Toyota Extra Care - What should i do?

[cambo16]

My 2005 LE has some creaking noises coming from the rear suspension when i get in the car and when i get out. The sound is triggered by the weight load.
I asked the toyota dealership about my Gold Service Plan that i haven't ever used and expires in 2012. They said that they honor the service plan, but they will place a $135 diagnostic fee to find out what is wrong.

What's covered for suspension:

(Front and Rear): Bushings/Bearings; Control Arm Shafts; Electronic Suspension Actuator/Motor and Compressor; Radius Arm; Spindle; Spindle Support; Steering Knuckle; Sway Bar Link; Upper and Lower Ball Joints; Upper and Lower Control Arms


I mean they said that if it turns out to be something that isn't listed above, then the $135 dollars fee is to be paid by me.

Is this normal? I mean, i thought the service plan would make things simple. The guy emphasized that if it turns out to not be what is listed above, then i will have to eat the $135.

I guess what I was assumed was the fact that i have the service plan would warrant them taking a look under my car for free, and letting me know if its covered.

Should i take it to a regular shop and have them look at it, or just let the Toyota dealership handle it?

[Robert1820]

See if it makes any difference in the noise if the parking brake is/is not applied.

[gideon1331]

Whenever I've had my car looked at by a dealer (I have an extended warranty) the diagnostic charge has been $0.

I'd try a different dealer.

When I had my old car I happened to be going past a dealer and asked them to read a CEL code that popped on the day before (more convenient than AutoZone)...they wanted $95 for what anywhere else would do for free. I've never been back there since.

[cambo16]

Originally Posted by Robert1820

See if it makes any difference in the noise if the parking brake is/is not applied.

I've noticed that it doesn't make the noise when i have the parking brake off. I guess this is more of a brakes issue than a suspension issue then huh?

[tarbasd]

Yeah, I have the same issue ever since I've had the car. I'm pretty sure it is the brake shoe crackling on the drum as the car is loaded. So I'm pretty sure it is not dangerous. I'm not even sure how one could fix this. But then I don't have warranty, so you can still try to pursue it.

[mikered30]

Try backing down a steep hill and hitting the brakes fairly hard a couple of times.

[tarbasd]

Originally Posted by mikered30

Try backing down a steep hill and hitting the brakes fairly hard a couple of times.

Not hat I doubt you, but can you explain how that will help?

[mikered30]

Originally Posted by tarbasd

Not hat I doubt you, but can you explain how that will help?

It may help adjust the brakes or not but it is free to try . If it is an actual mechanical problem it won't help.