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2016 Tundra Maintenance Fail (Warning to Others, looking for advice)

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by TigerTanker, Jun 17, 2021.

  1. Jun 20, 2021 at 7:52 AM
    #61
    TigerTanker

    TigerTanker [OP] Tyranny doesn't leap, it creeps

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    I want to thank everyone for their continued comments. I'm back... have been out since Friday doing some cool father and son stuff this Father's Day Weekend.

    I'm in my office and I have my owner's manual out and coming up with a list of things I want my mechanic to do to my car, that SHOULD have been done.... First I need to dig through the history of the maintenance on this vehicle. Sadly, other than changing the oil, for 110k miles, the dealer hasn't done much else.
     
    2mchfun likes this.
  2. Jun 20, 2021 at 8:12 AM
    #62
    2mchfun

    2mchfun Yeah it'll pull it, just don't expect to stop!

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    Thanks for the learning opportunity, old Ford guy here, learned a lot about our trucks as I studied about the rear axle.
     
  3. Jun 20, 2021 at 8:17 AM
    #63
    TigerTanker

    TigerTanker [OP] Tyranny doesn't leap, it creeps

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    Thank you very much for posting that. Incredibly helpful!

    I had to register, and yeah I assume that even though I selected to be off the selling my information stuff, they still will.... That said, now I can see what OTHERS can see about my car. I also can confirm that my dealer did not EVER do anything other than oil, air filter, wiper blades, brakes and rotors. Essentially, my 120k mile Tundra is a ticking time bomb just waiting to blow up from lack of service.

    Either the dealer I'm going to is lazy, because service equals revenue to them.... or negligent, or criminal in that a lack of service will lead to very expensive repairs or the need to prematurely replace the vehicle.

    An earlier comment above, which I mostly agreed with was that "In the end, I'm the owner of the vehicle and it's ultimately MY responsibility". The truth is, that is not true in the Court system when dealing with sophisticated and licensed services that require skilled labor. I'll give you an example...

    I am a Licensed Financial Advisor, have been for 30 years. I'm held to a Fiduciary Status by the industry and legal system because my clients have NO choice but to trust me and act in their best interests. My clients don't have the experience or education to be able to make informed decisions. They have no choice but to trust me, therefore if I do act improperly, the client isn't to blame....it's MY responsibility as the professional. Similarly, a Doctor also must be trustworthy, because the sick public doesn't know enough and are too vulnerable about making a decision to trust/believe the Doctor if a recommendation is made.

    I chose this dealer because I needed to trust them to take care of my vehicle. They are licensed and experienced, have access to information and equipment that I am not privileged to use.

    All I can say is that I might be lucky in that this rear wheel sensor tipped off an eventual catastrophic failure before it had a chance to manifest itself into the entire rear end. And it's funny then that it took the dealer 3 visits inside of one week before they realized what was really wrong. And then they covered up their lack of service by claiming I just had bum luck and a bad differential, with me paying them 5-6k to replace what might actually be a differential that isn't even busted.

    I have driven the vehicle now about 400 miles since the 3rd rapid-fire diff oil change and no Brake Controller Warning lights are coming on. And as stated earlier, after dumping the oil from the 2nd oil change there were only flakes of metal, no bits or chunks.
     
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  4. Jun 20, 2021 at 8:19 AM
    #64
    TigerTanker

    TigerTanker [OP] Tyranny doesn't leap, it creeps

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    Today I'm going to humor myself and take my Truck to a couple of dealers and see what they will offer me for a trade-in. Think I'll hit one Toyota dealer, and one GM. Curious to see if the Toyota dealer will pick up on my recent issue. It isn't detailed in my service history, only that I'd complained about the Brake Controller Error light, and that they had fixed it by cleaning the tow electrical outlet.
     
  5. Jun 20, 2021 at 8:25 AM
    #65
    TigerTanker

    TigerTanker [OP] Tyranny doesn't leap, it creeps

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    Actually, there is a logical reason IMHO why the oil would look dirty and dark after 300 miles. The previous oil change didn't include a cleaning. So when they dumped the oil, 95% came out, the remainder clung to the parts of the differential along with lots of metal flakes. As soon as the new oil met the old oil and flakes it was instantly contaminated to a degree creating a certain appearance. I'm assuming it looks worse than it is. That original oil had been in there for 6 years, had likely overheated, got scorched and was full of metal flakes. I have never changed oil on a car or truck, but as an avid off road dirt biker, I change oil in my bikes several times per year. So I'm not 100% retarded in this one subject....
     
  6. Jun 20, 2021 at 8:36 AM
    #66
    TigerTanker

    TigerTanker [OP] Tyranny doesn't leap, it creeps

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    Folks, if I'm missing a service, please let me know. Sending this to my mechanic. FYI, I did just have him replace the batter and spark plugs last week.

    · Replace Brake pads

    · Engine Coolant Replaced

    · Automatic Transmission Fluid Replaced

    · Replace front diff oil

    · Replace transfer case oil

    · Lubricate propeller shaft

    · Re-torque propeller shaft

    · Inspect Drive Shaft Boots, maintain replace if necessary

    · Inspect Ball Joints and Dust Covers, maintain replace if necessary

    · Inspect Brake Lines and Hoses, replace/maintain if necessary


    ANYTHING that may need attention after zero service, 6 years, and 120k miles


    Steve, as far as I can tell, the only thing the dealer did was change the engine oil, air filters, rotate tires, and replace brake pads and rotors at about 90k miles.
     
  7. Jun 20, 2021 at 8:36 AM
    #67
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    Well this blows ass.

    Unfortunately, even if I have a service department perform my maintenance, I verify what needs to be done and what “extra” BS they are trying to sell. It is up to you to ensure these maintenance items are performed. Recently I found out Lexus didn’t do my transmission service like I paid for. That was on me since I didn’t verify.

    4600.00? Get a new third member, upgrade to the limited slip or ARB locker and be done. No way in hell would I pay that price at all.

    https://www.justdifferentials.com/REBT10-5-SELECT-p/rebt10.5-select.htm
     
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  8. Jun 20, 2021 at 8:42 AM
    #68
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    One more thing. Follow your owners manual to a tee. My local Toyota service department didn’t want to do my transmission service on the Tundra at 60k miles. Said “it’s lifetime fluid” BS and “WS is awesome fluid”. Bullshit. It’s ok at best.

    What’s going on here is getting big ticket items later on when things fail. By that I mean:

    240.00 today for transmission service vs 6-8000.00 for transmission replacement after 60-100k miles a few years later (depending if you have extended warranties).

    200.00 today or 4600.00 when rear differential fails.

    I think you get the point.
     
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  9. Jun 20, 2021 at 8:44 AM
    #69
    2mchfun

    2mchfun Yeah it'll pull it, just don't expect to stop!

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    For starters I would check alignment, replace fan belt and keep old one under the seat or something, lube door latch mechanisms and tailgate mech, clean injectors, replace thermostat, if budget allows replace heater and radiator hoses, replace fuel filter, replace cabin and air filter, check u joints. Thats just a quick brainstorming list.
     
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  10. Jun 20, 2021 at 8:48 AM
    #70
    TigerTanker

    TigerTanker [OP] Tyranny doesn't leap, it creeps

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    Agreed. The Service Manager at my dealership should be FIRED immediately because by NOT performing services, the dealer is losing tons of money. Unless, as you state, it's INTENTIONAL with hopes they can destroy the vehicle and make more money by repairing or replacing the vehicle. In the case of this vehicle, it appears that they are potentially trying to get me to replace the differential when there might actually be nothing wrong with it. I'm guessing there's a market for "refurbished" differentials....

    I plan on going to the dealer and talking to the service manager once I've had my mechanic do all these other services and report back to me on those oil qualities etc.
     
  11. Jun 20, 2021 at 8:49 AM
    #71
    TigerTanker

    TigerTanker [OP] Tyranny doesn't leap, it creeps

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    Thank you!
     
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  12. Jun 20, 2021 at 8:56 AM
    #72
    TigerTanker

    TigerTanker [OP] Tyranny doesn't leap, it creeps

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    I'm curious by what you mean verify? You paid to have your transmission serviced and they didn't do it? How would you verify they did it?

    In the past I have chalked my tires and inspected air pressure, to VERIFY that they actually have rotated my tires and checked the air pressure. And yes, I've caught them...
     
    ColoradoTJ[QUOTED] likes this.
  13. Jun 20, 2021 at 9:00 AM
    #73
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    I marked the drain bolt with a paint stick. The paint was not broken after service.

    I also caught Toyota not performing service on my wife’s two Tacoma’s as well. Her last one I didn’t even use the “free” services.
     
  14. Jun 20, 2021 at 9:09 AM
    #74
    TigerTanker

    TigerTanker [OP] Tyranny doesn't leap, it creeps

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    Wow... I have a YouTube channel with 1000+ subs, I'd have made a nice video about that one.
     
  15. Jun 20, 2021 at 9:10 AM
    #75
    TigerTanker

    TigerTanker [OP] Tyranny doesn't leap, it creeps

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    Fraudulent service is what did in Jiffy Lube and the like. Enough people sued, took photos and videos to prove that these outfits were the equivalent of abortion clinics for your car.
     
  16. Jun 20, 2021 at 9:19 AM
    #76
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    Here is my ABS Sensor with some metal on it. My second set of Seals were on their way out allowing Oil/Metal Paste past. You can see the pic of the Overlay were the old Seal was wallowed out compared to the New Seal underneath.

    Did a ‘ballpark’ Grease Test on the New Seal for grins.



    upload_2021-6-20_12-15-20.jpg
    upload_2021-6-20_12-16-39.jpg
    upload_2021-6-20_12-17-46.jpg
     
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  17. Jun 20, 2021 at 9:37 AM
    #77
    2mchfun

    2mchfun Yeah it'll pull it, just don't expect to stop!

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    Do you know for a fact that it is a roller bearing? Asking because someone else posted ball bearing, I'm hoping for rollers, seems much more fitted for the application to me.
     
  18. Jun 20, 2021 at 9:41 AM
    #78
    ColoradoTJ

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    Not to totally destroy your thread with my drama….


    I met my wife via Toyota Tacoma’s. she had her 2000 Tacoma all the at until 2010 after the birth of our first kiddo. In 2009 we came up on the timing belt and water pump service. The dealership was offering a special for 650.00 for both. I even told them to change the drive belts since there was no labor on it.

    At that time I replaced the rotors/pads/flushed brake fluid, changed
    all differential/transfer case/transmission fluid and filter/ new shocks.

    Fast forward to four months later, we had an O2 sensor fail and I was crazy busy at work doing 12-14 hour days for a month. So I had the dealership change out the O2 sensor.

    My wife comes home with recommended service and said her truck was in poor condition to drive. Needed timing belt, drive belts, new brakes and flush. Remember what I did 4 months prior at the very dealership I was at.

    I called the service manager to set up a sit down meeting with him the next day. My wife drove the diesel to work and left the Tacoma for me.

    I went in and started off nice and asked what all this service crap was for. He said they needed replaced. Then I pull out my paperwork from 4 months earlier. The look on his face was priceless. I demanded they change my drive belts under the 12 month warranty since they were “bad”. The manager said they looked fine. So then we got the mechanic out there and started looking over why he recommended a brake job. The damn things were 4 months old.

    To really shorten up this story, I chewed their asses in front of the dealership. Not my finest hour and I lost my cool. They just seen a pair of boobs and tried to take advantage of my wife. Unfortunately for them, my wife is very involved and intelligent. She is the one that pointed this BS out to me and said “didn’t we do this in the garage a few months back?”

    I escalated this up corporate with copy’s of all my receipts and the mechanics maintenance suggestions. The manager was not there when I went back for oil filters 6 months later.


    This sort of BS happens at any dealership. GM has been really good to me, but the last time I had a DEF tank heater fail (common issue and repaired for free) and recommended 1600.00 in maintenance due to mileage (57k at the time). The mechanics said my transmission fluid was “burnt”. Bullshit. I just did the service at 40k miles. He also said my diff lube was “dark”. Again, it was done with AMSOIL at 40k.
    I just did another transmission service at 64k miles and my fluid was looking great. I didn’t change the diff fluid but checked level and lube condition.

    Like it said, they do up sales. I had words with that service advisor as well.
     
  19. Jun 20, 2021 at 10:16 AM
    #79
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    upload_2021-6-20_13-16-7.jpg
     
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  20. Jun 20, 2021 at 2:09 PM
    #80
    Pern

    Pern New Member

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    I hate to say this, but I’ve found Toyota dealerships to be mediocre at best, I own two Toyota’s but I do the maintenance myself on both.
     
  21. Jun 20, 2021 at 2:15 PM
    #81
    GODZILLA

    GODZILLA Hail to the King, Baby.

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    This has been my experience at every dealership save one. That was because of the shop manager, but he moved on to bigger and better things when new owners bough the dealership. Service department went to absolute garbage inside of 2 months. The dealership has had two additional owners since then IIRC.
     
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  22. Jun 20, 2021 at 3:20 PM
    #82
    TigerTanker

    TigerTanker [OP] Tyranny doesn't leap, it creeps

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    I went to one of the dealers in town to check out a trade in value. Comical at best. My 16 platinum is super clean, loaded and has 10k in upgrades. Granted it has 120k miles.

    They asked me what I thought about 30k. Lol
     
  23. Jun 20, 2021 at 3:30 PM
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    OhEmmBee

    OhEmmBee Rick

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    This calls for a regear! To put bigger tires on lol
     
  24. Jun 21, 2021 at 11:06 PM
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    Sumo91

    Sumo91 Busy with projects

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    Change your power steering fluid, I guarantee it needs it, use a turkey baster or suction gun, it take 2 qts, and it'll take several time to replace 2 qts, so you can do it over a few days. Drain it, fill it, drive it, repeat, until you've used 2 qts.

    Check the bottom of the water pump for leaks, itll be pink, crusted up anti freeze if it's leaking, if it's leaking replace tbe thermostat as well.

    Look into changing the belt and tensioner in the near future.

    Probably wouldn't hurt to spray a little lube on the door hinges, ounce prevention, changing door bushings sucks. I hit mine with small shot of oil every oil change and wipe away the excess.

    Use genuine toyota or aisin parts. Don't get junk from the parts store.
     
  25. Jun 22, 2021 at 9:50 AM
    #85
    TigerTanker

    TigerTanker [OP] Tyranny doesn't leap, it creeps

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    Yesterday I took the car in for any kind of service that was missed over the years and have done much/or had reviewed the items suggested by others.

    I have seen mention, and a thread about some sort of issue with the rear differential being able to suck in dirty water/mud. Apparently some sort of mod to prevent this? Anyone care to enlighten me?

    My truck is often on gravel roads that are dusty, dirty, muddy, wet. The truck really isn't used for anything more demanding than a mediocre quality gravel road. I've got toys for the nasty stuff with the dirt bikes and UTV.
     
  26. Jun 22, 2021 at 9:52 AM
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    TigerTanker

    TigerTanker [OP] Tyranny doesn't leap, it creeps

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    Through all of this, I have been left with a strange issue.

    My "Miles to Empty" is wrong. At a full tank it's reading 600 miles of range, instead of the actual 430 it normally reads. What might be causing this? My mechanic's shop said it was because after being reset, it's recalibrating. But I've got 500 miles on it now after that and it's still way off.
     
  27. Jun 22, 2021 at 9:53 AM
    #87
    TigerTanker

    TigerTanker [OP] Tyranny doesn't leap, it creeps

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    As far as the differential and bearings being bad, as the dealer said. I can hear zero noises, and up on a lift, the new mechanics heard nothing. There's no vibrations, nor any wear on my tires indicating any trouble.
     
  28. Jun 22, 2021 at 10:21 AM
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    rockmup

    rockmup New Member

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    People put extended diff breathers on and they aren't cheap, you can do the same thing with a balloon. Unless you're crossing water thats 12" deep or so, its a waste of time and money.

    Gear oil - It turns dark, period. It gets hot, period. Before replacing the diff, change the wheel bearings and seals. Dive it and enjoy, if the light comes back on, change the carrier bearings. Drive it and enjoy, if the light comes back on, I'd test the sensors. If they test good, buy a complete 3rd from East Coast Gear and be done. I'd bet you only need the wheel bearings.

    Gear oils lasts a ridiculous amount of time, literally the life of the vehicle unless it gets contaminated or burns. There was a time not long ago that diff fluid never got changed, ever.
    Always follow the money, people have a monetary interest in making you think you need to do certain things to your vehicle, many of them are not truly needed.

    Good luck
     
  29. Jun 22, 2021 at 10:40 AM
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    Torque

    Torque New Member

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    I doubt they did this during the oil changes. It's pretty easy to do with a cheap grease gun. For whatever reason, the grease zerks are always in perfect view when I change the oil so it's always been easy. I believe there are 3 or 4 each on the front and rear drive lines.
     
  30. Jun 22, 2021 at 10:42 AM
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    2mchfun

    2mchfun Yeah it'll pull it, just don't expect to stop!

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    Vehicle:
    2021 White 4x4 CM Trail Ed. 2018 White 4x4 4Runner SR5 Premium
    Seat covers, dash mat, ext. Trans. Cooler, sumo springs, oem pwr fld tow mirrors
    Considering you use the truck to tow, has a decent amount of miles on it, lots of mud, dirt, etc. I would change the seals and bearings. I think it's worth the peace of mind. Diff breather, you can buy a barbed fitting from toyota or Amazon and it will screw in to the diff vent hole threads, diff vent is a small silver colored check valve vent on top of the axle housing. Once the barbed fitting is in you put a 3/8" fuel line hose and clamp on it then run the hose up behind the drive tail light and put the vent check valve in the hose with a clamp, anchor with a few zip ties, all cost about $25, about 10' of hose to complete.
     

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