Cracked frame weld at motor mount bracket... help!

hey guys,

So I’ve recently found that the motor mount bracket that is welded to the frame on my passenger side is completely cracked. It makes tons of noise when going over bumps. Called Toyota, they referred me to their “Toyota licensed body shop.” The shop said that it’s a non serviceable part so I’d basically need a new Frame and I shouldn’t drive the truck. Pretty much I’m screwed. I’m down to two options at this point.. see if insurance will cover it or see if Toyota will buy my truck back since the frame failed during normal use. My question is how should I begin negotiating with Toyota to push them to do something about this? Also what would I need to do this? If anyone could give some input that would be much appreciated!! I basically need a new truck ASAP!

 

I honestly would hire a welder to fix your frame.

 

@DMZ Fab & Race Prep
http://dmzfab.com/product/tacoma-motor-mount-gusset-kit/

 

"Toyota licensed body shop" means if the body shop can't guarantee the repair then they won't touch it. If something were to break and cause bodily harm then toyota could get sued big time. They have an army of lawyers and legal staff that decide stuff like that. If they (Toyota) say it needs a frame, that's code for "This is what we have to do to not get sued". When you are a huge company that is the way you have to operate to protect yourself.

A smaller shop with some skilled welders might be interested though. Call around and describe your situation. They may tackle it if you understand that it won't ever be 100%. They'll just do what they can, you save some money, move on..

 

I would lean on Toyota a bit to fix this and then back it

 

I do know some kick ass marine welders here in Seattle that I would trust all day long....
But you should probably pursue it with Toyota for peace of mind..

 

2006 or 5 Tacoma,Toyota knows dam well they did a shit job welding the mounts,thats why they reinforced and redesingned them in 2007.Toyota should stand behind their products and fix your truck.

 

Are the welders visible in this picture? LOL!

 

Almost They are just up the Duwamish river a little ways...

 

They weld on barges and tug boats and deal with some seriously heavy stuff, laying beautiful beads

 

You don't need a new frame. If Toyota won't replace it look into finding a good welder, and gusset the mounts while your at it.

Edit: also

 

Why would Toyota ever consider welding on a twelve year old frame? I wouldn't consider talking to them about it in the first place. Strike an arc yourself or get somebody to it for you. There is nothing magical or special about the steel.

 

Well, cracked frames and engine mounts freak people out, especially people who aren't privy to welding or to good welders.
It's something you want fixed right obviously. I would just start with Toyota first personally.

 

By the way, do you happen to be a welder, looking at your screen name...?

 

This is a common issue with 05-06 models and affects FJ Cruisers as well.

A buddy with an 06 FJ paid a welding shop some 2K to weld his frame. Only one side cracked but he had both sides welded. Engine had to be come out.

07 Tacos and beyond had an extra plate welded to frame under the motor mounts. I checked my 07 to make sure it had the plate and it does. Whew.

 

Me, not for a living. But I do weld and work with a lot of top notch welders.

 

This is a very well known problem on 05 and 06 Tacos. It's not rocket science to fix it. The motor doesn't have to come out. Yes, a few parts need to come out and then weld it up and reinforce it with the DMZ gussets linked above. Take the parts out of the way, have it towed to a WELDING SHOP. Have it welded up, have it towed back home and then put it back together. Make sure to disconnect the battery while they're welding on it.

 

Thanks for all the feedback guys. I appreciate it. I think I’m going to go the Toyota route first and see what i can et them to do. Pretty sure rust caused this so I hope they cover it under their extended warranty. If they won’t do anything and insurance won’t do anything, then I’ll pay someone to completely clean and weld up the bracket and then reinforce it with some gussets.

Here’s the back view of the mount. Does it look cracked all along the bottom? I can’t really tell.

 

Wire wheel it.

 

So.. according to what I've read this affected 05s and early 06s....i habe an 06 but no idea what I'm looking for on here...any help to know would be nice.