Toyota Care + Leaf Springs = WTF?!?

As expected, but nothing ventured, nothing gained:

Talked to Toyota Corporate idiot....no dice. Talked to Toyota Financial Services....regular idiot and supervisor idiot....no dice.

 

Hi All,

Just had the experience of the shop telling me I had a busted right rear leaf spring. I couldn't imagine how it could have broken, I don't off-road nor tow anything. Just a highway commuter with some skiing and bike. Maybe I'd better weigh my mountain bike it it could over load the springs.

Dealer wanted $872 + change to replace the assembly. I went to anoth shop mainly because I didn't believe the dealer's mechanic. Same answer so it looks like I'm going to be paying the piper. Only 94k miles and 4 months past the extended warranty as I bought it new. As quickly as the dealer mechanic came back with the cause of the flexing noise I kept hearing over bumps I should have guessed it was a known issue.

Unfortunately the other shop would not install after market parts so I'm installing the Toyota parts. Not sure if that makes any sense if there is a design or manufacturing issue with the part.

Live and learn.
Bill

 

You can buy a set of OEM leaf springs here for CHEAP and install it yourself. Saves you A LOT of money.

 

broke my leafs with toyota care and they told me the leafs weren't covered! I've moved on now and planning on a heavier duty leaf pack.

 

Funny I broke my left rear last week! Stock replacement springs are $159.95 each from General Spring. Shipping isn't cheap but they do weigh 40 pounds a piece. So for about 4 hours of work and $403 I have new springs in my truck. Too bad you aren't local I've got a good right rear double cab spring in my garage.

 

It will be 5 or 6 years down the road when I buy my next one but I already have a strategy. Since I know from experience (2009 and 2013) about the problems with the rear leafs I will push for an upgrade or no sale. I might go as far as paying 1/2 for parts. It will be this or off to Chevy land.