Steering Rack Leaking on my 2017.

Has anyone had this issue after lifting their Tacoma? Would a lift cause your steering rack to leak? Dealership is trying to get me to pay 1200+ to get this fixed when it would originally be covered under the Power train warranty. My truck had the lift taken out before I brought it in, but they say they are able to see signs of the lift being there. Any suggestions or am I royally F'ed?

Truck originally had a 3"F/2"R ReadyLift (spacer) W/ a diff drop kit.(I know I know, crap)

Currently the ReadyLift is off and will be installing a Toytech BOSS suspension with AAL in after all this mess gets situated.

 

Its should be under warranty,open a case with Toyota if the dealership is giving you crap.

 

Try a different dealer.

 

Yeah but because there was a lift in it, doesn't that void the warranty?

 

I guess it depends, ive heard different answers yes and no to that question. Ive been to toyota dealerships where they are absolute pricks, and want nothing to do with after market suspension on the trucks. The dealership I currently go to the guys are all awesome there. They have no problem installing something on the truck as long as your willing to pay labor costs. Its really just a hit or miss.

 

FFS Let's all stop referencing the Magnussen Moss Act...... Start there regarding folks telling you "it's still under warranty."

Best you can hope for is to go to various dealers with it looking as stock as possible and getting someone to authorize a warranty repair.

OA

 

Oh I tried to make it stock. Spent 7 hours last weekend removing the lift in the garage to put it back to normal. Unfortunately, evidence of it being there (whatever that means) dictated their stance on warranty coverage. Should've just installed the new lift when I had it all a part considering the outcome. Will probably have to bite it this time.

Any insight on dealers installing parts you have bought? If I were to buy the steering rack separately from Rockauto.com or something to save a few hundred dollars, think they'd have an issue installing it?

 

The factory warranty is a performance contract between the owner of the vehicle and Toyota. The dealer is not a party to that contract while they can deny a customer concern or customer complaint...what they can’t do is unilaterally deny a claim on a contract they are not a party to.

 

you quoted "power train warranty" don't think this is part of that but i might be wrong. think power train is engine, tranny, rear end.?
i like the "go to different dealer post' idea.

 

Try a few different dealers if you can first. If you're going to buy a new part, don't even bother having the dealer install at that point. Find yourself an indie shop who gives a shit about their work.

This is exactly why I linked the Mag-Moss thread. Unless OP has deep pockets or an attorney on salary, this is a misguided statement. If the dealer never even sent it on as a warranty claim, he's dead in the water unless he wanted to start the process with corporate.

I've had weird stuff covered on powertrain warranty on my 4runner. That said, based on the 2019 warranty book below, I think you're right that a steering rack isn't in.

From the 2019 warranty book:


OA

 

Nothin misguided...The warrantor is Toyota not the dealer if the OP wants clarity on his claim to make repair then he needs to open a case with Toyota. In the end it’s not a covered repair under the 5yr 60k warranty...only under the 3yr 36k. All of what is said doesn’t require an attorney just a phone call and let a Toyota regional rep. tell him no as the rep would be the final authority on Toyota’s position. The dealer came to the right conclusion but for the wrong reason.

 

Same end game. I stated as much re: starting a case with corporate. If OP calls Toyota and sends them to this dealer he’s putting the nail in this case’s coffin himself. Finding another dealer keeps the dream alive for now.

OA

 

Toyota says in the manual that installing non oem parts may invalidate warranty somewhere, totally lame. That’s why I try not to go there.

 

Update on everything for anyone curious:

My dealership was speaking with Toyota and they are going to cover 50% of all parts and labor for me. Still have to spend a good chunk of change, but this helps a ton. Thanks for all the insight!