Need Advice on $2000 Worth of Repairs

Update: all work has been completed for much better rates. Post #43 is the summary of the project.

I just got back from having my recall work done on the leaf springs, and of course the dealership found other stuff that needs to be done I do not think they are trying to offer unneeded services, but I am smart enough to know these repairs can be made for about half of what a dealer charges. I have looked on the forums and found a good thread detailing how to replace the water pump. I am wondering if any of you can list the parts needed for each job and the approximate amount I can expect to pay a REALLY good shade tree mechanic for each job. Any reply is appreciated!

 

Do you know any of the local Toyota owners in your area ??

That is your best place to find help to repair your truck

Finding a good Mechanic can be very hard

Going into the water pump when was the last timing belt done since it needs to come off.

 

Unfortunately, I'm not familiar with other owners in the area. I don't think the timing belt has ever been touched. It's an 07 with only 122k miles. Service has never been needed beyond an oil change and various filter changes. At least it seemed that way.

 

There's no timing belt. I believe it's a chain. Doesn't need changed.
I did the water pump and from dealer it was 132.00 for the part. Changed that 212,000 miles and only did it cause I needed to fix the front main seal. Which was 2.00. Because I had the fan and fan shroud off I replaced the water pump. This was on a 07 TRD ORDC Manual.

 

its pricey, but its definitely in line with the going rate. Definitely reach out. I'm pretty sure there is a TN owners forum, just like there is for every other state. Also, youtube is a great resource.

 

See if you post in the right forum and ask for help. Beer and food will raise some eyebrows.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/tennessee.213/

 

absolutely.

 

I agree with everyone else here...this would be my method of operation.

1. Assess if the vehicle is driveable for atleast a week. If so, proceed with trying to reach out.
2. Hit up the local TN thread and post this: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/official-tennessee-thread.112982/page-2406
3. See what members can do, water pump and valve cover is likely the easier of the jobs. The rear axle seal is do-able with the right guy and some tools.
4. After working with members, hunt down local shops for rest.

You would be surprised with the amount of internet surfers while at work that you might see collaboration with others happen faster than you think. Personally, I don't know how to execute these exact issues, but I would be willing to learn it and/or assist you in trying to fix the stuff if I was local. This is a golden opportunity for guys to learn about the vehicle when its not their own if they prefer DIY maintenance.

 

What @Coot83 said. He has a bro avatar so he's bro.

 

Thanks everyone. I may have found my guy right here:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...e-area-tacoma-mechanics.448786/#post-14996502

Columbia is a 15 minute drive from my house. I just need to source the parts for the best prices possible and I'll be ready to hand her over to the pros.

 

Yep...whether I like it or not

 

Kick ass man, if you plan to do this yourself I would be interested in seeing what ever write up you can make. Issues like these will happen to me at some point if I keep the ride long enough.

 

It is VERY important to deal with the rear axle seal now, as you basically have no rear brakes on the offending side. Or at least very reduced.

It is very important to deal with the water pump SOON. The leak is an indicator that the seal has failed, meaning the bearings are riding in coolant now. The bearings will fail, the pump will seize or fail and you will have a catastrophic overheat condition. Which will make this bid for work look like chump change.

Valve covers are not hard. Doing them while digging into the water pump makes sense, along with new plugs, etc., which, from what you are saying, have never been done either?

Seriously. I'd park the truck and get around another way if at all possible. If that's not doable, I'd not be making any long trips anywhere, and not driving hard until this stuff is done.

Good luck!

 

Im a noob to these issues as well...good info!

 

I'm fortunate to be on vacation for the next two weeks, so using my wife's car is easy enough. The Taco will only get out to go to the shop.

 

The dealer could be just trying to drum up business for minor issues that don't need immediate attention.

How bad are the leaks? Have you taken a look yourself ?
If you know nothing about cars, get a second opinion from someone, even a friend who works on cars, before sinking big bucks into it.

 

The leaks appear to be bad enough to warrant service.

Does anyone have a favorite thread about the axle seal? I'm looking to put together all of the parts to take it to the shop and would like to put together a shopping list. I've already gotten the parts for the water pump and valve cover jobs.

Any part numbers or info on doing a complete rear brake job would also be appreciated.

 

The rear brakes should just need shoes, unless the drum (raw cast iron) is also saturated. You'll have to remove it and look. Depending on the mileage of the vehicle you may or may not need all the ancillary spring kit/tabs, etc. And your wheel cylinders need inspection, but if they are not leaking brake fluid, leave them alone.

Disassemble the offending side, fix the seal, clean the backing plate and all the parts, mount up the new hardware (as needed) and adjust the brake.

If there is significant mileage based wear anyway, I'd go ahead and clean, re-shoe and 'maybe' re-drum the other side, just so they match up from a maintenance records standpoint.

Drums, shoes, hardware kit can come from about any parts house. Nothing special here. RockAuto, AdvanceAuto, etc.

 

That's what I was thinking, just go ahead and put everything back new. I'm pretty good at finding new parts for cheap, I just need to track it all down. I just picked up the rear brake shoes (Wagner) for $8.03 new in open box from Amazon Warehouse Deals.