaft too! He says that we are going to run the risk of essentially destruction if we do not replace the whole thing.

Is this true? On the phone with the knuckleheads now and told them I will not give them the go ahead until I talk to true 4Runner lovers. I personally think they are trying to kill my truck every time I bring it in.

Help please. :/

 

[MVP]

I had a similar issue, and took it to a drive line place that specializes in drive lines only. They replaced the u joints and balanced the drive shaft with no problems.

You should only consider a replacement after getting a second opinion with a specialist. Likely the driveshaft simply needs to be balanced, unless you (or the PO) beat the hell out of it at some point in time....

:horn:

 

[LimitedYotaLover]

I had a similar issue, and took it to a drive line place that specializes in drive lines only. They replaced the u joints and balanced the drive shaft with no problems.

You should only consider a replacement after getting a second opinion with a specialist. Likely the driveshaft simply needs to be balanced, unless you (or the PO) beat the hell out of it at some point in time....

:horn:

No PO- just us. And we have never touched it before. Thanks for the info!

 

[MVP]

No PO- just us. And we have never touched it before. Thanks for the info!

Also, don't go cheap on the u joints... they see constant action. If given a chance to pick the cheap ones ~ 50 bucks each, or the more expensive ones, around ~75-90 bucks each, spend the extra couple of bucks if you are keeping the vehicle.

I would have the work done at a reputable, local driveline service shop. They usually specialize in this area, and are generally more knowledgeable and higher quality that a dealership.

The above is my 2 cents based on personal experience. Your mileage may vary...

:driving: