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Toyota 4Runner Maintenance and Repair

2606 messages,  Last post on Mar 20, 2013 at 9:25 AM

You are in the Toyota 4Runner Forum.

What is this discussion about? Toyota 4Runner, SUV

    
 
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Messages Page 195 of 262

#1935 of 2606 1999 4Runner, Blown Engine. by drtimecode

Sep 29, 2006 (4:22 pm)

Hey... First time here, and let me start by saying, I'm not a car guy, so bear with me.
  
I have 1999 4Runner, 98,000 miles. I've used the Toyota Service regularly (I've still got all my reciepts). If fact, at 89,000 (back in Jan) it had it's Major Service done.
  
Well, now it has a hole in the engine block. Not clear whether it threw a rod or a piston (like I said, not a car guy), but I'm facing potentially a $6000+ bill for a new short block, or less for something rebuilt.
  
First questions:
  
How does this happen suddenly? Is this maintence issue (i.e. something Toyota missed), or can these things 'just happen'?
  
Do I get the repairs, or do I sell it for parts? I'm looking over it's Edmunds value now, but i'd like some other opinions.
  
What advice can you give me?
  
Thanks.

#1936 of 2606 Re: 1999 4Runner, Blown Engine. [drtimecode] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Sep 30, 2006 (11:45 am)

Replying to: drtimecode (Sep 29, 2006 4:22 pm)
That question as to the cause of the engine failure really cannot be answered accurately unless the engine is disassembled and examined. If there are signs of severe overheating and oil starvation that could be a case of one problem turning into a bigger one (loss of oil or coolant due to leak). Sometimes engines just fail due to metallurgical failures...a connecting rod bolt comes loose and then all hell breaks loose. Sometimes the oil pump fails, and sometimes junk clogs a bearing oil galley.
 
As for repairs it really depends on the condition of the rest of the vehicle. If it's basically clean inside and out, I'd go for a good used engine; but if it's a bit shabby and dented, you might want to let go of it, because the rest of the truck will still have the 98.000 miles on it regardless of the rebuilt engine.

#1937 of 2606 06 4 runner Sport Edition Vibration by petematt

Sep 30, 2006 (9:55 pm)

My 06 4 runner had vibrations at 50-65mph when i test drove it.I thought this was all because of imbalanced tires and sales people assured me that this problem can be because i have warranty.So right after 6 days of purchase i took my car in for tire balancing.One of their best mechanics test drove the car and felt the vibrations in the steering wheel.Dealer balanced the tires but it still had those vibrations.Then again i took it after a week to get it fixed.Again dealer balanced the tires, but there still were vibrations.Third time dealer replaced tires.No improvement.Fourth time i took it to another dealer.One mechanic test drove the vehicle and found the same vibrations.Second dealer also balanced the tires.No improvement. I also took it to Merchant's tire and auto center to know what they think about it. The manager test drove it and found the same vibrations.
Now i am pursuing arbitration, no idea what trick toyota is going to play on me.
Any ideas what usually happens in this????

#1938 of 2606 Re: 1999 4Runner, Blown Engine. [Mr_Shiftright] by drtimecode

Oct 01, 2006 (12:03 pm)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Sep 30, 2006 11:45 am)
That's about what I've been hearing from a few other people. There seemed to more than enough oil judged by the giant puddle left by the truck as it was towed away, that and the oil sprayed thoughout the engine comparent. So it seems to be just a metal failure.
 
As for the repairs, the rest of the truck is in great condition, so I'm likely to replace the engine, if I can find a good enough deal. For a truck that's worth only about $7000-$8000 in decent condition, it's tough to justify spending $6000 on a NEW engine.
 
Thanks for the advice.

#1939 of 2606 Brake Squeak - Time to Replace? by drex1

Oct 01, 2006 (3:51 pm)

My 2003 4Runner (only 36K miles) has recently started squeaking as I lightly depress the brake. As I depress the brake harder to stop, the squeaking goes away. I have not yet taken the two front wheels off to check the rotors and pads, but the right rotor is smooth and the left rotor has a few (very) small ridges. Any ideas before I start taking off the tires and checking the brakes? How long should the initial set of brakes last? My '99 4Runner is still on the same set of brakes for over 50K miles.

#1940 of 2606 Re: Brake Squeak - Time to Replace? [drex1] by petematt

Oct 02, 2006 (11:26 am)

Replying to: drex1 (Oct 01, 2006 3:51 pm)
My 06 4 runner does that every time i apply brakes and even during shifting gear from parking to drive.
I have always thought this is a standard noise. No idea if this is a problem.

#1943 of 2606 Re: 06 4 runner Sport Edition Vibration [petematt] by petematt

Oct 04, 2006 (2:44 pm)

Replying to: petematt (Sep 30, 2006 9:55 pm)
I have had 4 services performed by the dealer as of yet.
I also got it checked by Merchant Tire Center which is ASE certified and their manager gave me in writing that there is intermittent vibrations/oscillations occuring in seat and accelerator and steering.
But here is the thing though, i do not see the steering wheel shaking which happens most of the time during imbalancing of tires.
My last inspection happened with the local representative from Toyota and he said we will try to balance the tires out but if it is not fixed , then i can proceed with arbitration.
I am so surprised why Toyota can not fix it. Or atleast tell me what is wrong with it.
Every time i go to dealership, service manager/ mechanics concentrate on tires only.

Messages Page 195 of 262

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