“Probably the Death Trap Award Winner of the Month,” Mike begins. He’s a tech at Royalty Auto Service and a father of three based in St. Marys, Georgia. He’s talking about a 2014 Toyota RAV4 that came in. It’s racked up behind him…and despite the model being one of the most reputable on safety and reliability, the example on the lift is anything but.
The RAV4 came in with multiple complaints
Among the stated issues are the “check engine” light, the ABS fault light, the red brake light…”Every light on the dash is on,” Mike says. The customer is also complaining that the power steering is kind of “wonky,” and that a buddy of his tried to change out a wheel bearing…but he broke a bolt in the process.
A visual inspection reveals a broken bolt, but it gets even worse
The mechanic spots the aforementioned damaged bolt on the back of the right front wheel area. But when Mike moves over to the left front wheel assembly, he spots something else that’s very concerning.
It looks like someone put the wrong bolt in the brake caliper assembly. The bolt is so narrow compared to spec that he can move the whole caliper around with his hand.
Next, he gave the RAV4’s front wheels a “shakedown.” This is when a tech holds the wheel and, well, gives it a little shake.
The whole front end seems loose
“I think we’ve got an issue,” Mike remarks. He’s pretty sure it’s been making noise for a while, now. The culprit, at initial glance, seems to be loose front wheel bearings.
Wheel bearings allow your car’s wheels to spin smoothly at a fast pace. When they wear out, though, they can actually come apart from their housing rings…and cause the wheels to fall off the car.
The tech thinks that with the front wheel bearing repair, most of the dash lights will go away, too, since there are sensors built into them. The RAV4 will also likely need a left front brake caliper, plus new bolts where they’re broken or just wrong.
If you notice noice or strange misbehavior in your car’s steering or suspension, take it to someone who really knows their stuff. Otherwise, you really do risk turning a vehicle into a “death trap…” and no DIY repair is worth that.
