I have had my Rav 4 (5 doors) now for 5 years, and it has always been a lovely car. It was new (1 year old) when I brought it. Over the last few weeks it has developed a noise when you reverse and put the car onto full lock. I took it to a Toyota garage, who checked the car for two days, and have now come up with the idea that it must be the 'diff joint', which means nothing to me, other than if it goes it will damage the auto gear box. Their not sure if this is the problem, but the only way to check is to drop the 'diff' and check it. Which is very costly £1300.00 to be exact. I asked what it would cost for a new one and thats £1800. But they cannot guarantee that this is what it is.
When you reverse and turn the wheel, it sounds like a clunking noise - if you no what I mean. Can you tell me is their no way that it can be checked without costing so much. Imagen paying that sort of money and its not that. I love my car and it taken a lot of hard work to pay for it, and now after 5 years it looks as if I'm going to have to struggle to pay for this and not know whether it is it or not. Please could you help me.
- (#8173) Lin Cordery, 23 Apr 03 4:46
well it certainly sounds like something in the drivetrain but £1300 labour for investigation sounds a bit steep. but then main dealers do charge more by the hour. you might do better by taking it to a smaller independant garage. they should be cheaper and with a bit of luck may get straight to the problem.
hth
- (#8174) Ian Dunse, 23 Apr 03 6:47
Lin. I cannot help you with this query but would go along with all that Ian has advised (especially the independant garage advice). However, you might get some help from one of the Rav 4 clubs or associations.
If you go to:-
http://www.rahul.net/kenton/rav4/rav4.shtml
there seems to be a lot of helpful information.
- (#8175) John Davis, 23 Apr 03 7:29
well, if it's the front or centre diff, the gearbox transaxle has to come out, possibly with the motor attached. Then the gearbox housing would have to be split...
The Rav has a viscous coupling as a centre diff IIRC, they are expensive all right!
- (#8176) david miller, 23 Apr 03 10:00