?? Toyota Repair categories other than TSB's ??

[MrTom]

Have been experiencing the Thunk/Clunk problem since I purchased my 4Runner with 3 miles on it. Every 3000 miles at oil changes Toyota has been lubricating the propeller shaft and the clunk has always persisted. The problem has been well documented with letters to Toyota and notes to my dealer service records. Every answer has been that it is a normal operating characteristic.

Today my dealer has indicated there is a fix to the problem. They have indicated it IS NOT a TSB. Repair will be $700 + . Will have a parts list next week IF I decide to get it done. We have not discussed if this will permanently resolve the problem and what warranties are included. Also do not know if the repair information is from Toyota. I have always felt that my dealer has been straight forward with me so at this time I do not suspect anything negative at this time.

QUESTION: Can anyone inform me of repair categories, other than TSB's , that Toyota issues to it's techs where this repair might be documented?

Thanks.

 

[DC runner]

Search..

Driveline Clunk is a well documented phenomena. It is irritating to some, but it there isn't really a longevity issue. It is caused by the "slack" in the driveline system. I believe the Lexus variant fixed it with a solid driveline and not an expansion version we have.


It doesn't irritate me. I put some pretty heavy auto grease in there and it quiets it down.


EDIT: Yea. There isn't a "fix" on the Toyota side that I am aware of. You can, out of warranty, have a Lexus variant driveline in. It will cost you out of pocket. I greased mine up 8 months ago.... it cost me 5 bucks.

 

[fvalentin]

Have been experiencing the Thunk/Clunk problem since I purchased my 4Runner with 3 miles on it. Every 3000 miles at oil changes Toyota has been lubricating the propeller shaft and the clunk has always persisted. The problem has been well documented with letters to Toyota and notes to my dealer service records. Every answer has been that it is a normal operating characteristic.

Today my dealer has indicated there is a fix to the problem. They have indicated it IS NOT a TSB. Repair will be $700 + . Will have a parts list next week IF I decide to get it done. We have not discussed if this will permanently resolve the problem and what warranties are included. Also do not know if the repair information is from Toyota. I have always felt that my dealer has been straight forward with me so at this time I do not suspect anything negative at this time.

QUESTION: Can anyone inform me of repair categories, other than TSB's , that Toyota issues to it's techs where this repair might be documented?

Thanks.

My brother just told me that Toyota is replacing their drive shafts with the new one that resolves the clunk problem as long as the FJ is under 60,000 miles. This pisses me off. They fix the problem for the Lexus, now the FJ and we get stuck paying!!??

 

[MrTom]

fvalentin thanks for the info.
The link to TSB T-SB-0046-12 is posted on the FJ Cruiser Forums for a replacement Rear Propeller Shaft.
4WD Rear Propeller Shaft (Driveshaft) Clunk/Thunk Noise - Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum

Looks like they are giving us a different kind of "Shaft"...

Maybe this is what my dealer is talking about. Will find out tomorrow.


..

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Yeah, as a technician I am pissed that they service the Lexus 4Runner (aka GX470) but shaft us V8 4Runner owners and now the FJ too!?

It is considered a normal operating characteristic of a 4 Wheel drive vehicle according to Toyota...

 

[FooJet]

Yeah, as a technician I am pissed that they service the Lexus 4Runner (aka GX470) but shaft us V8 4Runner owners and now the FJ too!?

It is considered a normal operating characteristic of a 4 Wheel drive vehicle according to Toyota...

Are you saying that the Lexus GX470 is the same as 4Runner....engine, tranny, drive shaft, etc?

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Are you saying that the Lexus GX470 is the same as 4Runner....engine, tranny, drive shaft, etc?

The GX470 uses the same 120 platform, 4.7L V8, transfercase, transmission, and axle set-up. They just put a different body on the frame and changed some of the programming.

Same as the FJ & Tacoma share the same platform and drivetrain as the 4Runner.

 

[FooJet]

The GX470 uses the same 120 platform, 4.7L V8, transfercase, transmission, and axle set-up. They just put a different body on the frame and changed some of the programming.

Same as the FJ & Tacoma share the same platform and drivetrain as the 4Runner.

I'm taking my Toyota certified 08 4Runner in tomorrow to have the "thump / clunk" feeling when braking just before coming to a full stop and sometimes after I let go of the brake pedal just before I press on the accerator. I'm going to request they replace the drive shaft (a more permanent solution) instead of just greasing it (a temporary solution) under warranty. I see you're a Toyota certified mechanic. Do you have more info I can use to justify my request?

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I'm taking my Toyota certified 08 4Runner in tomorrow to have the "thump / clunk" feeling when braking just before coming to a full stop and sometimes after I let go of the brake pedal just before I press on the accerator. I'm going to request they replace the drive shaft (a more permanent solution) instead of just greasing it (a temporary solution) under warranty. I see you're a Toyota certified mechanic. Do you have more info I can use to justify my request?

Unfortunetly not, you can ask for the updated driveshaft on the GX470's. But Toyota won't warranty the driveshaft as far as I know for our 4Runners. Its stupid and it sucks, but its how it is. I talked to a factory rep that visits our dealership and he told me that Toyota sees the clunk issue as a normal chracteristic of a 4-wheel drive vehicle and so they don't really see a need to correct the issue.

Wish I had better news, because I'd love to have warranty replace my V8's driveshaft as it clunks some also.

 

[black_120]

It is considered a normal operating characteristic of a 4 Wheel drive vehicle according to Toyota...

So why does it happen on my 2wd?

 

[FooJet]

Unfortunetly not, you can ask for the updated driveshaft on the GX470's. But Toyota won't warranty the driveshaft as far as I know for our 4Runners. Its stupid and it sucks, but its how it is. I talked to a factory rep that visits our dealership and he told me that Toyota sees the clunk issue as a normal chracteristic of a 4-wheel drive vehicle and so they don't really see a need to correct the issue.

Wish I had better news, because I'd love to have warranty replace my V8's driveshaft as it clunks some also.

Have you lubed yours and does it help?

So the Gx470 driveshaft works with he 4Runner with no addition modifications? What's the difference between the two?

 

[BlackWorksInc]

The difference is one is a "LEXUS" and thus has a re****ed engine and transmission shift programming for cushier feeling... and it costs more.

Though I will through Lexus a bone and admit as of late they have finally realized that making a luxury vehicle doesn't mean it has to be slow and soggy on turns.