New TS member here. I own a 2001 Toyota Tundra 4X4 longbed with Astro cap on bed, with 129,000 miles on it, bought it new from local dealer. I have had virtually no problems with the Tundra truck until today. While making a slow turn (about 5 mph) in a subdivision circle , the front left lower ball joint broke free, dropping that side of suspension to the pavement, separating the front four-wheel drive axle, and slightly bowing the fender outward as the wheel wheel fell on the tire. Towed the Tundra into the local dealer (I'm a VIP customer for 20 years with 5 new Toyota trucks bought under my belt, and all service done at same dealer), and haven't got the estimate yet, but expecting a large bill.
Questions for anyone:
Just two weeks ago I took the Tundra into the same dealer for front end alignment, and specifically asked that they also check for loose front end components, as the steering didn't seem right. They did the alignment and said they found no loose or worn parts. After the alignment the steering was even stiffer (it would not correct back to center after a turn) and I called the dealer service manager THIS morning before this happened to tell him of the binding steering problem. My service appointment was for tommorrow to recheck alignment. Too late for me!
Secondly, with the Toyota Motor Corporation recall on 2002-2004 Tundras for lower ball joint replacements, why were earlier models excluded? I never got a notice, only read about the recall in the paper. This is a terribly dangerous problem, if the front end collapses because of LBJ failure at highway speed, the Tundra would probably have fipped over and I could have been killed!
So my question informally here at Tundra Solutions, does either the dealer (who I am on very good terms with) or Toyota Motor Corp., have any legal or moral responsibility to pay for some or all of the damage, even though the truck is well past the warranty time/mileage limit?
Is there a number to call Toyota Motor Corp. to have then resolve or be notified of the potential (for other earlier Tundra owners) serious mechanical problem?
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Thanks for your advice!
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