Question on "Pulling Left" issue

[CBXGuy]

Hello, I'm running my 04 V6 in for some service work at my favorite garage (not a Toyota dealer). These guys run a top notch alignment program among other things. The vehicle does exhibit the famous pulling to the left problem, but at a low level. I've chased down the threads on this and am aware of TSB ST002-04. One thing that's confusing me is the VIN's affected. From the post below this was resolved from the stated VIN forward. Looking at my VIN, I'm not sure if I fall into the good range or not. Does anyone have a take on this? My VIN is XXXXXXXXXU012701. If I'm in the affected range, could someone email me a scan of TSB ST002-04? Email direct to marque@battlefoundry.net

Thanks in advance,
Mark R

Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2004 2:47 pm Post subject: Left Drift/Pull Final Resolution

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On February 4, 2004 Toyota issued TSB ST002-04 to specifically address the left drift/pull problem with the 2004 model year Avalon, Camry and Solara vehicles produced BEFORE the Production Change Effective VINs shown below.

Solara

6 Cylinder 4T1CE3#P#4U836000

The major fix is to re-align both front coil springs.

I have only driven my car 60 miles but as far as I am concerned it is fixed. It now drives like it should.

After all my complaining about the service dept at the dealer where I bought my Solara, let me compliment Tempe Toyota and their Service Manager Glen Polich and Assistant Service Manager Lowell St. John along with Toyota Field Technical Specialist Scott Wright.

Scott ordered the fix with no hassle. Glen and Lowell kept me informed of the progress. Tempe Toyota gave me my choice of a rental car. I chose the Prius Hybrid gas/electric for fun. I was impressed with the Prius but it is no Solara.

Toyota says they have 100% success with correcting the left pull problem with this TSB.

I would recommend anyone with a Solara that qualifies for this fix to have it done. If in warranty there should be no charge.

Thanks to all that prvided information on the left pull problem.

Glen
_________________
2004 SLE V6
Desert Sand Mica/Ivory

[[SMAN]]

I would edit out your vin number asap. in regards to it, your vin number is less than the one posted for the fix, so you should fall into that range, however it's only fixable under warentee for 3 years, and most likely, your out of that range.

[Sebas007]

PDF sent

[gnegroni]

I would edit out your vin number asap. in regards to it, your vin number is less than the one posted for the fix, so you should fall into that range, however it's only fixable under warentee for 3 years, and most likely, your out of that range.

So, could you provide non-Toyota mechanics with the TSB for them to fix? TSBs DO have everything needed - the instructions minus the tools (if needed).

[mattx619]

I would edit out your vin number asap. in regards to it, your vin number is less than the one posted for the fix, so you should fall into that range, however it's only fixable under warentee for 3 years, and most likely, your out of that range.

So, could you provide non-Toyota mechanics with the TSB for them to fix? TSBs DO have everything needed - the instructions minus the tools (if needed).

I'll be doing exactly that tomorrow morning.

I have an '04 with 66k miles and the TSB attempts by my incompetent service guys failed to improve anything.

[gnegroni]

Well, let us know what turns out! Hope everything goes all right.

[crispone]

FYI...

Toyota only "partially" fixed my issue with this early on. I "suffered" with the minor pull for WAY TOO LONG!

...then... when I installed the TRD springs, BAM! ...The pull was back WORSE than EVER!


I "neglected" to study the TSB before doing the springs, and even then, it took my personal shop (good guys...) two attempts, involving incrementally rotating the spring position twice to give me DEAD-NUTS-NEUTRAL steering, which to this day, is PERFECT!

Very happy with the FINAL results, although the frustration until then drove me NUTS driving with the lilt.

-crisp

[gnegroni]

FYI...

Toyota only "partially" fixed my issue with this early on. I "suffered" with the minor pull for WAY TOO LONG!

...then... when I installed the TRD springs, BAM! ...The pull was back WORSE than EVER!


I "neglected" to study the TSB before doing the springs, and even then, it took my personal shop (good guys...) two attempts, involving incrementally rotating the spring position twice to give me DEAD-NUTS-NEUTRAL steering, which to this day, is PERFECT!

Very happy with the FINAL results, although the frustration until then drove me NUTS driving with the lilt.

-crisp

Crisp, was it a pull while accelerating hard, or general acceleration or driving? I guess I'll try to attempt the procedure myself... post results later!

[crispone]

^^^ Mine was varying degrees of pull under ALL the conditions you mention. There was no "specific" time when it would do it. I DO recall that I noticed it more JUST AFTER filling with a FULL tank of gas, but the "loading shift" from 8 pounds/gal. x 15 is like taking on another occupant, sloshing around in your trunk.

...I suspect that could "taint" your suspension dynamics ever so slightly?


G/L with the TSB. It's all about the seat in the cup. PAY ATTENTION to the little MARK and be prepared to do it more than once, if necessary.


-crisp

[gnegroni]

Thanks crisp! Looks like I'm gonna take the trip to my "good guy" shop!