Corolla Verso Driveshaft

[macyoung]

Hi All,

I am (well was), the proud owner of a Corolla Verso T-Spirit that I got as a family car when my second child was born - had to give up my other car sadly. Anyway I bought this from a Toyota garage, sold as an ex-demonstrator with 5000 miles on the clock, as I got a good price. After owning the car - hassle free I might add, for 4 years and 50,000 miles, I was told by the garage at my recent service that both the driveshafts were damaged and required replaced. I don't drive the car like an idiot as we are usually ferrying around the kids - neither does my wife, and to be told by the garage it is wear and tear and also could be the way the car is driven, is extremely confusing. Also the fact that the car is an Automatic, I thought would mean even less stress on driveshafts. Does anyone think this is strange also. I would be interested in anyones thoughts. At present I have told the garage I am not prepared to fit TOYOTA parts as they want an extortionate amount of money for them. They are currently looking for an alternative for me.

I contacted Toyota UK and they agreed to give a "small" discount on new parts due to loyalty.

Best wishes

Tom

[ToeKnee]

Hi,

What a strange situation to find yourself in.

Normally an automatic transmission because of the way it works should 'damp out' severe strains on the drive shafts.

I'm assuming the garage are saying that both shafts show the same damage patterns, but what damage is it, or are they calling wear and tear damage?

As an engineer I know better than to say things can't happen, but I would be wondering if the overall geometery of the suspension has been OK.

It depends to some extent what they are calling 'damage' of course.

Any suspension geometery is set by the manufacturer and some tolerance has to be allowed, but if for some reason this is not correct then certainly surfaces can wear quickly. Especially drive surfaces of course.

I would be interested to hear what the garage offered as a likely reason.

Maybe not that much help, but perhaps a direction to look at if nothing else.

T

[macyoung]

ToeKnee,

Thanks for your reply. Yes, they said that BOTH the driveshafts were damaged at the CV Joint although one was worse than the other. So to me now it seems, the main driveshaft itself is actually ok, it is the joint or connection at the CV. Initially to be told that you need a Driveshaft replacement for this is frightening. I have asked to see the damage and also emphasised that I would not pay for a new Toyota driveshaft. It now looks like the part can be repaired at a fraction of the cost, following another call - will find out this week. It is always a good idea to question the garages about their findings - rather than just accept that a "brand new part" has to be fitted. Although sometimes this is hard if you don't know how the part works.

I am going to take this up with Toyota again, as I still feel that where the driveshaft connects to the CV joint should not be damaged after so few miles being driven - although I don't expect any positive result, as they already told me that they really aren't interested in cars 5 years old and over.

Still I would like to point out that I do like the car as does my family and we really haven't had that many problems - mind you my VW didn't either!!!.

WIll keep you updated.

[macyoung]

Well just thought I would update. Eventually got my car back and after much arguing with garage - they have replaced both CV Joints and reconditioned the driveshafts. I am still not convinced that this fault should have happened on a car of this age, with what the garage say could be normal wear and tear. Anyway - big bill to pay but not new Toyota parts which is a saving. I am going to take this up with Toyota still and see what they say.