TSB Leaf Springs Discussion

When the dealer put my new leaf springs on last week, one of my brand new Bilstein 5100 shocks was messed up. The top nut wasn't cinched down all the way and the top Allen hole was stripped. Also, the special socket for my lug nuts (which I never laid eyes on myself, but my tire shop swears they put in the glove compartment) was missing.

I went back to the dealer, and they claim they don't take the wheels or the shocks off at all to complete this TSB work. They had the truck in the back for 3 hours, btw. Does this make sense? My tire shop says they WOULD at least take the top nuts off of the shocks and definitely take the wheels off to put the new leaves in.

Now I'm caught in a "he said, he said" situation, is the dealer lying?

My tire shop gave me a new socket for the lugs.

 

Doubtful that they don't take the tires off to install the leaf packs but can be done. I believe I've seen the actual Toyota TSB procedure floating around. Taking the tires off would make it a whole of a lot easier. The shock would only have to unbolt from the bottom.

 

I don't have access to a lift or air tools like a dealer does, but in the two times I've changed my rear springs, I couldn't imagine doing it without removing the wheels and one of the mounting points on the shocks.

 

Call Toyota and file a claim/complaint.

 

I don't think that would do anything. You can get a spline socket for less than $10 without the hassle. To the OP, I think your dealership is lying to you. Find a new one.

 

Agreed, but it would at least get the incident officially documented.

 

I've had really good relations up tot his point with them. When they did the leaf spring R & R, they gave me a free oil change at the same time. The truck came back covered in grease. Down on the lower part of the truck where they did the axle work, and all over the sides of the front fender, front of the hood, door panel, thresholds, even around the radio knob. It was a Friday afternoon, I noticed some of it, but drove home anyway. It was a mess and I complained about it. I also called three local dealers and they all say they take the wheels off every time they do this.

Update: They told me just now, that their mechanic does this operation quickly and is an old hand at this. They had the truck for three hours.

 

Three hours is not "quickly". I think it's 30 minutes per side and that's with taking off the tires.

 

Exactly. That's why I think they are trying to CYA with me.

 

When I had my TSB springs installed, it included new bilsteins too, maybe they changed the procedure???. Btw, don't worry about the extra rake, it will settle. Your bottoming will come back soon, and unless they changed the springs their using, they will break just like the originals, at least mine did.