2003 Tacoma frame just replaced and 2 problems, resistance from Dealer

Just got back from Toyota and etc. Right away they brought it in for the emergency brake problem, while I waited to speak to Sr. Service Rep, which never happened. This went fine as I knew it would as long it was the correct cable, I don't know why they didn't just do it when I picked up the truck.

Now this morning I tried to get some photo shots in the driveway of the lines, by the looks of the puddle it was back where they connect to the rack and pinion junction (not sure if that is right) But up on the lift I see it was coming from the loop in the hose under the radiator attached to the frame. You can easily see how this part could be abused by the frame change just by unbolting it and having it not be supported. It is a serious leak.The hose I bought from O'Reilly was the pressure hose, and not the return line, so I lost some bargaining power there. So the Toyota return line is $250. I've seen them on eBay for as low as $40, but are the right, quality??? Plus the estimate 5 hours to replace it! So I'm going to get a mild, very mild break on labor and do it up tomorrow. The Service guy said he would run it by Toyota but would take days. I gave in and said to do it.

After I dropped off the hose for a refund I stopped by my local garage I've had a good relationship with and asked how much they could do it for, they were weary of that junction connection and pretty much gave me the same price as Toyota so I guess I'll just do it at the dealership. I'll keep you posted, thanks for reading.

 

Toyota didn't replace the frame out of the kindness of their hearts. They weren't being nice guys by giving him a free frame. They did it because there's a recall, and THEY GOT SUED.

The e-brake handle thing is a little weird, but not really sure what you mean by "sticks out 13"... My e-brake handle sticks out about 13" (though I haven't measured) when the brake is set.

Generally, the mechanic should make notes of all the "recommended" replacements at the time the work is being done. Like, "hey, we noticed your blinker fluid is dirty and should be replaced too, and since we're replacing the frame, there's no additional labor, but we can do that for another $50 in parts."

With the power steering lines, the mechanics for sure touched them during a frame replace. They didn't leak before, now they do. They either missed that the lines were near a point of failure (and should have notified you), or they did it all right and the failure was a coincidence. In any case, you really should *at least* be paying for the parts.

Having managed a bike shop for several years, these things happen, but they ALL appear to be the shop's fault from the customer's perspective. The most you can do is explain the situation, and be upfront with the customer. I had a few occasions where I took a bullet for my mechanic, apologized, and made it right. Other times, what they are complaining about is not in any way related to the work that was done, so their demand for free work is unreasonable and I politely tell them to take a hike.

 

Ok work done, they gave me a break on the price of their damage.
Thanks much for the Support, it helped.