Toyota as a second language - Would you kindly interpret factory repair manual text

[JohnsD90]

This threa started out being very nice to the OP, which is unlike any other "stupid question" thread.

To the OP, you have an MBA, you should be able to interpret the FSM, because I bet you can interpret philosophy, I cannot, but I am able to understand these simple instructions, you are overcompliacting things, this isn't a college course, these writeups are not trying to mislead you, and instea of complaining about the Writeups being unhelpful and confusing, just be glad they wrote them in the first place.

BTW before I graduated high school I changed brakes, cleaned an intake manifold, changed wheel bearings, installed 2 sets of struts and 2 sets of rear suspension, without ever having done them prior or ever taking an automotive course, and I made mistakes in the process but I used common sense and some questions to the forum without getting all defensive and not listening to others advice. So just calm down, and stop talking, it will only get worse.

 

[mom]

I'm not sure why a technical discussion has to inevitably turn personal, e.g., a discussion of 'arrogance' ... :rockthrow:
This is merely a question (and resolution) about the precise meaning of stabilizing and lowering the suspension in the Toyota & Chilton shop manuals.

If the next 2WD strut newbie better understands the FSM instructions by reading this thread ... then we will have accomplished a worthy goal.

 

[Nelsonmd]

I also disagree with those who feel that a newbie should inherently realize that all front end strut replacements are the same. Some may very well be; others might not be. But how is a newbie to inherently know? Especially when the key factory step is omitted in almost all the DIYs anyway - and because of that - numerous different workarounds are proposed to rectify that key omission.

I don't expect a newbie to know what other vehicles are similar. But I do expect a newbie to look at their suspension, then look at other vehicles or walkthroughs for other vehicles, recognize if they are the same, similar or different, and be able to apply lessons from one to the other. If they can't do this, then they shouldn't try replacing their suspension on their own. They need someone to walk them through it, or they can just jump in head first and not complain if they can't get it back together.

I believe you researched it, I just think that you havn't gleaned much from what you have found. If you think a 2WD walkthrough is necessary, then just make it, but make sure that it is materially defferent than the 4WD one, or else it isn't very useful. And certainly, don't spend 5 pages dissecting 2 words from the FSM. If you don't get it, just see what others have done, and if none of them mention it, then maybe it isn't actually a challenge. It sure sounds like it was cake for you.

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

I don't expect a newbie to know what other vehicles are similar. But I do expect a newbie to look at their suspension, then look at other vehicles or walkthroughs for other vehicles, recognize if they are the same, similar or different, and be able to apply lessons from one to the other. If they can't do this, then they shouldn't try replacing their suspension on their own. They need someone to walk them through it, or they can just jump in head first and not complain if they can't get it back together.

I believe you researched it, I just think that you havn't gleaned much from what you have found. If you think a 2WD walkthrough is necessary, then just make it, but make sure that it is materially defferent than the 4WD one, or else it isn't very useful. And certainly, don't spend 5 pages dissecting 2 words from the FSM. If you don't get it, just see what others have done, and if none of them mention it, then maybe it isn't actually a challenge. It sure sounds like it was cake for you.

I think mom's the type that just doesn't understand anything unless it's incredibly detailed. I'd love to see how she learned to drive a manual. Normally a simple concept, way overcomplicated and ridiculous.

Cupertino makes sense. Probably can't wipe your ass over there without instructions. I'd go nuts living with people like that around me. I can't help but picture writeups for incompetent people with no mechanical experience... How to install chrome nerf bars and bull bars... 20 pages long... how to properly change a stupid dome light bulb and change your oil...

dear god... :redbrick:

 

[mom]

A simple summary of the trick that worked, for me (so that others may benefit)

I'm not sure why there are a few people here who seem to display decidedly non-adult behavior when a newbie outlines a trick which worked well for them; but I'll ignore any non-technical content to simply post, for those who wish to learn, particularly newbies, a well-annotated easy to understand picture summary of a key strut-replacement step I learned in this endeavor:

 

[NOT ME OR SOMEBODY]

The FSM is in " jenglish. " and thats how it translates.

That's because it is for a Japanese vehicle ! !

GEEZ, reading this makes me feel kinda goofy gooney goo goo eyed.

 

[steezemcqueen]

 

[Nelsonmd]

I think mom's the type that just doesn't understand anything unless it's incredibly detailed. I'd love to see how she learned to drive a manual. Normally a simple concept, way overcomplicated and ridiculous.

Cupertino makes sense. Probably can't wipe your ass over there without instructions. I'd go nuts living with people like that around me. I can't help but picture writeups for incompetent people with no mechanical experience... How to install chrome nerf bars and bull bars... 20 pages long... how to properly change a stupid dome light bulb and change your oil...

dear god... :redbrick:

I spent 2 months at my company's manufacturing plant in Malaysia a couple years ago and they had an SOP poster right above the drinking fountain.

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

I spent 2 months at my company's manufacturing plant in Malaysia a couple years ago and they had an SOP poster right above the drinking fountain.

hey, both of you have posted those pics in other threads!

COPY PASTA!

 

[mom]

For other newbies to further benefit, there are many styles of spring compressors available.

See, for example, this thread:
- Which style of spring compressor do you recommend using for a 3rd-generation 4Runner?

The picture below shows the Autozone spring compressor; notice it doesn't look anything like the spring compressor described in the factory shop manual; but it worked fine, for me, without any problems whatsoever.