2001 Toyota Tundra: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Sep 10, 2019 · Body, Suspension · 167,000 miles · AK

Bought truck new in 8/2001. Brought truck to dealer when it was recalled for rust in 2012 and was told rust wasn't bad enough to do anything. Brought truck back to dealer multiple times after 2012 (last in 11/18) and was told everything was fine on each occasion. In 8/2019 I heard a squeak from undercarriage and when I looked, the spare tire crossmember was hanging down and the right side upper shock mount was completely rusted through and the top of the shock was rubbing against the bottom of the truck bed (top shock mount was completely rusted away). Local service center told me to remove the shock and spare tire for safety. This rust is limited to the upper shock mount and the crossmember holding the spare tire. Other crossmembers and frame rails are all stable with only the amount of surface rust expected on a 18 year old vehicle. I do not believe that the dealer did a thorough exam of the truck in 2012, 2018 or other visits I made when I prompted them to check the rust as it related to the recall. I was told that since the campaign for rust was over they couldn't do anything. Based on the fact of only 2-3 areas of catastrophic rust on the frame and components while the rest of the frame and chassis is wearing appropriately I believe that this is a safety issue that should be re-instated - obvious factory defect - no corrosion inhibited applied. The vehicle is still mechanically perfect but the falling spare tire and broken suspension can cause an accident or injury that could be prevented with a recall. I believe that the toyota dealer did not do a thorough inspection. I also question why I have seen multiple instances of individuals with similar problems who were given anti-corrosion treatment or other efforts made to stop the rust from getting worse - but nothing was done by toyota to mitigate this problem before it got to this catastrophic level.

Filed Oct 8, 2014 · Body, Steering · 174,678 miles · PA

My power steering blew out. It began squealing very loudly and losing fluid rapidly. I have had this truck 7-8 years and never had an issue with the steering. Today, a mechanic tells me it's rusted out and I need a new power steering rack, pressure line and bushings. This problem is very similar (identical...) to issues I've read before concerning the tundra and the recall of the rusted frame. On 1/4/2013 @ 158,495 miles, I had rohrich toyota address the recall for the frame rust corrosion. The current power steering issue may very well be related to the rust issue that lead to the 2012 recall.

Filed Jan 14, 2008 · Brakes, Suspension · 79,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 toyota tundra. The contact had to replace the brakes in august of 2007. In november, the vehicle was taken back to the dealer because an adjustment was needed. Recently, the contact's husband heard grinding noises coming from the tire area while driving 60 MPH. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the bearing completely failed. The technician stated that whoever worked on the brakes set the rotors too low, causing the bearing to malfunction. The purchase date and powertrain were unknown. The current mileage was 80,350 and failure mileage was 79,000.

Filed Dec 14, 2006 · Transmission · 113,000 miles · CA

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 70 MPH, a grinding noise was heard and the vehicle lost power. The grinding noise became louder and the vehicle was maneuvered off the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent transmission repair shop, who determined the entire transmission needed to be replaced.

Filed Nov 19, 2004 · Brakes · CA

While applying the brake pedal consumer heard a loud squeaking noise coming from the front. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the brakes needed to be replaced, and replaced them. Ten minutes later while driving the driver applied the brake pedal and the brakes failed. Vehicle was towed back to the dealer for inspection. The cause of the failure had not been determined.

Filed Oct 2, 2004 · Transmission · 67,000 miles · CA

1. Driving in town traffic. While stopping at an intersection with stop sign. Started to drive through intersection and herd and felt clunking and grinding, including jerking of the truck. The truck would not drive. Had to get out of truck and push by hand to the side of road. Called aaa to have vehicle towed to valley-hi toyota. 2. Dealeship stated that it would be $78.00 to check the transmission and give me a repair estimate. I received a call 3 hours later and was told that my transmission blew up and it was toast. I asked what was done to diagnose the problem and could not get a clear answer. The dealer stated that my warranty was up at 60,000 and I had 67.000 miles. They also told me that it could not be determined what was wrong unless they removed the transmission, which would cost more. Had vehicle towed to a transmission shop and discovered that the upper overdrive planetary gear assembly had literally came apart. This resulted in a total rebuild of transmission, costing $2600.00 3. Overdrive planetary gear assembly replaced. I have damaged parts, including the gear assembly.