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Toyota RAV4 Maintenance and Repair

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Comments

  • andrew17andrew17 Member Posts: 26
    Dear WWEST! I always read your professional advices.
    Talking about the vibration/ noise in RAV-4, here is a recent "guess" - you may want to look at it. (My 2006 V-6 4x4 does not have this problem.)

    Some of the 2006-2007 RAV-4s with the V-6 engines develop noise/ vibration problem while being driven in traffic. I was told that it can be traced back to the suspension of the exhaust/muffler system. The system can generate a "resonance" (vibration) as a summary result from engine rpm, transmission rpm and fuel pump rpm. I was told that if you stiffen the muffler by introducing an additional suspension point above the mufler (anchor point) the noise and vibration ceases (the muffler-exhaust assembly can not resonate because the harmonics will be out of sinc).

    I wrote to Toyota about it - they turned me away, because they do not accept technology suggestions from outsiders. Do you think this could be one of solutions for the noise and vibration discussed above? Could you please resubmit my suggestion to Toyota - you being one of their former employees - and tell them, if this is the right solution to the problem, I do not want any reward for it? If it works, it would be a great service for both, the loyal Toyota fans, and for the company, too. (I did not notice similar problems with our 4Runner V-8 4x4).

    Keep on writing! We all learn from you! =Andrew17
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Me? Former Toyota employee?

    NOT...!

    In years past I have seen weights suspended near the rear of the tranny to remove vibration resonance. I suppose anything that stiffens the resinating structure would help.
  • jim2007jim2007 Member Posts: 4
    About the resonance (vibration) when being driven in traffic - my RAV4 vibration is noticeable around 50 mph and higher speeds.
  • jim2007jim2007 Member Posts: 4
    My RAV4 does not have auto climate control.
    The vibration is noticable when the temperature is above 50F in sunny weather and the air conditioner OFF.
  • hannahsmummyhannahsmummy Member Posts: 20
    Greg,

    I thought you might be interested to hear an update on the knocking noise I had reported a few weeks back.

    The noise got progressively worse and my husband took it to the local Toyota place yesterday, and once again, a service mechanic drove with him and this time absolutely and unequivocally heard the knocking noise, exclaiming "well if they can't find the cause of THAT then there's a problem!"

    To cut a long story short, the noise is gone, and apparently it was a loose nut on the rear toe causing the toe rod (or whatever it is they call it) to knock against the exhaust system (I think????). The back left wheel was also badly out of alignment. I'm no mechanic but it seems to me that this noise started when I first got my tyres rotated, but the shop insists that the loose nut would have nothing to do with the tire rotation.

    In any case, the knocking is GONE and finally, I'm a happy camper.

    Thanks for all your help.

    Julie
  • gregorylynngregorylynn Member Posts: 38
    Excellent news! Fyi they are correct with a tire rotation normally the tie rod is not affected; they only remove lug nuts on the tires. They *should* as party of the normal suspension safety integrity check, inspect the tie rod connections. If a tie rod end comes off its mount while driving, you can lose control and crash, so emphasize on your next normal service that they inspect these connections.

    As you did in this case, with a car or anything else mechanical, *always* trust your ears. You hear a non-normal sound, it is something to hunt down. Usually it is something easier to find!

    Cheers,
    Greg
  • flyingbrick3flyingbrick3 Member Posts: 8
    That humming noise is a known problem with the Rav 4 and I found a website with all the Service Bulletins that are out on the car. The hummin noise is fixed by replacing a resistor to the fuel pump. The link to the site is below and the fuel pump issue is about 3/4 of the way down the pg
    http://www.tundrasolutions.com/forums/local_links/?catid=345&sort=n&page=1&pp=30- &keyid=0
  • gregorylynngregorylynn Member Posts: 38
    I can confirm the resistor fix, I am taking our 2006 Rav4 in for this TSB service tomorrow am. I took it in based on another earlier post. We only heard the drone when fuel dropped below 1/4 tank, but reproducible event, so I can confirm fix effect.
  • doc259doc259 Member Posts: 1
    Yes, I have a 2001 Rav4 and I am experiencing the same thing. I took it originally to a 'MOM & POP' shop and they ripped me off for $3000 and it is still not fixed. I was about to contact Toyota but from what I'm reading Toyota's claiming ignorance. Has there been any updates on the transmission issues for RAV4's? Anyone? :mad:
  • nguptangupta Member Posts: 5
    I have 2006 limited RAV4. Starting today, I am hearing a loud knocking sound when I start the car engine. It appears to be coming from right rear side of car.

    While driving (slow and fast) there is no noise even if the road is bumpy. But I hear similar sound while shifting gear from D - N - D (just did for testing).

    I checked under the car, the muffler seems to be tightly fit.

    Do I have the tie rod issue or the fuel pump resistor issue ? The gas level is below 1/4 at this time.

    Can anyone suggest please. I will make an urgent appointment with Toyota anyway but want to hear from the forum.
    :mad:

    Thanks
  • gregorylynngregorylynn Member Posts: 38
    do not think it is the fuel pump, I would just make the appt and while there, also mention the TSBs on the fuel pump and that another owner had a tie rod work itself loose and you suspect a suspension defect. They should perform the TSBs anyway.
  • silveravinsilveravin Member Posts: 8
    Anyone experiencing a soft knock in the steering wheel when they are turning? It's almost like a a soft click that I can feel and hear, sometimes doing two clicks consecutively in the same turn. More annoying than serious problem at this point, but I don't what it can lead to and it seems to be getting more frequent. Doesn't always happen, seems only on certain turns that there is enough resistence when turning.
  • snorkelmansnorkelman Member Posts: 15
    I have about 83,000 miles and I brought my 2002 Rav4 in for a recall notice (something about software for the check engine light) and the dealer tells me that my trans fluid is dark and needs flushed soon.

    I checked online and there is a cyber coupon for my dealer that offers automatic transmission service (drain and refill trans fluid, type IV transmission fluid additional) for $39.95.

    My dealer tells me that I can't use that because my vehicle requires a Type P (or maybe it was a Type T) fluid, which he claims is the same as a type IV, and basically costs $85 just for the fluid, so the entire cost is $161.

    The dealer tells me that I can't just use the dextron or else after 2 blocks the vehicle will stop running and the transmission will be burned up. He said that the newer RAV4s (2006 and newer) don't even have a dipstick because too many people were topping off the trans fluid with the wrong type of fluid.

    Am I being told the truth? Is this $161 that I need to spend? I am leaning towards spending it.
    That sounds good to me. Is the type IV necessary? How much more should that be. What's the difference?
  • nguptangupta Member Posts: 5
    I have made the appointment and mentioned the TSB while at the service counter. They dont seem to know about it... very strange. Its Toyota service center !!!!!
    More observations:
    I dont hear any noise when I start the car in mornings.. temp. around 55F. But when the car is parked in hot Sun and temp goes upto 80F, I started the car during lunch.. and heard the noise again. It remained there until night. I hear it everytime I shift from N to D (auto transmission but was just testing) and also while starting from a complete halt.

    Guys, please help me out... this discussion can help others too. :confuse:
  • nguptangupta Member Posts: 5
    OK. We found the cause. The loud knocking noise was coming due to heat sheild near exhaust system. Thats why it only happened when the car was getting warm/hot from exterior.

    Guys, if you own 2006/2007 RAV4, please be aware of this.
    :(
    Thanks.
  • nguptangupta Member Posts: 5
    Thanks a lot.

    This is exactly what I found in my 2006 RAV4 limited.
    Toyota must do something about it.
  • suvshopper4suvshopper4 Member Posts: 1,110
    My 2001 RAV4 owner's manual shows, in Specifications, p.250, under Automatic Transaxle -
    Fluid type: Automatic Transmission Fluid Type T-IV.
    A note below says use only Toyota Genuine ATF Type T-IV (ATF JWS3309 or NWS6500).

    It also says: Generally, it is necessary to change automatic transmission fluid only if your vehicle is ddriven under one of the Special Operating Conditions listed in you "Scheduled Maintenance Guide."

    I suggest you try another Toyota service department, if there is one nearby.
  • edemusmaximusedemusmaximus Member Posts: 1
    Hi, where can I get some information on replacing this? Is it a simple job to do? My RAV4 does not stay in 5th gear any longer unless I manually keep it there, and my guess is that it would be the pilot bushing that is worn out? Any help would be great!
  • snorkelmansnorkelman Member Posts: 15
    I have noticed that the plastic headlight covers on my 2002 RAV4 are getting cloudy. Is this just to be expected with the passage of time? It makes the vehicle look like crap when viewed from the front. Is it covered under any regular warranty?
  • snorkelmansnorkelman Member Posts: 15
    I have already replaced the tires that came from the factory once and it looks like I will need to replace them again soon. Just curious as to what everyone thinks is the best tire to replace these with.

    Last time I called the dealer and asked them what they typically replace the factory tires with for the RAV4 and they told me a "cooper" tire.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    For a fix (nothing to do with any warranty claim), see this post and the few above it (there's a few more like it around here you can find with the Advanced Search tool):

    bpeebles, "Dodge Dakota Owners - Meet the Members" #344, 5 Nov 2006 7:06 pm
  • cbmortoncbmorton Member Posts: 252
    I've had good success with cloudy headlight lenses on a few vehicles when I polished them with Meguiar's PlastX product, using just a regular terry cloth towel. It cleared them up well and the effect lasted.
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    Why would you think the pilot(***) bearing would cause this.

    The bearing for the tip, seats into the center of the crankshaft, of the transaxle input drive shaft.
  • suvshopper4suvshopper4 Member Posts: 1,110
    My 2001 AWD auto trans RAV came with Bridgestone Duelers.
    I replaced them at 31k miles with Yokohama Geolandars, and I liked them for 40k miles. Might possibly go back to them in the future.

    Got Uniroyal Laredos on now, and they're fine so far (<10k miles).

    I expect the dealer would just try to sell you what they carry, whether it is an especially good choice of not.
  • desertguydesertguy Member Posts: 730
    Yokohama Geolanders are standard equipment on the new RAV4s. Strangely, many are complaining about them and can hardly wait to get some wear so they can replace them with something else. Mine seem to be fine on my '06. Maybe I'm just not doing all the sporty driving others are. :)
  • suvshopper4suvshopper4 Member Posts: 1,110
    Yeah, I've seen anti- Yoko Geo posts too.
    Like I said tho, my experience with them was good,
    and I'd have them again, especially at the
    Tire Rack prices.

    Don't know if it matters, but I use the
    narrower standard tire size, 215x70/16.

    -ss4
  • flyingbrick3flyingbrick3 Member Posts: 8
    Your insurance should cover the eng R&R. Had a friend do the same thing to his ford ranger and insurance picked it up.
  • dwpfeidwpfei Member Posts: 2
    I'm experiencing a knock while both turning left and right, specially at slow speeds such as in parking lots or driveway. Additionally, within the past few days, the steering seems to have loosened - more steering wheels turning and harder to make smooth turns on freeway curves. I'm getting ready to go to a dealer, but would appreciate any insight you have before going.
  • desertguydesertguy Member Posts: 730
    This from another board:

    "Take it to the dealer and have them replace the lower steering shaft part #45260-42090. The service manager is a good friend of mine, He had the shop foreman check it out for me, He noticed the knock instantly. His recommendation was to replace the lower steering shaft apparently this was the fix for the highlander and preius and even some of the Lexus models. He looked to see if there was a TSB on this but could'nt find one. TSB's on other models recommend replacing lower shafts."

    This appears to be a recognized problem. I don't have it thankgoodness.
  • gregorylynngregorylynn Member Posts: 38
    Get it in to the dealer or your chosen shop asap. Anytime the steering appears to loosen etc. not a good sign and potentially very dangerous if a tie rod or other part of the steering assembly or the mechanism is defective.
  • amlapoleamlapole Member Posts: 2
    I am also hearing this noise, took it to local dealer and was told this was normal operation do to vehicle downshifting at low speed? I am still questioning this and will go to another dealer for 2nd opinion and ask about lower steering shaft.
  • mmarbachmmarbach Member Posts: 1
    No, it's not normal operation as others don't make the noise. I have been having the same problem with my 2006, RAV 4 Sport since I bought it. I have literally taken it to the dealership 10+ times in the short year that I've had it and it continues to make the same noise. I'm annoyed and am filing a complaint with Toyota. I'm also taking it back to the dealership this weekend to have them look at it again. I'm not giving up until they fix it! Please let me know how your 2nd opinion turns out.
  • dwpfeidwpfei Member Posts: 2
    Here is my Toyota dealer service story for the steering knocking and looseness. The cause was a worn rubber grommet and metal bracket connecting the rack and pinion support to the frame. In fact, the rubber grommet had become disengaged from the bracket, and was just hanging free. The parts replaced were 45517-42020 steering grommet ($20) and 45514-42030 steering bracket ($38). Unfortunately, the labor cost was a shocker ($420). To access the rack and pinion support and the worn steering bracket, the lower engine cradle was removed. Despite the high labor cost, the steering knocking and looseness is gone.
  • desertguydesertguy Member Posts: 730
    Are you out of warranty?
  • flo64flo64 Member Posts: 8
    I have a 2006 rav4. about 14,010 miles on it, I noticed this morning when I turned it on the lights come on says maintenance required. Is this just a reminder that i needed maintenance check up @ 15,000 miles. or should I be concerned about this light. Thanks in advance for any input. :confuse:

    Flo
  • desertguydesertguy Member Posts: 730
    It is a service reminder. Comes on every 5000 miles. There are instructions in your manual about how to reset it. If you take it to the dealer for an oil change, they are supposed to reset it for you.
  • flo64flo64 Member Posts: 8
    thank you very for answering my question.
  • beernut1beernut1 Member Posts: 3
    I just purchased a 2007 Rav4. The overflow hose typically attached to the radiator cap is missing. The metal cap is screwed onto a flange which includes an outlet where an overflow hose would normally attach to. The cap actually sits atop a large plastic overflow container, which is connected by hoses to the actual radiator.

    The dealer states there is no overflow hose but can't explain why the cap/flange is designed with an outlet.

    If you own an '06 or '07 Rav4, do you see the same setup?
  • beernut1beernut1 Member Posts: 3
    This is a reply to my own question. Toyota finally answered my inquiry. There is no radiator overflow hose. The outlet or nipple is meant to overflow when there's a cooling issue (rare) and coolant will supposedly drop onto an indentation in the above mentioned flange, and from there fall toward the ground.

    Seems a bit chessy.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    That's good to know! Glad you got that figured out. :)

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • dilsarvdilsarv Member Posts: 2
    I AM LOOKING AT A 1997 RAV4. IT HAS 117,OOO MILES. NOTHING MAJOR WRONG WITH IT. IT HAD THE TIMING BELT AND THE COOLING PUMP CHANGED. CAN ANYONE GIVE ANY INSIGHT ON THE '97 YEAR. WHAT WOULD THE PRICE BE FOR A PRIVATE SALE?
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Try Pricing my used vehicle for private sale.

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • bankonebankone Member Posts: 44
    Does anyone notice that RAV 4 starts very lous, comparing with Camry?
  • bankonebankone Member Posts: 44
    I found that you are not able to read the radio and clock display with sun glasses on. Anyone knows how to solve this problem (not removing sun glasses)?
  • wwestwwest Member Posts: 10,706
    A flashlight..??
  • bankonebankone Member Posts: 44
    I live in Canada. Can we still drive with the alloy wheels on in thw winter. Will they corrode with so much salt on the ground. I have a car bought in Louisian with alloy wheels. All wheels corroded in one winter. I am not sure whether this is a problem for cars made for the south.
  • gilvkonagilvkona Member Posts: 31
    RE: 117,000 miles. I had a 97 Camry that started to use oil at 120k. I know they are not suppose to, but mine did. So no matter the "quality", that is alot of miles and friction makes something wear out. I also had a power steering fluid leak I never could trace down. And I did replace the radiator, too. Also, the power windows would sometimes fail to operator but would fix itself after a time. And, no, I drove it real easy mostly on a 10 mile freeway drive to work.

    RE: Leather Seat and Dogs

    I have a non Toyota with leather seats and have had 2 dogs. The seats are perfect for a dog. You can wipe them clean with a leather cleaner or plain water. Unfortunately, my other car is a RAV4 with a cloth interior. You can't believe the dog hairs in the car. I have to use a shop vac on the seats followed by a lint remover( the kind you use for suit jackets) to get rid of everything. Also, I am continually cleaning little stain off my gray interior. I may do an after market leather seat job on this car if it works out.
  • darryljdarrylj Member Posts: 2
    Our 2006 RAV4 has had the windshield crack twice in the last year, both times from a single tiny pebble thrown up by other cars.

    I'm beginning to suspect there are some unusual stresses within the RAV4 windshield design that make it more vulnerable to damage.
  • gregorylynngregorylynn Member Posts: 38
    I noticed in Colorado my friend's Sequoia had cracks from pebble impacts as well; in Colorado they layout sand on their highways in winter which beats up cars front ends and sides. Our Rav4 2006 so far has had some minor impacts but no cracks on the windshield.

    Compared to how my Mercedes windshield has absorbed some major rock hits, I would put forth there is a difference in the quality of the glass between Japanese made cars and not. The glass appears to be thinner and more prone to stress fractures as what you are talking about here, a small impact resulting in a running crack in the glass. What should happen is more of a star impact crater, as the plastic and other material layers in the front windshield help to prevent (normally) cracking.

    Also do not allow people to fix your windshield with the various fillers on the market. They expand and contract and make things worse. Better to leave craters alone and live with them, and if the windshield cracks, replace it.

    I would approach Toyota armed with this and other info, such as a list of other owners with cracked windshields, and say how come other cars get crater damage when a rock hits and mine cracks like ordinary window glass?
  • rathairathai Member Posts: 1
    My 2006 Rav 4 suddenly slowed down on the street and when i pulled over to the side and turned off the engine the car would not start again. we took it into the service department and they said that it's because there's a dent on the fuel pump and that needs to be replaced for $ 700 not including service fees, has anyone had this problem....i don't have a car for two weeks now. and it really bothers me to know that a dent on the fuel pump that could of been caused by a rock on the freeway can affect the car so much as to shut down and not start....please help
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