I had a new development that I wanted to post, so that everyone can keep a watch for it on their FJCs - My inner apron cracking is VERY severe - the p/s is completely torn top to bottom, and the d/s is bulging for 3-4" as well as cracking in vertical and horizontal directions, with almost 1/2" openings in the cracks. Today, while checking the inner fenders for any changes, I noticed on the lower area of the wheelwell, behind and forward of the coilover tower, is now cracking from the bottom upward also - so the damage is spreading due to the lack of upper support. That lower crack is now about an inch in height, from the lower edge upward. It was not easily visible, due to the undercoating, but I could see it when looking very carefully (and I inspect the front end about every 2-3 days now). So, please check your lower fenderwell areas,too - especially those with more advanced cracking....
Man, so much for all the arguments that this piece isn't important structurally. They need to give you a new truck, no questions asked.
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I smell a recall, possibly a buy back (hopefully a voluntary one).
I truly hope you're wrong about the buy back. A new FJ would be nice but I'd hate to give up the one I have after putting so much time, love, and effort into it. There's just something about a vehicle that you've made your own. This may sound stupid but it takes on a personality after awhile and becomes more than just your ride.
I truly hope they can find a reaonable fix and solution.
I had a new development that I wanted to post, so that everyone can keep a watch for it on their FJCs - My inner apron cracking is VERY severe - the p/s is completely torn top to bottom, and the d/s is bulging for 3-4" as well as cracking in vertical and horizontal directions, with almost 1/2" openings in the cracks. Today, while checking the inner fenders for any changes, I noticed on the lower area of the wheelwell, behind and forward of the coilover tower, is now cracking from the bottom upward also - so the damage is spreading due to the lack of upper support. That lower crack is now about an inch in height, from the lower edge upward. It was not easily visible, due to the undercoating, but I could see it when looking very carefully (and I inspect the front end about every 2-3 days now). So, please check your lower fenderwell areas,too - especially those with more advanced cracking....
Larry, do you have updated pictures?
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I had a new development that I wanted to post, so that everyone can keep a watch for it on their FJCs - My inner apron cracking is VERY severe - the p/s is completely torn top to bottom, and the d/s is bulging for 3-4" as well as cracking in vertical and horizontal directions, with almost 1/2" openings in the cracks. Today, while checking the inner fenders for any changes, I noticed on the lower area of the wheelwell, behind and forward of the coilover tower, is now cracking from the bottom upward also - so the damage is spreading due to the lack of upper support. That lower crack is now about an inch in height, from the lower edge upward. It was not easily visible, due to the undercoating, but I could see it when looking very carefully (and I inspect the front end about every 2-3 days now). So, please check your lower fenderwell areas,too - especially those with more advanced cracking....
Wow! This is obviously a very bad development and one that certainly casts a big shadow of doubt over the idea that the problem is meerly cosmetic.
CL, is there any chance you could post a pic or two so we can see exactly what you're talking about?
Since Cruiserlarry posted his spreading damage, I have two things to say:
1) It may be the shock towers are failing first, unnoticed, then the fender panels give way.
I just don't see that happening.. I think you are thinking of a uni-body vehicle where the shock towers are constructed of sheet metal. and the tops bolt up inside the engine bay.
The FJ is a body over frame design. The shock towers are essentially inverted buckets which are connected directly to the frame. The only connection they share is through the body mounts.
If you are suggesting that the shock towers are collapsing into the sheet metal parts then I think we would see alot more alignment/driveability issues.
Thank you again wjorg for your on-going concern on my FJ. I will report my Fj asap in my dealership and arrange with them. The thing is that service guy there i think i typically knw his response which will be i never heard of anything like that and this is the first time and this is due to abuse. But i hope it will turn out to my benefit and not to them.
Instead of having a conversation about your activities, have a conversation about the damage, whats happening to the car, and what they will do to ensure it does not happen again.
If the Service Guy is full of it, go somewhere else for this. You want the best service possible for this issue. IMO.
Get off of the computer and take your FJ in. I get mine back today, you will help me find out if it is going in again.
Please do not think I am a jerk, but WE are ALL counting on YOU to take your truck in ASAP. Toyota needs to know this is more than a crumple zone placement issue.
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