When I took my Vellfire to get serviced about 8 weeks ago the Toyota garage replaced both drop links, due to worn covers. Since then I’ve noticed a knocking sound from drivers side front when going over bumps, which I thought I was imagining at first but is now definitely there. I’ve also started to notice a bit of play when turning the wheel left & right when stationary.

 

I had a look at the drop links and there’s no sign of them being loose at either end, but I don’t really know what I’m looking for.

 

Question is: is it likely to be something to do with the job the garage did?

 

If so I’ll take it back to the Toyota garage and moan at them until they fix it for free. Otherwise I’ll take it somewhere that will be cheaper.

might be the suspension strut top mount support bearing or the steering wheel shaft couping which might explain the steering wheel play

Sounds expensive

 

Any way check them myself? I'm not a mechanic and do intend to take it to the garage, but I like to know exactly what's up so I don't get ripped off.

with respect how do you intend to check it yourself ?  either way the vehicle needs to be inspected preferably by a technication that has experience with Alphards 'very few I might add '  try and visit a garage thats owned by the person your going to talk to they may oblige you by suggesting they put the vehicle on a ramp and investigate the issue

14 minutes ago, ThuMentaliss said:

with respect how do you intend to check it yourself ?

I mean is it something I can easily identify by raising the car up on jack stands and taking a look underneath?

 

The local Toyota garage will do the work for sure and source any Alphard parts no problem, but they cost an absolute bomb and last time tried to make me pay for a load of extra work. I know they'll be able to do the work but I don't trust them not to try to overcharge me, so I want to know as much about it as I can.

23 hours ago, arthurj said:

When I took my Vellfire to get serviced about 8 weeks ago the Toyota garage replaced both drop links, due to worn covers. Since then I’ve noticed a knocking sound from drivers side front when going over bumps, which I thought I was imagining at first but is now definitely there. I’ve also started to notice a bit of play when turning the wheel left & right when stationary.

 

I had a look at the drop links and there’s no sign of them being loose at either end, but I don’t really know what I’m looking for.

 

Question is: is it likely to be something to do with the job the garage did?

 

If so I’ll take it back to the Toyota garage and moan at them until they fix it for free. Otherwise I’ll take it somewhere that will be cheaper.

 

Picasso, what do you think ?