TRD Pro Fox Shock Clunk

[Saturnine90]

I’ve been hearing the front end pop since September as soon as the temperatures dipped. Just had it checked out at my dealership. Showed them the TSB and then referenced the Canadian bulletin number. They checked it out and said there’s abnormal noise from the front passenger side and will order a new shock for that side. I told them I’m getting the pop from both sides, but they just didn’t seem to acknowledge that. They connected “chassis ears” to the passenger side and that’s where they heard it. I didn’t mean to sound rude, but I told them once they replace that side and test drive it they will have to order the driver side anyway, because the noise won’t be gone. I’m going to be the one burdened in bringing the trdpro back again to get the other side replaced. Oh well, passenger side shock is ordered from Cali and will come in 2 weeks. I just don’t understand why they can’t do what the bulletin states, if there’s a noise replace both front shocks and be done with.

Thats B.S.! I get they don’t want to give anything away for free but why would people be eager to have them mess with the suspension on a relatively new vehicle? Its not like the height or performance is improved or drastically different. And why would someone lie about one side having issues? Is the noise they confirmed not a good indication that both probably have issues. Nuts...


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[Jovi19]

It honestly blows my mind. I'm not sure how different the new shocks are if anyone is knowledgeable about that please share, but I'm starting to worry it will drive or feel different if only one of them is replaced? Just drove my 4runner to work today and there is definitely a hard knocking noise on the driver side as well, I mean it's not just the sound, I can feel it in my feet when it pops.

I know for a fact replacing only one won't solve the problem, but they are adamant it's the one side. We'll see once they do replace it and test drive it.

 

[Redsoxx1918]

Thats B.S.! I get they don’t want to give anything away for free but why would people be eager to have them mess with the suspension on a relatively new vehicle? Its not like the height or performance is improved or drastically different. And why would someone lie about one side having issues? Is the noise they confirmed not a good indication that both probably have issues. Nuts...


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Well, the dealership isn’t giving anything away for free. Toyota will supply the new shocks and will pay the dealership for the labor to do the replacement. Toyota, however, doesn’t pay the labor rate that they would charge you, as a private citizen, so the dealership isn’t making as much as they would make if you were paying out of pocket. Kind of like how your health insurance pays a fraction of what a doctor would bill you for a particular procedure. That being said, the TSB specifically states that both front shocks should be replaced. They are replacing with the retuned 2021 Fox Shocks so you will now have two front shocks that are tuned differently. The issue was with the original tune. If you remember, Toyota switched from Bilstein to Fox shocks in 2019 and there was an issue from the start with the 2019 models and continuing with the 2020 models. A retuned Fox shock replaced the older shock for the 2021 model. Toyota was well aware of this issue and that’s why they made the change.


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[Saturnine90]

Well, the dealership isn’t giving anything away for free. Toyota will supply the new shocks and will pay the dealership for the labor to do the replacement. Toyota, however, doesn’t pay the labor rate that they would charge you, as a private citizen, so the dealership isn’t making as much as they would make if you were paying out of pocket. Kind of like how your health insurance pays a fraction of what a doctor would bill you for a particular procedure. That being said, the TSB specifically states that both front shocks should be replaced. They are replacing with the retuned 2021 Fox Shocks so you will now have two front shocks that are tuned differently. The issue was with the original tune. If you remember, Toyota switched from Bilstein to Fox shocks in 2019 and there was an issue from the start with the 2019 models and continuing with the 2020 models. A retuned Fox shock replaced the older shock for the 2021 model. Toyota was well aware of this issue and that’s why they made the change.


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Yeah Im aware of all that, it just blows my mind they would try to replace only one side on Jovi’s. I guess I shouldn’t be that surprised, I’ve had nothing but bad experiences with dealer service departments. My advice for anyone going in is to try and schedule an early appointment on a cold day. I canceled one appointment because the temp was nearing 50. Make sure you stick around and get a chance to talk to the person who test drove it if they try and say they can’t hear it. Its going to be all about how they drive it and the conditions being just right. Those in milder climates are going to have a harder time. I really liked the suspension but damn it’s annoying driving in my neighborhood with snow on the ground.


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[Saturnine90]

It honestly blows my mind. I'm not sure how different the new shocks are if anyone is knowledgeable about that please share, but I'm starting to worry it will drive or feel different if only one of them is replaced? Just drove my 4runner to work today and there is definitely a hard knocking noise on the driver side as well, I mean it's not just the sound, I can feel it in my feet when it pops.

I know for a fact replacing only one won't solve the problem, but they are adamant it's the one side. We'll see once they do replace it and test drive it.

They say “retuned” and they might be. I think the way the spring sits in the lower collar is the biggest difference in the 21 suspension. When you pick it up find somewhere to test it out. If you hear the slightest noise, head right back and get them to do the other side.


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[MGordo]

Id like to know what the actual difference is besides the spring seat.. but not sure we will ever find out. With the spring being compressed, I cant imagine the seat is what is clunking, I always thought it was the seals or the improper fluid inside allowing things to rebound quicker than they should.

Mine should be arriving this week, so hopefully all goes well.

 

[Jovi19]

They say “retuned” and they might be. I think the way the spring sits in the lower collar is the biggest difference in the 21 suspension. When you pick it up find somewhere to test it out. If you hear the slightest noise, head right back and get them to do the other side.


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That's exactly what I plan on doing. I know the vehicles under warranty, so i'm not concerned with anything in that sense; however, the hassle of having to go multiple times to fix something that could be done all in one shot is a bit annoying. Plus I really don't want them to be constantly tinkering with things under the vehicle when we know now that the TSB states the shocks as the main culprit. I'm planning on calling and trying to fight to get them both replaced, but we'll see what comes of that.

 

[Sp00ner]

Thats B.S.! I get they don’t want to give anything away for free but why would people be eager to have them mess with the suspension on a relatively new vehicle? Its not like the height or performance is improved or drastically different. And why would someone lie about one side having issues? Is the noise they confirmed not a good indication that both probably have issues. Nuts...


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Well, getting a nice fresh set of semi expensive shocks replaced by the dealer for free is certainly a tempting offer if you enjoy going off the pavement. I know personally that's a bit of a driver for me to try and get it taken care of. I think a lot of people would pour into the dealers if you said "Hey, we'll replace both of 'em for free, no questions asked" right before the warranty was expired. Hell, you'd almost be foolish not to take that offer.

That being said having two different strut assemblies, with two different spring perches is not the state I would want to be in personally, or professionally (were I the dealer/tech).

The noise on mine is so damn hard to replicate at times, there's a few spots on the road around my house where I can cause it to happen 100% of the time. There's other places where I'm sure it will make the noise and it's dead silent. So I'm super conflicted on how to approach it myself. I would love to never hear it again, and I would certainly enjoy getting two fresh shocks out of the deal, but I dont want to play the dealer game.

I had an amazing relationship with the service department at my old Chevy dealer for my Camaros, but the one at this Toyota dealer has been mediocre at best so far.

 

[MGordo]

The noise in my vehicle is very obvious in gravel alleys or snow covered roads, so thats what I suggested.

I would definitely make a case for not having two different shock models as they advertise on promo materials that they were retuned for 2021. There is even a visual difference if they look at them side by side!

 

[Jovi19]

Well my saga continues...Just spoke to a manager from my dealership and they said the noise was definitely from the passenger side when they checked with the "Chassis Ears". I told him I can definitely hear and feel it on the driver side to which he explained the sound can "transfer" from the other side to the driver side....OK i guess. I then asked why both weren't being replaced if it's specifically stated in the TSB, he said Toyota doesn't pay them for warranty repairs unless they can determine both sides were making the noise. He said if the sound doesn't disappear from replacing the one side they will replace the other as well. Guess it's only my time and inconvenience to bring it back if that happens, so they don't care about that. I know for a fact the sound won't disappear magically from the driver side once the passenger side shock is replaced so I can almost guarantee I will be back. I just hope this doesn't start pushing my timeline into the end of winter when the temperatures rise and the issue is hard to replicate...we shall see.

 

[Redsoxx1918]

Well my saga continues...Just spoke to a manager from my dealership and they said the noise was definitely from the passenger side when they checked with the "Chassis Ears". I told him I can definitely hear and feel it on the driver side to which he explained the sound can "transfer" from the other side to the driver side....OK i guess. I then asked why both weren't being replaced if it's specifically stated in the TSB, he said Toyota doesn't pay them for warranty repairs unless they can determine both sides were making the noise. He said if the sound doesn't disappear from replacing the one side they will replace the other as well. Guess it's only my time and inconvenience to bring it back if that happens, so they don't care about that. I know for a fact the sound won't disappear magically from the driver side once the passenger side shock is replaced so I can almost guarantee I will be back. I just hope this doesn't start pushing my timeline into the end of winter when the temperatures rise and the issue is hard to replicate...we shall see.

That’s so ridiculous. Every dealership is different as each service manager has their own ideas. I can’t see how any service manager, who is supposed to be so knowledgeable about the vehicles they sell, can’t see how having two shocks, with two different states of tune, might cause some drivability issues.


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[rageandlove]

Nah, this one is on Toyota. I've run into this before. Toyota really puts the burden of proving beyond a conceivable doubt there is actually a clear problem before they will pay them for the claim, so Toyota in effect creates a situation where the dealer has an incentive to be a real stickler. Else they end up eating the cost.

Corporate actually has people auditing this stuff.

(It's the same as medical insurance plans where your doctor has to get permission from the insurance company's doctor before doing anything.)

They are just dealing with Toyota. Which is why at some point a call to corporate is a more effective tool, because they can make the exception more easily.

That’s so ridiculous. Every dealership is different as each service manager has their own ideas. I can’t see how any service manager, who is supposed to be so knowledgeable about the vehicles they sell, can’t see how having two shocks, with two different states of tune, might cause some drivability issues.


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[MGordo]

I was told this about mine, noise had to be clear and constant in the suggested conditions. Tech had to identify the problem, shop foreman had to sign off and then a case was brought to Toyota for approval. (Along with VIN, to make sure they were on a true Pro, not re-sale) I even took off wheel spacers to make sure there wouldnt be any potential issues.
The shocks are expensive (I was told ~$3k Cdn) so you can understand why they arent just handing them out..

Side note, dropped off my 4Runner an hour ago for install!

 

[Redsoxx1918]

I was told this about mine, noise had to be clear and constant in the suggested conditions. Tech had to identify the problem, shop foreman had to sign off and then a case was brought to Toyota for approval. (Along with VIN, to make sure they were on a true Pro, not re-sale) I even took off wheel spacers to make sure there wouldnt be any potential issues.
The shocks are expensive (I was told ~$3k Cdn) so you can understand why they arent just handing them out..

Side note, dropped off my 4Runner an hour ago for install!

How’d you make out? Is the noise gone?


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[MGordo]

Noise is 100% gone!
Seems to rides bit smoother over bumps (train tracks) as well. Extremely happy.

 

[Redsoxx1918]

Noise is 100% gone!
Seems to rides bit smoother over bumps (train tracks) as well. Extremely happy.

I’m going in next Thursday. I really hope they replace mine. That knocking sound is really starting to bug me.


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[NW.OH.T4R]

I’m going in next Thursday. I really hope they replace mine. That knocking sound is really starting to bug me.


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Post repair, I can agree the noise is completely gone. Again, maybe slightly improved ride but could also just be placebo effect.

 

[Muff Muff]

Nah, this one is on Toyota. I've run into this before. Toyota really puts the burden of proving beyond a conceivable doubt there is actually a clear problem before they will pay them for the claim, so Toyota in effect creates a situation where the dealer has an incentive to be a real stickler. Else they end up eating the cost.

Corporate actually has people auditing this stuff.

(It's the same as medical insurance plans where your doctor has to get permission from the insurance company's doctor before doing anything.)

They are just dealing with Toyota. Which is why at some point a call to corporate is a more effective tool, because they can make the exception more easily.

This has been my experience with Toyota warranty claims as well. Corporate puts the dealerships in a hard place between maintaining a satisfied customer, but not wanting to pay for absolutely anything, despite a valid claim. What good is a warranty if the warrantor does everything they can to get out from under it?

 

[Jovi19]

I'm glad everyone is starting to receive the fix. I still hear and feel the driver side when I drive, so i'm positive that will eventually get replaced as well. Once they replace the passenger side they will realize that. It's supposed to arrive in the next week or two, just in time for the cold front bringing in cold temperatures. Once that happens the noise will be more prominent. I just wish they would have properly investigated it after I mentioned I hear it on both sides, just feels like a waste of time and convenience bringing it in again when the issue could have been resolved all at once.

I completely agree with those of you who have said they need to be absolutely sure before calling in a warranty repair; just sucks for the customer.

 

[Johnnyg182]

I’ve got a 2019 Pro and I wouldn’t be able to distinguish the noisy shock from the noise the rig makes from beating it up pretty good on trails. There are so many pages on this topic that I didn’t read so I hope the noise is really a “cosmetic” thing and it doesn’t mean the shock will fail early or perform worse. Also, why not wait longer to get it repaired so you get fresh shocks before the warranty is up?