Expert: Carl Brandt - 9/30/2004

Question
i have a 89 toyota p/u xtra cab  sr5 v6 4x4 with automatic  4x4 seems to be 3 piece front axle?? with  independent susp.. it keeps goin in an out of 4x4 all on its own im lookin for a diagram here on the comp to print or any idea on how to fix ??just purchased it they said they changed the passenger side axle  this is the side that keeps makin noise as they say  it is goin in an out of 4x4 could really use the help here never dealt with yota freinds have had them good p/u's an why was it when i took the caliper off (or started to ):) it leaked fluid ?? neverhad that happen b4 when changing shoes on other cars or trucks<just a curious ?? here noneed to really answer that i'll fix that eventually it dont need to stop yet its not moving anywhere yet :) thanks for your time ...jonny on the east coast  

Answer
Jonny,

Wow, I'm not sure what's going on.  First of all, do you have hubs on the front end?  If you do, it sounds like one of your hubs is not fully disengaging.  As far as the Yota, actually going into and out of 4-wheel drive, this sounds a little suspicious, since the transfer case needs to be shifted to go into and out of 4-wheel drive.  Some vehicles are shifted by vacuum, and if this is the case on your rig, there may be a broken, or loose vacuum line in the front wheel drive assembly.  

As far as the caliper goes, find out where the fluid is coming from.  You may have a cracked, or loose brake line or fitting.  If it is coming from the caliper itself, you may have to replace the caliper, or piston.

I would suggest that you purchase a repair manual for your Toyota.  A Chilton's or a Hayne's manual can be purchased at most auto parts stores for $20, and they have a lot of information on basic trouble shooting, and repairs.  These manuals are designed for a year or range of years for specific vehicles, and are invaluable if you are planning on doing any repairs yourself.

Carl