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Celica CV joint hassles

I'm getting a bit fed up now. A brief history.

'93 Celica, K-Reg, ABS, Aircon + no sun roof, seems odd spec for the model but apparently not a grey import as far as Toyota can say. However...

It's been a hassle getting the correct, non-Toyota, spares a couple of times - even with full chassis number taken - but CV joints are my biggest headache.

The off side CV joint started clicking on turns, and generally getting noisier etc. It took four goes to get the correct joint the first time, with differences such as: wrong body dimensions, wrong number of internal splines, wrong length of correct internal splines - spring clip couldn't engage, etc.

Finally got one that seemed to match all particulars - exchange unfortunately, so lost my old one - but it only lasted a few months before failing.

The quality of the machining work on the replacement hadn't looked too great to start with, and the outlet I got it from had relocated to far away, so I looked for a different source. I tried Bennetts in Kings Langley warning them that it might be hard to get the correct one - they said no problem - I gave them the part number for the failed one and they said they'd never heard of them (Euro Joint) so couldn't use it. First one they get is wrong, different size, so they take mine with them to Luton to match it - it isn't exchange so I expect the old one back - but no, when I pick up the new "matched" one they have "left it behind in Luton". Hey ho.

Of course they left it behind - it doesn't match the one they've sold me, which I only discover when I get it on and something doesn't look right. The joint is correct except that the thread for the nut holding the wheel carrier looks too small in diameter. I found the old nut to check and confirmed that the new one is significantly smaller. It also means that the new nut only bears against the hole in the wheel carrier on its outer edge. Since at this point I needed transport again, I found some big washers to spread the load and fitted it.

And now this one is making failure noises after a few months.

So, aside from the problems of sourcing the correct part, is there any possible reason that two have failed so quickly? Could it just be poor quality recon work on both these items?

Does anyone know where I might get a replacement CV joint that is likely to be correct, and not fail in a few months?

Toyota want approx £800 for a joint and shaft together. And CV joint search of breakers via the net produced nothing last time - and probably would be the correct one any way.

Reply to
Jamie
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I wasn't aware that there were Co's reconning CV joints, but it certainly sounds like they were of poor quality. CV joint failure is not common on Celicas.

I'd try one of the Celica forums for a good s/h one. I have a GT4, and s/h complete driveshafts for those, usually go for less than £100. An aquantance baught a good genuine Toyota one for £35. Mike.

Reply to
Mike G

Give Robert Close a try at the following Toyota Main Dealers, he also has a breakers yard full of Toyota cars.

Collyweston Garage Collyweston, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 3PN Tel: 01780 444271 Fax: 01780 444446

Tell him Pete M. from Market Harborough says "Hello"

Reply to
Peat

I will do, and will do, thanks very much.

Reply to
Jamie

In article , Mike G writes

The first one had very obviously been re-machined. And one option that came up initially was to send it off and get it reconditioned by a company recommended in a Toyota forum. They also supply items to the non-original spares trade, so it does appear to be going on.

I do find two rapid failures unusual. I wondered whether some other problem could be putting them under excess, or unusual stress. There was one small sentence relating to one model in Haynes which simply said to adjust the drive shaft to the correct length! They described it no further and illustrated it not at all, but I could see no way that adjustment would be possible.

Sounds like worth a look. Any specific forums recommended? I asked in the Owners Club section on the Toyota site last time IIRC and no one appeared aware of problems with parts. So either they rarely get their hands dirty, of I've got a real oddball vehicle.

Reply to
Jamie

Try the Yahoo GT4 group. The driveshaft might be the same as the one fitted to the Celica ST 185, if it's an ST 182. If it's an ST 202, one from an ST 205 might fit. Even if they don't, maybe someone can help you get one that does. Mike.

Reply to
Mike G

OYou can always try recoprop in Luton.

Reply to
Duncan Wood

Own a generic puke green 10 year old toyota, needs oil change, air filter, perhaps a door window fixed. Knowing ARNOLD CLARKE are real bastards who would you recommend ?

Thanks A.

ps: main toyota dealers are over priced wankers up here in scotland

Reply to
a8359

Border Toyota aren't. They're extremely helpful with my import Sera.

Perhaps it's just you ;)

Richard

Reply to
RichardK

lucky you, the so far have been real bastards up here in edinburgh.

been to 7 different garages in the last year, I would recommend NONE of them.

again i will ask anyone know of any garages in edinburgh they like?

general service ok

Reply to
a8359

i would give you an expensive quote too if you asked me how much it would cost to service a 'generic' car and have its window fixed.

Reply to
beerismygas

well its general service that i want, oil changes, other small things. generally i dont like the garages, as they are overpriced, and just out cheating bastards. a good mech. is hard to find.

i had one in london, but heh i moved to scotland land of the free and ARNOLD CLARK, YUCK..

Reply to
a8359

In article , Jamie writes

Well I did, though I didn't speak to Mr Close as he wasn't there. The gentleman I did speak to said they did not have any breakers yard, but checked on the availability of the spare on the Toyota system - no longer available apparently. So he told me they would look for a non-Toyota part and that a guy called Paul would phone me back shortly. Except he didn't.

I rang the next day and the phone was answered by Paul. I mentioned that I had been told yesterday that he would call me back.. and he ignored it. So I asked again about the part and he told me he'd call back shortly. He didn't.

So thank you for the suggestion, and maybe they could have helped me out, but they clearly can't be bothered.

Reply to
Jamie

In article , Jamie writes

Talking to myself again... It seems posting to the newsgroup is the way to get a phone call back. Which I received about one and a half hours after posting, with a brief apology and a quote for Toyota joint and drive shaft - the expensive option - and a quote for non-Toyota joint to follow on Monday...

Reply to
Jamie

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