my latest sob story

[SGG]

1. left rear Tokico "performance" strut leaks
2. Ordered replacement, supposedly will get warranty credit.
3. $40 to tuner shop for install
4. $60 for alignment (needed anyway) and $30+15 for friggin cam bolts at Sears :x
5. But no....they (Sears) can't get loosen the rear tie rod lock bolts. Referred to Toyota stealership for NEW tie rods. :evil:
6. Loud KRUNK noises from right rear assy. :o
7. $90 to Toyota for "consulting" on the problem. They torch the locks free. No new tie rods. *phew* But $90??? :-?
8. Toyota guy tells me easy self-fix for front strut mount noise (refer to service bulletin SU003-98, ST008-01, SU001-00, SU00796, etc, not sure which one) is to take a socket larger than the strut center nut and smack down with a hammer on the bearings/upper mount. Supposedly breaks up the hardened rubber. He says the strut mounts in the rear are causing the KRUNK. He says it's just annoying, won't hurt anything. Always glad to meet nice helpful people at dealership service depts.
9. Will take back to Sears to complete the darn alignment :cry:

...And it still sounds like bars are clanging around and falling off in the rear.

[Phi]

Sorry to hear about all that shit Jon : You know about hte TSB that was out on the Front Strut Mounts though right? It's a known problem :x Do a little investigating or ask ppl at CMPL or SC3 or check the NHTSA.dot.gov.

Actually I just found it at Alldata.com (http://www.alldata.com/recalls/index.html) All the TSBs you mentioned are there.

SU001-00 JAN 00 Suspension - Front Support Change Reduces Noise
SU00796 DEC 96 Suspension - Rattle/Popping Noise From Front
SU003-98 AUG 98 Suspension - Groans From Front Driving Over Bumps
ST008-01 DEC 01 Front Suspension - Squeaking Noise

This might help with the noise as well;
http://www.toyotaparts4u.com/e_catalog/part_detail.asp?ID=2483&CID=312&SID=1997&a mp;ZID=53

As for the rears, it could one of a few things...
-endlinks, bushings, blown strut, loose bolt, u-clamps

Hope this helps, keep us up to date.

[SGG]

thanks for the sympathy Phi! WHEN I do change the struts (coz these POS are bound to blow again), I'll make sure to get the revised tops. The dealer quoted me $800 to replace all four since all the suspensions gotta come off.

Another bastard thing: Sears can't align my 18" rims coz they're too tall for the machine. I guess they don't get many BMWs or other luxury cars with oversized rims. baa!

Phi: do you still need my rear wing? Or did you find a full kit? I haven't been around here in ages.

[Phi]

Why are you letting the dealer rape you like that? Just order the parts and just bring it to a reputable mechanic.

As for the wing, I'm in talks with somebody for a full kit (incl. spoiler) If things don't work out I'll holla at you if you still have the wing. No commitments though. Thanx

Hey, how many more days before lock down?

[SGG]

lock down? heh. < 60 days and counting! yay. now if i don't get rid of those sounds, it's gonna be quite embarrassing driving away from the wedding

i would get all the strut mounts and get a mechanic to do it, but i've already dumped out so much for replacing this damned blown strut and aligning. the only thing that worries me is the KRUNK - klang - klang -klang coming from the right rear. grr...

i think i want to run my car straight into a brick wall and never buy a toyota again. ...or at least never mod a car again. Time to get that yamaha R6 8)