Questions and Answers

Toyota 4Runner Pulling Right Q. I have a 2002 Toyota 4 Runner. When I drive the vehicle it pulls to the right and in fact to go straight I have to turn the wheel about 5 degrees to the left. I have taken it to the dealership where I bought it and they told me that Federal mandates that they go right when your hand is taken off the wheel. I say it should only drift and not pull.

1. Is the correct with regards to the federal law?
2. How would I know when too much pull is there? I would say that traveling down the freeway at 65 mph - I pass about 1 - 2 stripes before it pulls right and it's not gradual, it's very sudden.

How do I tell the dealership that this is a problem and not something it suppose to do?

David

A. 1. Federal law does not apply here.

2. If anything, you may/may not see a gentle drift to the left not the right, which is to offset 'road crown'. The very first thing I would do if I was trouble-shooting this problem is to switch the front tires, left to right and see if the pulling condition reverses itself. If so, then you know it's a problem with a slipped belt which is what I suspect. This vehicle should also have an alignment done to see if all adjustments are within specs and you should not have to pay a dime for it.

Tell your service writer that Toyota has a specific Service Bulletin that covers this complaint, it's number ST005R-01 Vehicle Pulls To One Side. They are obligated to follow the instructions in this bulletin when they have a complaint such as yours.

If you still can't get satisfaction, ask very politely for an appointment with a Toyota "District Service Rep", they are also obligated to do this when asked. It's his job to resolve customer disputes with the dealer and will road test the vehicle with you to verify the problem. The first thing he will ask the dealer is if they followed the procedure in the bulletin and ask to see the read-outs from the alignment.

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