I just got my recall for the ball-joints for my 2002 4runner...but I think there might be a catch?

they said they would replace both ball-joints and re-set the front wheel geometry (alignement?) free of charge....

BUT...

it also says that OTHER repairs may be necessary that are NOT part of the recall campaign presently

other as in... (my steering rack and steering bushings that are loose?) could this be related to faulty ball joints?...and what else can be affected by faulty ball-joints?

and should i play hardball with Toyota if they say other stuff needs to be replaced?

-B

 

i am going to take my 1993 truck in for the steering recall...while they are down there i am having them replce the front drivers side CV boot to the tune of $180. though that was a lil sttep but its a dealership....i have heard of dealers telling customers about "ghost" problems. is your call...if it were me i would heckle them a lil bit more...

 

but what other parts could be affected by faulty ball joints? (tie-rods, CV's, boots???)...could the steering rack be affected?

I wanna know what parts could be related and affected by worn ball-joints so I have a leg to stand on if i have to argue that its due to faulty ball-joints.

-B

 

When I took my Sequoia in for the recall they did the ball joints and an alignment. They didn't do anything else or ask to do anything else. I was impressed with how well they did it and the alignment was a better alighnment then I have gotten anywhere else. They check more items then other shop do (ie ride height, etc.) I have no complanits what so ever. My dealer was excellent.

Matt

 

i got my done w/o any real hassle (see recall sticky). any steering part linked could be affected. it may depend on how they look when removed, ask to see them. i would play hardball regardless of what they say.

 

surf4runner, recall for 90-95? They are already fixin them?

 

i went into my local delaer and they gave me the recall # for my pickup (something like s50...i have it in my truck) then they told me to schedule a time and they would take care of it. now with the 93 trucks do they do an alignment? cause that would be great( i need one)

 

$180 for a rubber boot when you can get two boots already on a complete axle for $66 at the auto parts store?

 

it is 44.00 for the boot and 140 for labor.....where can you get the setup you were talking about?

 

but...could the steering rack bushings being shot or the inner tie-rod being broke have anything to do with those faulty ball-joints???

 

Carquest. But they won't install it for you... First couple times I did that job I would gladly have paid 140 to have someone else do it (while I drink.)

 

140$ labour?? thats like over 2 hrs! a buddy and i did both cv shafts on mine in an hour and a half, from wheels off to wheels on. ask around on here for someone nearby to lend you a hand, spend some of that 140$ on food and drink for after the job is done.

lee

 

It's worded very differently but I do know that GM will say that other repairs may be needed that are not under the recall or warranty claims. This is meaning anything else we find is wrong but not affiliated with the recalls. In other words if we have your situation and a mechanic noticed you had a leaking transfer case it wouldn't be covered.

 

get them to do the recall and list any other 'work needed' for you. thank them for doing the recall, take the 'recommended' repair list home and check with the folks on here or a trusted mech buddy. take a look at what they are saying needs attention and decide if it is really all that necessary. of course, if it is a road worthiness issue it should be taken care of immediately.

lee

 

They'll offer the free alignment, but they can't align the front end when other things a faulty. If there's too much play in the steering rack, you can't set the alignment on the toe in. I think they are just warning you that other things can pop up.
If they tell you this afterwards, you could let the alignment go and get it done youself independently. They'll tell you for sure what needs to be done or not. This is only the case if you don't trust you yota dealership.

 

All is well...2 NEW ball-joints later...and a free alignment (obviously my steering rack and inner tie-rod could not have been shot as previously diagnosed at $1200).

Great service...brand new parts...no catch!

-B

 

mine is a 2002.