Tacoma grinding after 30k service

[cduncanf]

I just had my 30k service done on my '05 Taco. Per the Toyota maintenance schedule, they changed the rear differential fluid (limited slip). I assume they also did the transfer case and front diff. The truck now has binding or grinding feeling when I go forward or backward and hold the wheel around 1 or 2 o'clock. Something is definately not right that was fine before the service. Any suggestions on what to make the dealer check on when I take it back? Not a happy person right now..

Thanks
Duncan

[1075]

If it "jumps or skips" when you turn then my first thought would be that they did not put in the limited slip additive, or that it needs more. That could cause a "bumping" noise, never heard one grind unless they didn't put enough fluid in it.

If you can get under the truck and remove the differential fill plug, check the fluid level. You should be able to touch the fluid with your finger. Once it's back at the dealer they will never admit to doing anything that causes damage unless you catch them red handed. If they didn't put enough fluid in then I would get a written 100,000 mile replacement warranty on your rear from the dealership to cover damage caused by their negligence.

Personally I would suggest finding a trustworthy local shop and avoiding the dealership on anything but warranty work. I NEVER use a dealership for PM stuff.

[Snakeii]

So much for having professionals doing professional work...

I agree, if you can find a good mechanic, hang onto him or her because they are rare. Personally if I were you I would purchase the fluids yourself. You can check out Amsoil site and use their application guide to see what fluids are applicable, I'll throw in the link below. And if you dont feel like getting dirty take into a shop, otherwise do it yourself, follow the manual and its as good as a licensed mechanic can do. Changing fluids is about as easy as it can get, and if they cant even manage that... geez.

One advantage of doing it yourself, other then knowing it was done correctly (easily done by the BGB aka the manual), is you can inspect other things under the truck while you are there. Sure they may say they made a check, but I wouldnt trust them, especially the shops that insist customers that maintenance is required that they do not need (such as flushing a manual transmission which is only done on a auto) and/or overcharge.

Definitely follow up with the dealership though to make sure they didnt already screw up your truck. Something in writing is the best to cover your tail in the future.

https://www.amsoil.com/scripts/runis...msoiloaf:index

[cduncanf]

Problem solved. Went back to the dealer and they realized that the apprentice who did work on the Taco forgot to add the Toyota Limited Slip Differential additive to the rear diff. So, make sure if you change your rear differential fluid, you add the Toyota stuff, makes a big difference.

Duncan

[Snakeii]

Originally Posted by cduncanf

Problem solved. Went back to the dealer and they realized that the apprentice who did work on the Taco forgot to add the Toyota Limited Slip Differential additive to the rear diff. So, make sure if you change your rear differential fluid, you add the Toyota stuff, makes a big difference.

Duncan

Its good to see they have supervisors to follow up on what the apprentices do...

In the AF, if you are a apprentice, known as a 3 level, you will have someone with a 5 or 7 follow up behind you depending on what kind of work was performed. If I remember right, this is the name of the levels.

1 - tech school student
3 - apprentice
5 - journeyman
7 - craftsman/supervisor
9 - superintendent, boss, usually a flight chief, usually forgets everything they learned up to that point.