inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale, inhale, exhale.
Now, get on with life.

 

A guy I work with has a '04 and called when this started. He got the same story, "not you!" He then got a recall letter just recently. He called his dealer and they tell him he must wait, they have no ball joints. So as of today, he's waiting.
My '01 has yet to be drawn into either recall and since there are two things on a vehicle I don't let other mess with (brakes and suspension) I don't know what I'll do if it does get recalled.
Might go like this, I'll take it in and have it done, I'll mark all the alignment adjustment point and see if they even do it. I'll then get it home and remove the ball joints, check for damage and reinstall them. Take it to our shop and then recheck the alignment myself. I know I'm anal about this but I'll feel better.
Other wise they will be replaced by me at 100k as a precaution.
Mike

 

A guy I work with has a '04 and called when this started. He got the same story, "not you!" He then got a recall letter just recently. He called his dealer and they tell him he must wait, they have no ball joints. So as of today, he's waiting.
My '01 has yet to be drawn into either recall and since there are two things on a vehicle I don't let other mess with (brakes and suspension) I don't know what I'll do if it does get recalled.
Might go like this, I'll take it in and have it done, I'll mark all the alignment adjustment point and see if they even do it. I'll then get it home and remove the ball joints, check for damage and reinstall them. Take it to our shop and then recheck the alignment myself. I know I'm anal about this but I'll feel better.
Other wise they will be replaced by me at 100k as a precaution.
Mike

You might want to just buy a set of the new ball joints and do it all yourself. I'm like you, I flat out do not trust dealers to not screw something up. But ball joint work is out of my league. I can do most other mechanical repairs but suspension is not one of them.

JMHO

Dan

 

When my truck went in for service the last time they ordered my lbj's however I've not heard from them since. I got a recall letter last week from toyota so they are finally getting them out to all of the owners. I'm wondering how long it's going to take for their supplier to manufacturer and ship all of the new parts to the states. I can't say that I've experienced any problems with mine however I would like to get them replaced while I have time and before something does happen to them. Next thing I'd like to see is toyota fixing the noisy serpentine belt issue while under throttle. It would be nice not hearing it when I press on the go pedal.

 

I too called the 1-800 # and they said the same thing, "your truck 03/AC was not effected". Like you I was relieved, however, being a pessimist I called the dealership that I bought from ( bought used in 05) stating my concerns. They said " we fixed the BJ's before we sold it to you". So for anyone who has concerns with the BJ's, DO NOT believe the the corp. B.S.! Go to the dealership and hound them.

 

You know, you have to remember that a recall is pre-emptive. That is that it's to avoid a failure. While I don't know exactly how the ball joints are failing (like the bolt snapping for example would be really, really bad) I would guess it's like a normal ball joint failure.

Which means that it's over time. You should be checking your suspension regularly anyway. And if you have an issue then you can/should address it.

Otherwise, it might be that you're on the list, but you really don't necessarily have a problem.

By the way, you don't have to hit DJ's specs right on. It's just that those are optimum. My alignment is at the upper range, but not quite as tight to the top end as DJ's specs and my alignment is fine 85,000 miles of wear later.

I'm kind of lucky because the dealers around me are all outstanding. But anyplace you go and have a steering component repair and they don't do an alignment automatically as part of that is probably not doing other things right either. (Ditch them......)

It kind of helps if you can get to know the mechanics and who's going to do a good job. There is a huge difference between a mechanic who "does his job" and the guy that spends a saturday or sunday morning on his own time spending an hour or two to something new about his work. I'll take the second guy any day whether he's a lawyer, mechanic, or realtor. They cost more initially, but they're cheaper in the long run because they avoid future problem. Like a good river captain, they keep you from hitting the unseen rocks.

In a larger shop though (all of the ones here a big) it's hard to be sure that you're going to get a particular mechanic and it helps to be pretty friendly with the service manager. They can follow two paths pretty much at will and it's always better if you can get them to follow your path since it's six of one, half dozen of another to them.


Alan

 

I checked this out as well before I bought my 04 in 05 no your tundra is not affected by this recall (sigh relief) then I recieve the recall notice in the mail as many as you have well I'm going to wait and let them pratice on other truck's first, since my truck is now just hitting 13,000 miles I'll wait till mid summer and get the recall done then hopefully they will do this in a timely manner and maybe I can convince them to loan me one of them 07 models to try out LOL

 

I had my 05 DC ball joint replaced and didn't have a single issue (got the wheel alignment also without asking up front).

You do need to realized that the loudest you hear are the people that are having issues with the recall. The vast majority of the recall that has taken place didn't have any issues (myself included).

 

Must depend on where you live. I received my notice, contacted the service department and was told the parts were on back order. The next week they called and scheduled an appointment to do the work. They gave me a loaner car (06 Camry) and off I went to work. Went back after work (they called around 2pm and said the job was done) and picked up my truck. No hassles at all. My truck drives & handles perfect. They did an alignment which seems to be right on. Going down the freeway you can let go of the steering wheel and the truck tracks straight as an arrow. These things (recalls) happen & we just need to take it all in stride. I, for one, don't understand why so many seem so stressed out over this.

 

My Ball Joint Recall went pretty smoothly too. Once I got my recall notice in the mail I called up my dealership and set-up an appointment for the next morning! They had the truck all day, but they included an alignment without me even asking.


But I still took it to a trusted shop afterwards to get it aligned again.

 

I had owned a 2004 Limited Double Cab. I liked the truck and it drove great for a while. I started to notice a noise (popping?) from the steering mechanism in 2005. I didn't think much of it, as it only happened when I would enter and leave my driveway and a few other areas. I did put aftermarket rims (AMP Fourtyone-Two) the truck, but they were the same size as the factory rims. I also changed the tires to a tire close to the same size (Toyo Open Country A/T). I did not have a lift or any other upgrades. I drove 99.9% of the time on paved roads, and most highway driving, to and from work.

I noticed some vibrations while driving at 60-70 mph and took it to have the alignment checked. The alignment center stated that the alignment was within Toyota specifications and that they could not adjust them. They also gave me a printout which listed my truck's alignment and Toyota specs.

With gas prices soaring, my truck getting 14-16 mpg, and the handling/steering not like I wanted, I decided to get a new car. I decided on a Camry Hybrid and purchased it on 4/13/2007. I had the dealership spray undercoating on the Camry the following week. While driving to my appointment for the undercoating, I received a call from the dealership on my cell phone. I was asked if I wanted them to fix a recall on the ball joint on my truck while I was having it undercoated. I told them that I had traded in the truck, and it was in their possession, and that the undercoating was for my new car.

I had heard of the ball joint recall, and read about on here, but since I had not received a recall notice, assumed my truck had been fine. After my undercoat appointment, I went home and looked up the ball joint recall and TSB. I read about what could happen and indications of a failing ball joint. The one on the truck I had just traded in had those indicators, and if left unchecked, could have caused a loss of steering. I wonder what might have happened if I had not bought a new car and scheduled a service for it. Would I have been notified about the recall, and if so, when?

I just consider myself lucky. After all, I am not that mechanically inclined, and didn't know what was causing the problem. I only hope that Toyota provides recall information in a more timely manner in the future. Regardless, I will keep reading TS.com for all the updates about what it going on.

Jason

 

Yeah I guess not enough positive experiences.Well hears mine I didn't call the 800 number I called the dealer where I bought the truck,response was we'll call you back 5min later yes its involved when you like to get this fixed we'll have a car ready for.Dropped it off went about my biz and got a call a few hours later all ready.Picked it up did alignment and all no problems.

 

Holy Smokes! Mine finally came too. I mailed it to the guy who bought my 06 Tundra.

 

Called the dealer last Friday to check the vin.... In @ 9:00 out by 1:30
pm... Drives drives great! :tu:

 

I had a long trip planned and was wanting to get mine fixed ASAP. I've had noises in the front-end and horrible tire wear, so I was a bit concerned the thing might just fall off.

My local dealer (30 miles, completely out of my way) stated I'd have to bring the vehicle in and have them inspect it to confirm it was part of the recall. Then they would order the parts and I'd have to bring it back when the parts came in. How F'in dumb is that?? I grilled them and asked to speak to a manager and was told that was their policy for all recall work. I was steamed and called 800 Toyota customer service where they said they couldn't do anything about a dealers policy for performing the recall work. I formally logged a complaint anyway and never heard anything about it (this was in January IIRC).

I then called the next closest dealer which is about 45 miles away and their parts were back-ordered but they said they'd do it as soon as the parts came in. No loaner car was available because Toyota won't pay for that since it's only a 3 hour repair.

I ended up about an hour away at a dealer that had parts in stock, but they also wouldn't give me a loaner either. So I dropped $35 on a rental on their end so I wouldn't miss any work for this stupid thing. All in all a PITA, but that's always been my experience dealing with Toyota dealers. I really like their vehicles, but their service leaves a lot to be desired.

 

Got Recall notice, Called Friday, took Tundra in at 730 am and was out by 915 am today. Had Recall and alignment done, also oil change and tire rotation done also. Great experience. Did me right, can't complain at all. Boyle Toyota in Sumter, SC :ts:

 

I still havent received a notice.

 

Seems to me that people will complain whether they are affected by the recall or not. If you weren't affected and your ball joints went out worse caused a wreck you would be pissed. but it pains you to get the work done cause you worry about an alignment? Seems like a situation of "having your cake and eating it to". Nothing towards you but once you get it taken care of you will be happy with the peace of mind that you and your family are safe. Toyota could have drug it out like the ford and firestone fiasco. That would get people fired up. My .02.

 

Dave,

I mentioned to you before i figured your 2004 was apart of the recall since I have a 2004 as well. I don't expect the part's to be different on the Dc and Good luck Im sure you talked with someone at Toyota that had No dam clue what there doing this seem's to be the case with Customer service in General it totally sucks I hear you....

Erik

 

I checked this out as well before I bought my 04 in 05 no your tundra is not affected by this recall (sigh relief) then I recieve the recall notice in the mail as many as you have well I'm going to wait and let them pratice on other truck's first, since my truck is now just hitting 13,000 miles I'll wait till mid summer and get the recall done then hopefully they will do this in a timely manner and maybe I can convince them to loan me one of them 07 models to try out LOL

Mark, I'm like you. I'm in no hurry to get the ball joints done. My '06 DC 4X4 only has 4,100 miles on it now. I'm going to let them get all the practice they can before I take mine in. They really need to be doing the older trucks first anyway since some of these are probably in dangerous condition.

 

Dave, I feel your pain (been through similar times myself, but that's why I was better prepared for it in 2003 than back in '81, even though more things happened in '03). But I'm not posting to lament about it.

On the alignment issue--and actually, I did do my research :tu:, including providing DJ's background and recommendations, and afterward getting his feedback on the results--I must've been a little luckier than your previous dealership encounter, because I had no problem getting my "old" pre-Tundra dealership to comply. I've used 'em since '94 and have long standing good relationships with the Service Manager and one Service Writer who is still there. I can't honestly say I know whether the tech used or understands about Hunter's CAMM feature , but I'm working on it (for next time).

You didn't say how long it's been since you did all that checking around, but is it possible things might have had time to improve? I won't dispute the value of using someone with more experience, but it might be worthwhile to recheck. And if it still comes down to whether to spend limited resources for an alignment to DJ's specs, remember there's good / better / best. If your dealer can get you a "good" alignment, you're no worse off than thousands of other Tundra owners who've never heard of DJ or his specs . That much is included with the recall. A "better" alignment (close to DJ's specs) might be achievable at a dealership if you're lucky, and the "best" alignment (precisely on DJ's specs) may still cost extra if not so lucky. Sometimes, you just have to settle for "good enough" until circumstances allow you to go for better or best.

I'm sure you also realize that spending money for things that don't last as long as normally expected is also one of the unfortunate risks of ownership. I had to replace one of my original tires with under 4,000 miles of wear because of a piece of metal rod that tore through the sidewall while traveling down a well paved street. Aggravating as hell--but it comes with the territory. Found a used one like the originals, had it mounted as the spare, and settled for "good" until the next time I have to consider tire issues. I find delayed gratification very rewarding. It can help get you through stressful times while also benefitting you financially.

. . . And to answer your rebutal, as I said in my first line... "Alass... we're all just human". So sue me! Have a great day!

No need to sue--you took my rebuttal well. Every day is a great day when you don't spend it in the grips of the negative stuff that happens in life. Roll with the punches and develop a new game plan. Then go for it! :tu:

 

Never received a notice. Called my dealer several weeks ago. Got the "back order" line but then they called me this week and said my parts came in for the recall so maybe it was true. Anyway, it's being done tomorrow with a four wheel alignment included. I'm at 3K on the oil so I'll get that done, lube the driveshaft, and have them test drive it to find out why there's so many squeaks & groans. I off road in the sand & travel washboardy roads so maybe some parts need tightening. It creaks like an old wood rocking chair. Other than that, everything is fine. I love it.

 

No notice yet for me. Dropped my truck off yesterday morning for the recall and 120,000 mile service. I had to say something but they are doing an alignment, but I had to leave it overnight to get that done. They also called and I need my rotors turned (don't get me started on these brakes). They gave me an '07 Camry for a loaner (4 cyl, not the V6:devil: like last time), but I'm ready to get my truck back.

 

Ball joints done. Alignment done. Took me to work & picked me up. Squeak was my fault. Backed into some stump or something in the woods. Crimped the tailpipe & it was rubbing the one of the bed supports. They said it will be cheaper to go to a muffler shop for the fix. Good experience. Everything works fine. Got a new tailpipe with a nice stainless tip. Can't complain.

 

I got my first balljoint recall notice for my '03 in October of 2005. After that, I received 2 followup notices. I finally had the joints replaced in April of this year. While changing front brake pads last weekend, I looked at the balljoints to see if I could determine that they had actually been replaced. I couldn't really tell for sure. The parts had the same coloration as the rest of the suspension components. I sort of expected that the paint on them would've been more glossy. On the other hand, they weren't all that dirty. I couldn't see any obvious signs of wrenching, such as might've been made by a slipped wrench or air driver. The truck drives great, but it drove great before I took it in, which is the main reason why I waited so long. I hope that they didn't just shrug it off since there didn't seem to be a problem with the joints. But, now I'm wondering...